Learn To Play Judas Priest's "Breaking The Law

Judas Priest's 'Breaking the Law' is a classic heavy metal anthem with an iconic opening guitar riff. The song is fun and easy to play on the guitar, with just a little bit of challenge. The main riff is played on the fifth string and uses a combination of the pointer, middle, and ring fingers. The song's rhythm changes slightly, so careful listening is required. The bridge features a change-up with a new chord progression and includes sound effects such as breaking glass and a police siren. The song's lyrics were inspired by the social and political unrest in the UK at the time, with vocalist Rob Halford connecting with the feelings of strife and government turmoil.

The opening guitar riff

To play the opening riff, you can start with your middle or ring finger on the fifth string open. This might be a more comfortable option than using your pointer finger, as you will need it soon after. Keep your pointer finger hovering over the first fret of the sixth string. The same rhythm is played twice, and on the third time, there is a slight change-up. This riff is considered the "main part" of the song by Guitar Control instructor Stephanie Pickard, who offers a step-by-step video instruction on how to play the song.

The opening riff is also played during the outro of the song, with vocalist Rob Halford singing the chorus and guitarist K. K. Downing playing power chords. The song's bridge features a change-up, with a new chord progression and Halford shouting, "You don't know what it's like!" before a police siren effect leads back into the main riff.

Overall, the opening guitar riff of "Breaking the Law" is a signature element of the song and an iconic moment in metal music. It is a great riff for beginners to learn and can be mastered with practice and guidance from available resources.

The rhythmic chorus

"Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest is a fun and easy song to play for beginners. The song is readily recognized by its opening guitar riff, and its main hooks are a rhythmic chorus and a minor-key opening riff. The rhythmic chorus is a great part of the song to learn how to play.

The first part of the song, which is also the main part, starts on the fifth string open. You can use your middle or ring finger here, instead of your pointer finger, as you will need your pointer finger in a moment. You will be using it on the first fret, so keeping your middle and ring finger in the starting position will make it easier to transition.

Next, you will need to hover your pointer finger over the first fret of the sixth string. This is because you will be going to the sixth string with the same rhythm, but this time you will be doing it twice. The third time will be different, so pay attention to the rhythm change.

The song features a change-up on the mostly instrumental bridge, with a new chord progression and a shout of "You don't know what it's like!" before a police siren sound effect leads back into the main riff. The song's outro is the main riff played repeatedly, with vocalist Rob Halford singing the chorus and guitarist K. K. Downing playing power chords.

The bridge

Additionally, the bridge sets the stage for the song's conclusion, as the police siren effect leads seamlessly back into the main riff, bringing the song back to its central theme of "Breaking the Law." This transition adds to the overall impact and memorability of the song, making it a standout track in Judas Priest's catalogue and a favourite among fans.

The sound effects

The song "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest features several sound effects that enhance the overall impact of the song and contribute to its iconic status in the world of heavy metal music. Here is a detailed breakdown of the notable sound effects:

Breaking Glass: One of the most distinctive sound effects in the song is the sound of breaking glass, which is created using milk bottles. This effect sets the tone for the song's theme of rebellion and law-breaking, evoking the image of shattered windows and the disruption of order.

Police Siren: Another pivotal sound effect is the wailing siren of a police car, which is seamlessly integrated into the song. This effect is produced by guitarist K. K. Downing, who skillfully manipulates the tremolo arm on his Stratocaster guitar to create the signature siren sound. This effect reinforces the song's theme and adds to the sense of urgency and tension.

Metal Marching Feet: To create the sound of metal marching feet, the band employed creative techniques. They shook cutlery trays in front of microphones to mimic the clanking of metal boots, adding an industrial and mechanical layer to the song's soundscape. This effect aligns with the song's rebellious message and contributes to its overall intensity.

Billiard Cues and Trays: The song also incorporates sounds produced by billiard cues and trays. By whipping a piece of guitar chord against a flight case or swishing a pool cue in front of a microphone, they created unique audio effects. These sounds further diversify the sonic palette of the song, adding to its overall impact.

Guitar Effects: While not explicitly mentioned, it is likely that various guitar effects are used throughout the song. K. K. Downing's guitar playing, in particular, showcases distortion and the use of the tremolo arm to create the police siren effect. These guitar effects contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the song.

The combination of these sound effects showcases the band's creativity and attention to detail. By incorporating everyday objects and innovative techniques, Judas Priest crafted a song that not only stands as a musical masterpiece but also captures the social and political turmoil of its time.

The song's structure

"Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest is a fun and easy song to play, with a little bit of challenge. The song is known for its opening guitar riff, which is played in the key of E minor. The song's structure can be broken down into several parts:

The song begins with an iconic minor-key opening riff, played by guitarist K. K. Downing, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. This riff is repeated throughout the song and becomes its main hook.

Verse

The verse section follows the opening riff and is where the vocals come in. The lyrics in this section reflect the song's theme of social strife and unrest. The verse has a driving rhythm and a straightforward structure, making it easy to follow.

Chorus

The chorus of "Breaking the Law" is rhythmic and catchy, with a memorable melody. It is here that the song's title is shouted by vocalist Rob Halford. The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, building intensity each time.

Bridge

The bridge section offers a change of pace, with a mostly instrumental arrangement. This part introduces a new chord progression and features Halford shouting, "You don't know what it's like!" This section also includes sound effects, such as a police car siren, created by Downing using the tremolo arm on his Stratocaster.

Solo

In more recent live performances, the song includes a short guitar solo by K. K. Downing over the bridge. This adds a layer of complexity and showcases the band's musical prowess.

Outro

The song concludes with a repetitive main riff and Halford singing the chorus. Downing plays power chords, emphasizing the song's heavy metal style. The song ends with Halford screaming the words, "Breaking the Law," leaving a lasting impression.

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