Guitar & Bass Tabs
Michael Schenker Group
Learn Michael Schenker Group's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Michael Schenker Group developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Michael Schenker Group emerged in 1980 when Michael Schenker left UFO to form a vehicle for his blistering guitar lines. With a hard-hitting blend of rock urgency and melodic invention, MSG quickly became a landmark in late-70s/early-80s metal and hard rock, elevating the guitar to the center of the band's sound. The early records showcased Schenker's signature speed, precision, and soaring melodies, attracting fans worldwide and setting a template for melodic, technically fearless playing. Fans often cite Armed and Ready and Captain Nemo as touchstones of his style.
Across decades MSG has taken various forms, with Schenker collaborating with a rotating cast of vocalists and rhythm players. The project’s influence extends beyond its studio albums, helping to popularize neo-classical-flavored guitar phrasing, rapid arpeggios, and expressive bends that inspired a generation of shredders. The band's legacy endures through live performances, reissues, and the continued visibility of Schenker’s iconic riffs and melodies.
From his UFO roots to MSG's enduring presence and later Temple of Rock projects, Michael Schenker's career embodies a lifelong pursuit of melodic speed, dramatic phrasing, and fearless experimentation. His work helped redefine what a guitarist could deliver within hard rock, leaving an indelible mark on the sound of modern rock guitar and inspiring players across generations.
🎸 Want to know what gear Michael Schenker Group used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Captain Nemo
Michael Schenker Group
View Tab →Playing Style
Michael Schenker's playing blends blistering speed with melodic storytelling. His solos interweave rapid alternate picking, sweeping arpeggios, and expressive bends, all grounded in blues-rock phrasing. He favors precise phrasing, careful note choice, and melodic hooks that rise above the pace. Expect tight palm-muting when supporting riffs, generous vibrato on sustained notes, and occasional tremolo-style runs that give solos a cinematic feel. His tone typically sits between gritty overdrive and singing sustain, letting every phrase sing through the mix. The result is a sound that feels both explosive and emotionally communicative.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with Michael Schenker includes Gibson Les Paul–style guitars and Marshall amps, which together deliver his signature aggressive, sustain-rich tone. He has been linked with Les Paul/SG-inspired models across the years, and his live rigs frequently feature Marshall stacks, with time-based effects like delay and chorus to widen solos and create spacey textures that became a hallmark of his sound.
Why Learn Michael Schenker Group Songs?
Learning MSG tunes on guitar helps players develop fast, clean picking, precise arpeggio work, and melodic phrasing that sings over heavy riffs. The material sits in the intermediate-to-advanced range, offering a rewarding challenge that strengthens timing, fretboard knowledge, and dynamic control. Working through riffs and solos from Michael Schenker Group builds foundational rock technique while teaching you to balance rhythm and lead parts with expressive tone and phrasing.
Did You Know?
- 1Michael Schenker is the younger brother of Rudolph Schenker, guitarist of Scorpions.
- 2He joined UFO as a teenager and became a leading figure in late-70s hard rock before forming MSG in 1980.
- 3Schenker is widely regarded as a pioneer of neo-classical metal guitar, influencing countless players with rapid arpeggios and melodic phrasing.
- 4In the 2010s he launched Temple of Rock, continuing to tour and record with new lineups while staying true to his signature sound.
1 Michael Schenker Group lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Michael Schenker Group Guitar
Explore Michael Schenker Group guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
Similar Artists to Michael Schenker Group
If you're learning Michael Schenker Group on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.