Learn to Play Guns N' Roses

Join Lick Library tutor Danny Gill and unlock the world of hard rock guitar with our comprehensive lessons featuring some of the most iconic Guns N' Roses tracks. Our unique approach to teaching provides a step-by-step breakdown of each song, highlighting Slash's signature techniques, and the scales he employed to make these anthems unforgettable.

Welcome to the Jungle

The lesson kicks off with "Welcome to the Jungle," a perfect introduction to Slash's complex and layered approach to guitar. The song's signature riff, based in the E minor pentatonic scale, is a testament to Slash's aggressive, driving style. It's a study in chromaticism and syncopated rhythms, resulting in a punchy, captivating guitar line that still captivates audiences today. The solo, filled with vibrato and string-bending, is a masterclass in rock guitar expression.

Sweet Child O Mine

Next up is "Sweet Child O' Mine," a tune that has resonated with millions of fans worldwide. The opening riff, an arpeggiated chord progression in the D Mixolydian scale, is a testament to Slash's melodic sensibilities. The song's blistering solo makes use of double-stops, vibrato, and a variety of legato techniques to create a flowing, lyrical line. Notably, the song also makes extensive use of sustained notes, demonstrating the power of tension and release in a guitar solo.

Paradise City

"Paradise City" is an exceptional opportunity to delve into Slash's innovative use of open-string riffs and power chords. The track's main riff, an infectious, galloping rhythm in the key of G, sets the stage for a high-energy lesson. The song is also known for its climactic solo, featuring scorching alternate picking and rapid-fire hammer-ons and pull-offs, culminating in a dazzling showcase of Slash's lead guitar skills.

November Rain

"November Rain" provides a deep dive into Slash's more tender side. An epic power ballad, this lesson dissects the song's rich chord progressions and arpeggios, played in the key of B major. The song's iconic solos showcase Slash's command over melodic development, bending and vibrato techniques, and octave melodies that truly sing. This song also provides a chance to explore the more intricate dynamics of finger-picking.

Don't Cry

Lastly, "Don't Cry" is a piece that explores the combination of bluesy bends and soulful vibrato, a hallmark of Slash's style. The song's pentatonic-based riffs and solo work, in the key of A minor, offers an intimate look at how Slash crafts emotional statements on the guitar. From the subtle harmonics to the dramatic string bending, the song is a captivating study in emotive guitar playing.

Slash: The Lead Guitarist

Slash, born Saul Hudson, has been a guiding light in rock guitar for decades. His contributions to Guns N' Roses brought a fresh, fiery edge to the hard rock scene of the 1980s and 90s. His approach to guitar playing mixes blues-inspired bends, aggressive rock rhythms, and complex legato lines to create a unique, unmistakable sound. His solos, often dramatic and full of emotion, showcase a blend of technical prowess and a keen sense of melody. Through our lessons, we aim to shed light on the methods behind Slash's magic, enabling you to capture some of that same energy in your playing.

Techniques List

In these lessons, you will learn and practice a wide range of guitar techniques including:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Sustain
• Chromaticism
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Gallop Rhythms
• Power Chords
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Finger-picking
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies

Join us on this electrifying journey through the hard rock realm of Guns N' Roses and elevate your guitar playing to new heights!