Learn Judas Priest's 'Breaking The Law' On Guitar

Judas Priest's Breaking the Law is a great song choice for beginner guitarists. The song is fun and easy to play, with just a little bit of challenge. The main riff is played on the fifth string and uses a combination of the middle, ring, and pointer fingers. The rhythm changes slightly throughout the song, so careful listening is required. The chords used in the song include A5, C5, E5, and G5. The song is from the band's sixth studio album, British Steel, which is considered an essential listen for metal fans.

Breaking the Law's guitar riff

"Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest is a fun and easy song to play on the guitar, making it a great choice for beginners. The song's main riff is straightforward and can be played using the fifth and sixth strings.

To play the first part of the riff, start with your middle or ring finger on the fifth string open. You'll need your pointer finger for the first fret, so keep it hovering close by. The same notes are played again, but the rhythm changes slightly the second time around, so listen carefully.

For the next part, use your pointer finger on the first fret of the sixth string. Play the same rhythm twice, and then change it up on the third time.

The song is in the key of A, with the chords A5, C5, E5, and G5. The guitar tabs for the intro and riff sections are also available online if you want to follow along.

With its iconic intro and classic guitar riff, "Breaking the Law" is a must-learn for any metalhead or Judas Priest fan.

The song's chords

To play 'Breaking the Law' by Judas Priest, you'll need to know the chords in the song. The chords used in the song are: D#EFF#G, G#, A, A#, B, C, and C#.

The song's main riff is played on the fifth string and can be played with either the middle or ring finger, leaving the pointer finger free to be used on the first fret. The pointer finger can then be used on the sixth string, with the same rhythm but played twice, as the third time is different.

The song is in the key of A, with the chords A5, C5, and E5 used in the verse and chorus. The bridge of the song uses the same chords as the intro, which is played in Riff 1.

The chords and tabs for 'Breaking the Law' can be found online, and the song is considered easy and fun to play, making it a great choice for beginners. With a little practice, you'll be rockin' this classic guitar riff in no time!

The use of the pointer finger

The pointer finger is an essential part of playing the guitar, and this is no different when playing 'Breaking the Law' by Judas Priest. The song is a great choice for beginners, with a fun and easy riff, but it also has a few tricky elements that require the use of the pointer finger.

In the first part of the song, you'll want to start on the fifth string open. Instead of using the pointer finger here, you can use the middle or ring finger. This is because you'll need your pointer finger for the next part, where it will be used on the first fret. By keeping the middle and ring fingers in place, you'll be all set to smoothly transition to using the pointer finger. This technique allows for a seamless shift in the guitar riff.

The pointer finger comes into play when you need to reach the first fret of the sixth string. Having it already hovering over the string will make it easier to transition and maintain the rhythm. This part of the song showcases the importance of finger placement and coordination in creating the desired sound.

As you continue playing, you'll find that the pointer finger is used again on the sixth string. This time, the rhythm remains the same, but you'll play it twice before switching things up on the third repetition. This variation adds a bit of challenge and keeps the song interesting.

Throughout the song, the pointer finger is used strategically to navigate between frets and strings, contributing to the overall rhythm and melody of 'Breaking the Law'. It's important to pay attention to finger placement and anticipate the next move to ensure a smooth and seamless performance. Practicing this song will help beginners develop their technique and coordination, setting a strong foundation for playing more complex pieces in the future.

The role of the middle and ring finger

Your middle and ring fingers are responsible for fretting the majority of the notes in this riff, so it's important to ensure they are positioned correctly and are doing the majority of the work. While your index finger can provide support and stability, especially when playing barre chords, the focus should be on developing strength and dexterity in your middle and ring fingers.

Start by placing your middle finger on the fifth string, just behind the third fret, and your ring finger on the fourth string, behind the same fret. This positioning allows you to play the first two notes of the riff, which are the D and A strings played open. By keeping your middle and ring fingers slightly curved and your hand relaxed, you'll be able to move between these notes and the open strings smoothly and quickly.

As you continue through the riff, your middle and ring fingers will work in unison to fret the notes on the thicker strings. This requires a bit of finger stretching, so be mindful of maintaining a relaxed hand posture to avoid any tension. Focus on pressing the strings down firmly enough to get a clear sound without exerting unnecessary force.

Additionally, pay attention to the timing and rhythm of your plucking or strumming hand. The riff in "Breaking the Law" emphasizes a steady, driving rhythm, so make sure your middle and ring fingers are working in sync with your strumming pattern. Practice slowly at first to get the feel of the riff, and then gradually increase the tempo as you gain confidence and accuracy.

Strumming patterns

To play "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest on the guitar, you will need to follow a specific set of instructions. While the song is considered easy and great for beginners, there are a few challenges to keep in mind.

Firstly, you'll want to start on the fifth string open, using your middle or ring finger, instead of the pointer finger, as you'll need it for the first fret. This will help you easily transition to the sixth string, where you'll use the pointer finger on the first fret. The rhythm changes slightly here, so listen carefully and maintain the same order.

For the main riff, you can use the following strumming pattern:

> D#EFF#G (Full key step down)

G# (Half key step down)

A (original key)

A# (Half key step up)

B (Full key step up)

CC#D

Additionally, there are two main riffs in the song, with the second one being:

> E-------------------------|

> B-------------------------|

> G-------------------------|

> D--4---------4------------|

> A--2---------2---0--0--0--|

> E-------------------------|

The song structure is as follows:

> Riff 4 (2x)

> Verse 4

> Chorus

> Verse 2

> Chorus

> Riff 2 (1x)

> Riff 3 (2x)

> Riff 1 (8x)

By following these instructions and practising the strumming patterns, you'll be well on your way to playing "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest on the guitar.

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