Ep177 Man on the Silver Mountain – How Does This Song Work?

Guitar Music Theory

Desi Serna

Musictheoryforguitar, Guitar, Guitarscales, Performing Arts, Guitarmusictheory, Music, Guitarlessons, Arts, Guitarchords, Guitartheory

4.6 • 931 Ratings

🗓️ 23 September 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, I break down the 1975 Rainbow classic featuring Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. I take you through the signature opening riff, the shifting minor key changes, the alternate-picked arpeggios, and the fiery solo that defines the track. I also talk about Blackmore's Strat/Marshall setup and show you how studying this song can improve your technique, deepen your understanding of music theory, and boost your confidence as a guitarist.

Free Custom Video Course

Be sure to visit https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and answer the question about your playing. I'll send you a free custom video course with a clear, step-by-step plan to help you reach your guitar goals and start sounding like the player you've always wanted to be.

Transcript

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0:00.0	In episode 177 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work, featuring Man on the Silver Mountain by Rainbow. Greetings, guitar engineers, welcome to the guitar engineers. Welcome to the guitar music theory podcast.
0:43.3	This show is where we break down the music you love so you can understand how music works on the guitar and use those ideas in your own playing.
0:51.9	I'm Desi Cerna, author of fretboard theory, guitar theory for dummies,
0:56.1	and more. Today, we're digging into Man on the Silver Mountain by Rainbow. This track
1:03.0	features deep purple guitarist Richie Blackmore and vocalist Ronnie James Dio. You'll hear a signature
1:09.2	opening riff, chord changes that move between two
1:12.1	different minor keys, some alternate picked arpeggio patterns, and a fiery guitar solo that
1:17.8	leans on the minor scale. I'll also talk about the gear Blackmore used to craft his legendary tone
1:24.2	and how you can use this song to sharpen your technique and understanding of music.
1:29.3	It's going to be a great discussion, but before we dive in, what do you specifically need to do
1:35.0	in order to become a better guitar player? Go to my website, Guitary.com, and answer the quick
1:42.0	question I ask you about your playing. Based on your response, I'll send
1:46.6	you a free custom video course that gives you a clear step-by-step plan for reaching your
1:52.0	next goal. Whether you're just starting out and need to master the basics, working on bar chords,
1:57.9	exploring finger-picking, or ready to tackle lead guitar and music theory, this plan
2:03.1	shows you exactly what to practice and in what order. Instead of guessing and feeling stuck,
2:09.1	you'll know how to move forward, gain confidence, and start sounding like the guitarist
2:13.4	you've always wanted to be. Enroll in your free course now at Guitarmusict Theory.com and start making real progress today.
2:22.3	You can click on the link in the podcast show notes.
2:54.4	Thank you. All right, we are ready to dive in.
2:57.3	First, quick update on what I've been up to.
3:01.0	It has been a while since I released a new podcast episode.
	...

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