Deep Purple - Soldier of Fortune - Guitar Lesson

Practice Studio

Deep Purple - Soldier of Fortune - Guitar Lesson

Sections · Loop · Speed · Metronome

Not in tune?

Select a Loop

Start of your loop
End of your loop

Speed Control

Speed
100%

Tools

BPM
Key E minor
PLAY WITH BACKING TRACK
·
–50¢ 0 +50¢
· Tap to start

Your browser will ask for microphone permission.

Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
AI tone preset

AI-selected preset based on genre and era — adjust the knobs to taste.

Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

Stormbringer album cover
Stormbringer
1974 3:14
Deep Purple Rock 1974 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Soldier of Fortune


"Soldier of Fortune" is a rock ballad by Deep Purple, written by Ritchie Blackmore and David Coverdale and originally released on the 1974 album Stormbringer. Despite never being released as a single, the song has built a devoted cult following and inspired numerous cover versions over the decades. For electric guitarists, it offers a rewarding study in melodic, restrained playing, Blackmore's understated lead work and the song's gentle dynamics make it an excellent piece for developing feel and phrasing beyond high-gain playing.

  • The song was co-written by Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist David Coverdale, an unusual songwriting pairing within Deep Purple.
  • Despite no chart placement and no official single release, 'Soldier of Fortune' remains one of Deep Purple's most-covered tracks.
  • The song runs approximately 3 minutes 13 seconds, keeping its arrangement concise and focused on emotional delivery rather than extended soloing.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

The most iconic electric guitar ever made. Its three single-coil pickups, contoured body and versatile tone make it the go-to for blues, rock, funk and everything in between. Players from Hendrix to Gilmour to Clapton built their sound on it.

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.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

The most recognised wah pedal on the planet. The Cry Baby's vocal frequency sweep gave Hendrix, Clapton and Kirk Hammett their signature lead voices. Rock, funk, metal - no pedalboard is complete without one.

Play with Backing Track

Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)