Ritchie Blackmore based Smoke on the Water on a classical masterpiece – and the riff’s roots might surprise you

Smoke on the Water's origins | Harley Benton boosts its offset offerings with a newly finished $177 JA-60CC model | Hear Edging, Blink-182's first new song with Tom DeLonge in 10 years Created for sauuuuul.peliculas@blogger.com |  Web Version October 14, 2022 CONNECT WITH THE PICK       Handpicked stories from the world of guitar SIGN UP ⋅   SHARE ADVERTISEMENT Editor's Note Smoke on the Water's origins I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it. Most, if not all, of you remember when you first learned the opening riff of Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water. I sure do. I especially remember trying over and over again to recreate its overdriven swagger with the help of my first pedal, (naturally) a Boss DS-1. I doubt my parents have ever regretted a Christmas gift so quickly...  Did you know, though, that the none-more-recognizable riff came from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony? The band's guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, told CNN in 2007 that he simply reversed the main hook of the great classical work, and landed on something somewhat close to Smoke on the Water. If it seems too easy, it might be. Some folks, including one intrepid YouTuber, have gone to great lengths to investigate if Blackmore's origin story for the rock classic holds up under a microscope. We'll let you decide if it does or not... Jackson Maxwell – Associate Editor, guitarworld.com     New Orianthi Album "Rock Candy" Out Now! Orianthi's new studio album "Rock Candy" is out now! A rockin', blues tinged, display of Orianthi's dazzling guitar playing and her soulful vocals, "Rock Candy" sees the acclaimed guitarist returning to a more hard rock influenced style. Out now on CD, Limited Edition Pink LP, and Digital formats. Learn More ADVERTISEMENT Top Stories Ritchie Blackmore based Smoke on the Water on a classical masterpiece – and the riff's roots might surprise you (Frank Hoensch/Redferns via Getty) The Deep Purple legend divulged the origin of the riff in an interview back in 2007. But was he telling the truth? Harley Benton boosts its offset offerings with a newly finished $177 JA-60CC model (Harley Benton) The affordable offset is now available in Seafoam Green, Inca Silver, Shell Pink, Dakota Red, and Lake Placid Blue Hear Edging, Blink-182's first new song with Tom DeLonge in 10 years (Tony Woolliscroft/WireImage) The bouncy, mid-tempo track is the first taste of the band's forthcoming album, which arrives next year New Orianthi Album "Rock Candy" Out Now! Orianthi's new studio album "Rock Candy" is out now! A rockin', blues tinged, display of Orianthi's dazzling guitar playing and her soulful vocals, "Rock Candy" sees the acclaimed guitarist returning to a more hard rock influenced style. Out now on CD, Limited Edition Pink LP, and Digital formats. Learn More ADVERTISEMENT: Features Blues? Prog? Floydian grunge? 5 guitar highlights from Return of the Dream Canteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers' most eclectic album yet (Pau Venteo/Europa Press via Getty Images) John Frusciante lets loose on a record that takes considerably more risks than Unlimited Love Kirk Fletcher: "These days, the attention to detail on blues songwriting has been neglected in a lot of ways – and I wanted to address that" (Future) The Nashville-based blues master explains why he isn’t afraid to add some II’s, III’s, and VI’s to the tried-and-true I-IV-V on his new album, Heartache by the Pound It's that time of the year. Our spook-tacular Halloween offer is certainly no trick, full of spine-chilling deals sure to creep it real and give you what you're looking for. Subscribe today and save up to 88%. Hurry! What are you waiting for? Subscribe Now ADVERTISEMENT From Guitar Player Nancy Wilson's Barracuda guitar is up for sale on Reverb (Carlo Allegri/Getty) The Heart legend will be moving on her late '60s Gibson SG, along with a cache of gear used on the band's albums and tours EVH extends its Wolfgang Standard Exotic range with Poplar Burl and Laurel Burl tops (EVH) The Eddie Van Halen-inspired line of exotic wood guitars now includes seven options Buyer's Guides The 10 best acoustic guitars for beginners (Future) Epic affordable six-strings from Epiphone, Taylor, Fender, Yamaha, and more – with prices starting from $149 Full Story: Guitar World (10/14)  Lessons 6 guitar tricks you can learn from Jack White (Leon Neal/Getty Images) We look at some techniques and tonal tricks to help you nail White's unique style and sound, with a half-dozen tabbed examples to get you started Reviews ESP LTD Deluxe SN-1000HT Fire Blast review (ESP Guitars) Who needs a Floyd Rose when you have a turbo-charged S-style with no limits like this? LEARN MORE ABOUT The Pick: Guitar World  |    Guitar Player  |    Guitarist Total Guitar  |    Bass Player  |    Guitar Techniques Sign Up  |    Update Profile  |    Unsubscribe Privacy Policy  |    Cookies Policy  |    Terms and Conditions CONTACT US: FEEDBACK  |    ADVERTISE Future US LLC © 1100 13th St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005