Deep Purple - Highway Star - Guitar Tab

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Deep Purple - Highway Star - Guitar Tab

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Key G minor
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Classic Rock

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Machine Head album cover
Machine Head
1972 6:09
Capo Advisor 0 G minor · Original key

Highway Star


"Highway Star" is the opening track on Deep Purple's sixth studio album Machine Head (1972), widely regarded as a hard rock landmark. The song is known for its long, classically inspired guitar and organ solos, making it a demanding and rewarding piece for electric guitarists. Ritchie Blackmore's solo in particular draws on baroque influences, offering players a gateway into technically rich, melodically driven lead playing.

  • Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solo follows a Bach-inspired sequence, blending classical theory with high-tempo rock phrasing.
  • At around 6 minutes and 8 seconds long, the track gives guitarists extended solo sections rarely found in rock radio edits.
  • "Highway Star" is the fastest tempo song on Machine Head, demanding both picking speed and stamina from the guitarist.
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)