Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper - Guitar Lesson

Practice Studio

Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper - Guitar Lesson

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Key A minor
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Classic Rock

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Agents Of Fortune album cover
Agents Of Fortune
1976 5:08
Capo Advisor 0 A minor · Original key

The Reaper


"The Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult is a classic rock track that has become one of the band's most recognized songs. Its signature arpeggiated guitar intro and layered melodic lines make it a compelling study for electric guitar players looking to develop fingerpicking and clean tone techniques. The song blends rock structure with an almost hypnotic picking pattern that rewards careful practice.

  • The iconic opening riff uses a repeating arpeggio pattern, an excellent exercise for right-hand picking accuracy and consistency.
  • The song runs approximately 5 minutes and 8 seconds, giving guitarists extended musical sections to study and phrase over.
  • Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band known for combining hard rock with melodic and progressive elements across their discography.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

The definitive rock guitar. Its mahogany body, maple top and PAF-style humbuckers deliver warm, thick sustain with natural compression. From Slash to Jimmy Page, the Les Paul Standard is the backbone of hard rock tone.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The 'Black Beauty' - Gibson's premium Les Paul with bound neck, multi-ply binding and upgraded hardware. Its ebony fingerboard and heavier construction give it a darker, more refined tone compared to the Standard.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The definitive rock amp of the 1980s. The JCM800's single-channel, all-tube design produces a natural, harmonically rich overdrive at high volumes. Every hard rock and metal guitar sound from that era ran through one of these.

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Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)