<P> `` Smoke on the Water '' is known for and recognizable by its central theme , developed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore . It is a four - note blues scale melody in G minor , harmonised in parallel fourths . The riff , played on a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar by Blackmore , is later joined by hi - hat and distorted organ , then the rest of the drums , then electric bass parts before the start of Ian Gillan 's vocal . The opening lyrics are : </P>
<P> `` Smoke on the Water '' is known for and recognizable by its central theme , developed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore . It is a four - note blues scale melody in G minor , harmonised in parallel fourths . The riff , played on a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar by Blackmore , is later joined by hi - hat and distorted organ , then the rest of the drums , then electric bass parts before the start of Ian Gillan 's vocal . The opening lyrics are : </P>
who sang lead vocals on smoke on the water
who sang lead vocals on smoke on the water
Ian Gillan
Ian Gillan