Slither Guitar Lesson Pt.1 - Velvet Revolver - Rhythm Guitar Parts

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Released in 2004 off their debut album Contraband, "Slither" quickly shot to the top of the rock charts and has gone on to become Velvet Revolver's signature song.

The signature guitar riff that Slash plays throughout large sections of the song is a big reason why "Slither" has had so much success.

In this Slither guitar lesson I will show you all of Slash's guitar parts note-for-note in their entirety. A quick note, you will need to tune your guitar to dropped "D" (D A D G B E).

For the intro Slash employs some atmospheric chords and volume wells. The second time around however, he cranks up the gain, plays through the same chords yet adds some palm muted grooves on the low D string.

Then comes the main guitar riff which is pretty much instantly recognizable to any rock guitar fan. Slash actually performs this riff in many different ways, from full throttle power chords, octaves, single notes on the low D and high D and heavily muted power chords as well. Pay close attention to the slides that he throws into the riff as well.

You don't really need to consistently play this main riff the same way each time though. Slash seems to constantly mix it up both on the original recording and live videos I have seen. So just have fun with it. As long as you have a good groove going, you can play this riff using any of the previously described techniques and it will sound great.

We also have a cool guitar lick that closes out this intro and is played by Slash around the 10th position. This lick is further expanded and repeated in the final moments of "Slither", so make sure you go ahead and get it down in the beginning of the lesson. When we cover the expanded version at the end of the lesson, you will then be 85% finished mastering it already.

After that, we make it to the chorus which contains big open and power chords played in a very laid back fashion with a variation of the main riff played on the high D string to keep the rhythmic momentum going strong.

I will demonstrate this variation note-for-note. Try to find the differences in each time through the riff. It will be played 4 times and the 1st and 4th ones are identical (using the same frets as the main riff). However, the 2nd and 3rd times through this chorus riff have some cool melodic variations in them that compliment the underlying guitar chords very well.

In the second video lesson I will tackle Slash's killer wah drenched solo phrase-by-phrase. As with most Slash guitar solos, this one is full of blisteringly fast blues inspired licks, wrapped around a catchy melodic structure.

Here we will be using unison bends, rolls, fast alternate picked and legato licks and more. I will demonstrate the compete solo up to speed first, then I will break it down into bite-sized pieces that you can practice individually before trying to put it all together.

So I hope you guys enjoy learning one of the biggest hard rock songs of the early 2000's. I think it will make for a nice challenge for just about any level of guitarist.

Carl...

[markour-parkour]

I appreciate the tuning mentioned for this, nobody ever mentions the tunings!

[catalickconverta]

this riff is proper infectious material

[kellybeane]

I appreciate the tunings also. I picked the guitar back up after 5 years hiatus. Your lessons have brought it back for me and ive learned so much. It feels like my bedroom with an awesome guitar buddy that jammed like hell back in the mid late 80s. So cool

[drlnd]

slash is a genius. his creative process never ends.

[AkoSiGrin]

Met this guy since 14 until now i'm watching his tutorials. Woa i'm 17 btw. And the funny thing is he uploads tutorials of the songs I actually needed to study for my band. Thumbs up!

[JuanPerez]

You have a tutorial for every song in this world man. Thanks!

[jonschwindt]

Slash rarely plays his riffs the same way twice. He’s uses the whole neck very well

[BlownHeadphonez]

Man I’m learning killer songs so fast because of you! It’s also helping me teach my daughter bass so we can jam together! 😁🤙

[gdfggggg]

Learnt so many tips from you as I navigate the web to gain my guitar knowledge. Just wanted to say thank you.

[gregleatherman]

Thanks Carl.
You always go a little deeper than the others.

[shadyganley]

Awesome man, thank you. The way you break it down is perfect, it was easier to get filmed this way.

[BotsWeekendCovers]

You are always my go to if you come up when searching!!!! Thank you again man!!!!

[tropic]

Alright so i heard this song on the radio and i had to learn it. I was hoping your channel would show when i looked for a lesson.

[Bruhskivibes]

Love all your videos, you've taught me most of the thing I know between this and your theory channel! Any chance of seeing fall to pieces or maybe bent to fly?

[ClenchCrew]

You sir, I hope God blesses you. If that's what you're into of course.

[kasnitch]

I don't know how you can manage to put out so many videos Carl.   Its far from easy to be so prolific.    I get going on the songs with Rocksmith 2014, which shows all the notes and chords on the pathway ..  it also helps a lot to see you play the songs and solo's  ...   so far you've been dead on with Rock You Like a Hurricane and Slither.   You guitar sounds very similar to some Musicman guitars I've heard.  I'm curious what you are using in your tone path   ..  

[jeremygonzales]

Tell you what Carl. I learned a lot from you. Thank you so much.

[thetruemask]

very helpful video, but im trying to write tabs but I guess having trouble understanding what you are doing for the 2nd riff starting on D12. kind of went through it quick. anyone know the notes for that part??

[LeonardoCarvalhoLAC]

Hello from Brazil seus vídeos são os melhores !
Parabéns pelo vídeo 👊🏻🙌🏻

[MukulVyas]

Man !! You're really really really good !!!! Thanks a ton I appreciate your effort very much !!! Thanks again !!