If you've ever listened to a blistering solo and thought, "Wait a minute - that sounds like something Bach would have shredded on a Stratocaster," you're onto something.
Classical music and rock guitar are closer cousins than you might think.
In this article, we'll dive into how you can bring classical elements into your rock playing to create more melodic, sophisticated, and downright exciting music.
(Editor's Note: If you're new to guitar and want to build a strong foundation first, check out this excellent resource on guitar songs for beginners before diving into classical techniques!)
Why Mix Classical and Rock Guitar?
Classical music is all about technical mastery, expressive phrasing, and complex harmonies. All things that can supercharge your rock playing.
Many of the greatest guitarists (think Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, and Ritchie Blackmore) built their legendary styles by blending the passion of rock with the precision of classical.
Incorporating classical elements can:
- Improve your technical skills
- Expand your melodic vocabulary
- Make your solos sound more "epic"
- Set you apart from other players
5 Ways to Blend Classical Elements into Your Rock Playing
1. Learn Classical Pieces on Electric Guitar
Drew Haselhurst from Guitar Mammoth says, "One of the simplest ways to start is by learning famous classical pieces and playing them with a rock attitude."
Start with these classics:
- "Bourrée in E minor" by J.S. Bach
- "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
- "Moonlight Sonata" (1st Movement) by Beethoven
Focus on clean, precise picking and smooth transitions between notes. Then, plug into your amp, add a little gain (and maybe a tiny bit of delay), and hear how these pieces transform into something new and powerful.
2. Use Classical Scales and Modes
Many classical compositions use scales beyond the standard major and minor pentatonics that rock often sticks to. Try incorporating:
- Ionian mode / Major Scale (which adds two notes to the major pentatonic)
- Aeolian mode / Minor Scale (which adds two notes to the minor pentatonic)
- Harmonic Minor Scale
- Phrygian Mode
- Melodic Minor Scale
These scales give your solos a more "exotic" and dramatic flavor, perfect for a jaw-dropping lead.
Pro Tip: The harmonic minor scale is a favorite for neo-classical shredders. It sounds both sad and powerful—perfect for moody solos!
3. Explore Counterpoint
Counterpoint is the art of weaving two (or more) independent melodies together.
While it sounds complex, you can start simple: try writing a riff where the bass and treble strings move in different directions. Instead of strumming full chords, pick individual notes that "talk" to each other.
This adds depth to your music and gives it a sophisticated, "composed" feel.
4. Borrow Classical Chord Progressions
A lot of classical music uses chord progressions that rock players don't often explore — particularly in minor keys and through the full Circle of Fifths.
While many classic rock songs use progressions like I–vi–IV–V (the famous “50s progression”), borrowing deeper classical ideas can add a fresh, dramatic flavor to your playing.
Here are some classical-inspired chord progressions worth trying, along with their examples in the key of C:
1. Minor Key Progression: i – VI – III – VII
- In C minor:
Cm – Ab – Eb – Bb - Mood: Dark, emotional, slightly heroic.
- Common in: Classical minor compositions, neo-classical metal.
2. Circle of Fifths Movement
- Basic idea: Each chord moves a fifth down (or a fourth up).
- In C major:
C – F – Bb – Eb – Ab – Db – Gb – B – E – A – D – G – (and back to C) - Mood: Rolling, strong sense of motion.
- Common in: Baroque music (e.g., J.S. Bach), some progressive rock.
3. Descending Bass Line Progression (Pachelbel's Canon Style)
- Typical sequence:
I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V - In C major:
C – G – Am – Em – F – C – F – G - Mood: Flowing, emotional.
- Common in: Baroque/classical, pop ballads.
4. Deceptive Cadence: V – vi
- In C major:
G – Am - Mood: Creates a surprising “not-the-end” feeling, common in classical pieces.
- Common in: Classical cadences, romantic compositions.
5. Augmented Sixth Chord Progression
- Typical movement:
Italian, French, or German augmented sixth → V → I - In C major:
Ab – G – C - Mood: Tension and dramatic resolution.
- Common in: Classical modulations, film scores.
5. Practice Sweep Picking and Arpeggios
For an even more advanced classical-rock sound, you can extend a basic minor triad into a minor 7th arpeggio.
Minor 7 arpeggios add extra color and emotion, and are a favorite tool for expressive, neoclassical-style solos.
Here’s a flowing C minor 7 arpeggio you can sweep across the neck.
E|----------------------8-11-|
B|------------------8--------|
G|--------------8------------|
D|----------8----------------|
A|------10-------------------|
E|--8-------------------------|
This shape outlines the notes C – Eb – G – Bb — the root, minor 3rd, 5th, and minor 7th of the C minor 7 chord.
Pro Tip:
- Use one continuous sweeping motion with your picking hand to glide through the notes.
- Keep your fretting hand relaxed, letting each finger roll slightly onto the next string.
- After reaching the top note (11th fret on the B string), you can reverse the shape back down for a complete ascending and descending run.
Practicing these flowing arpeggios will not only add a classical touch to your solos — it will massively improve your fretboard navigation and picking control too.
Bonus: Listen to the Greats
Sometimes, the best way to learn is simply to listen.
Here are a few guitarists who expertly blended classical techniques into their rock playing:
- Yngwie Malmsteen – Master of the harmonic minor scale and sweep picking, check out his music.
- Ritchie Blackmore – Infused Deep Purple's music with Baroque flourishes.
- Randy Rhoads – Brought classical drama to Ozzy Osbourne's early solo albums.
- Jason Becker – Known for his beautiful, intricate neo-classical compositions.
Take note of their phrasing, note choices, and dynamic control, then try bringing some of that spirit into your own playing.
A Quick Video to Inspire You
Here's an inspiring breakdown of how to mix classical with rock guitar:
Adding classical elements to your rock guitar playing isn't about sounding old-fashioned—it's about tapping into a deep well of melody, drama, and technical skill that can take your music to new heights.
Whether you pick up a Bach piece, dive into harmonic minor scales, or simply sprinkle more arpeggios into your solos, you'll be surprised at how "classical rock" can feel absolutely thrilling.
Now grab your guitar, turn it up loud, and go make Beethoven proud.