Barracuda by Heart
Barracuda was released in 1977 on Heart's album Little Queen. The track is built on a menacing, riff-driven guitar line backed by a pounding rhythm section, and it quickly became a signature sound for the band. The song emerged amid a wave of hostile press toward Heart, with the band using the track to push back against rumors and stereotypes and to project a fierce, unapologetic rock image. Over the years it has become one of Heart's most enduring anthems, a staple on classic rock radio and a favorite in live sets and film soundtracks.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this lesson you'll dissect the Barracuda riff, learn the driving verse rhythm, and master the chorus power-chord feel, plus a short lead lick from the solo. We'll break the song into manageable sections, show you how to palm-mute the staccato chords for that tight, aggressive groove, and cover fast transitions with alternate picking. We'll also discuss how to lock in with the bass and drums to keep the groove tight, and point out tricky spots like the rapid riff shifts and maintaining tone at tempo.
Intermediate; helpful skills include solid power-chord rhythm, precise palm muting, and comfortable alternate picking to lock with the bass and drums.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Start with a slow metronome, loop the intro riff, and gradually increase speed to the target tempo.
- 💡Keep your palm lightly resting on the strings near the bridge to get that tight, staccato chug; relax and release slightly on off-beats for rhythm variety.
- 💡Count 1-2-3-4 with the drummer to align the riff with the kick and snare; practice sections separately before tying them together.
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