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Guns N' Roses - How to play Knockin' On Heaven's Door - All the riffs - Guitar Lesson

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Guns N' Roses - How to play Knockin' On Heaven's Door - All the riffs - Guitar Lesson

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Guns N' Roses - How to play Knockin' On Heaven's Door - All the riffs guitar lesson video
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How to play Knockin' On Heaven's Door - All the riffs

Knockin' On Heaven's Door is a Guns N' Roses cover of the classic Bob Dylan song, reimagined with the hard rock energy the Los Angeles band became known for after forming in 1985. The arrangement showcases the interplay between lead guitarist Slash and rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, making it a great study in how two guitars work together. Its simple chord progression and memorable feel make it accessible for beginners while still offering expressive soloing opportunities.

  • The song features a two-guitar setup, learning both the rhythm and lead parts gives insight into how Slash and Izzy Stradlin divided roles.
  • Guns N' Roses formed in Los Angeles in 1985 from the merger of two local bands, L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose.
  • The chord progression is beginner-friendly, making this an excellent first Guns N' Roses song to tackle on electric guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Slash's weapon of choice, particularly late-'50s specs with mahogany bodies that deliver the thick, singing tone heard throughout 'Appetite for Destruction.' The Les Paul's weight and sustain complement his cranked Marshall, allowing solos to bloom with harmonic richness.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Offering a slightly different tonal character with a thinner body profile, the Custom gives Slash an alternative voice while maintaining the Les Paul's core warmth and sustain essential to his signature lead sound.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The split-channel JCM 800 2205 defines Slash's crunch, delivering natural tube saturation and midrange presence without artificial scooping, crucial for maintaining clarity in heavily driven passages.

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)
Amp

Marshall Plexi (1959 Super Lead)

Modified 1959 Super Lead amps pushed hard created the iconic raw power and harmonic distortion of 'Appetite for Destruction,' with power tube breakup that shaped GNR's raw, blues-rooted rock sound.

Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro
Pickup

Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro

These lower-output Alnico II humbuckers retain dynamic expressiveness even when the Marshall is cranked, producing a warm, slightly soft attack that makes Slash's tone creamy rather than harsh.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
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Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Slash's signature SW-95 wah adds vocal expression to solos like 'Civil War' and 'Estranged,' staying true to his minimalist pedalboard philosophy where tone comes primarily from guitar and amp interaction.

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