Music Lesson: Hush by Deep Purple

Introduction

Today, we're diving into "Hush" by Deep Purple, focusing on the iconic Hammond playing of John Lord.

Key Moments to Explore

The Intro

• The intro has a mysterious effect that may intrigue listeners.
• We've explored some of these techniques in a bluesy, soulful context, but Lord's approach here is more aggressive.
• There is a percussive element in the intro, using a full tone.

Technique:

• Currently, I'm using a set of drawbars with the brake switch on.
• If you have a Nord keyboard, set it to slow mode and engage the stop setting.
• The rhythm is left, right, left; this is how John Lord achieves the effect.

Sound Choices

• In a full rock context, a thicker, fuller sound works well.
• However, for a soul vibe, consider using a lighter tone to achieve a conga-like effect.
• Think of it as playing a conga part, focusing on effect rather than traditional notes and tones.
• The technique works well at fast tempos, but for slow tempos, ensure a direct sound. This is important because the phrases are played staccato.

Verse and Chorus

• The verse follows a classic 7 to 4 progression.
• The chorus features a cycle of fifths, reminiscent of the famous "Hey Joe":
  • We're in C, so we start on the flat 6 (Ab).

Transition:

• Returning to the stop from the intro allows for a different approach and tone.

Playing Techniques

• A classic technique is holding the root note while playing other notes beneath it with the same hand.
• Don't feel obligated to always use the left hand; you can incorporate some percussive elements.
• The right hand carries most of the melodic responsibilities.

The Solo

• While I won't break down the solo note for note, it begins with powerful, high notes and a full sound.
• Lord employs classic trills using the 1 and 5.
• His playing leans heavily on the blues scale.

Aggressive Playing

• As the solo progresses, expect a percussive style with fast chord changes.
• His technique is about playing as fast as possible while maintaining a stiff arm posture, adding to the aggressive rock vibe.

Final Touches

• The solo is characterized by sweeping motions and holding high notes.
• It primarily features simple blues scale patterns, often dropping from the 7.
• The tone is further enhanced using a C3 vibrato, creating a compressed, in-your-face sound.

Conclusion

This analysis of "Hush" highlights John Lord's mastery of the Hammond and offers insights into creating that classic rock sound. Experiment with these techniques to bring your own flair to this legendary track!