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Dokken - Breaking the Chains - Guitar Lesson

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Dokken - Breaking the Chains - Guitar Lesson

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Dokken - Breaking the Chains guitar lesson video
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Breaking the Chains album cover
Breaking the Chains
1983 3:52
Listen on Spotify
Dokken Glam Metal 1983 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Breaking the Chains

"Breaking the Chains" is the title track from Dokken's debut album, originally released in Europe in 1981 on the French label Carrere Records. The album appeared in different versions for European and U.S. markets, with alternate mixes and song titles. For electric guitar players, it is a solid introduction to early 1980s American heavy metal rhythm and lead work, showcasing the style that helped establish Dokken as a recognizable name in the genre.

  • The debut album was first released in Europe in 1981, giving it a different version from the later U.S. edition.
  • The European and U.S. pressings feature different mixes, making the two versions distinct listening and playing references.
  • The track runs approximately 3 minutes and 51 seconds, a compact structure typical of hard rock and heavy metal of the era.
Marshall JCM800
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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.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
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Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

The most clone pedal in history. The Tube Screamer's mid-hump overdrive character pushes a tube amp into a creamy, singing lead tone while cutting bass frequencies for clarity. Stevie Ray Vaughan stacked two of them.

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