Cryin' by Aerosmith

Learn to Play "Cryin'" by Aerosmith Note-for-Note

Aerosmith’s "Cryin’" is an iconic power ballad, featuring a blend of emotional melodies, soaring bends, and intricate phrasing that make it a rewarding challenge for guitarists. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down the song in detail, allowing you to master every nuance of this classic rock anthem.

This lesson covers the lead guitar parts, rhythm sections, and solos, giving you a complete understanding of the techniques used by Joe Perry and Brad Whitford to create the signature Aerosmith sound. Whether you're looking to refine your bending precision or improve your phrasing, this lesson will elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players

Joe Perry & Brad Whitford: The Sound of Aerosmith

Joe Perry is the driving force behind Aerosmith's blues-infused rock guitar style. Known for his expressive phrasing and dynamic approach to soloing, Perry's playing on "Cryin'" showcases his ability to blend melodic leads with fiery blues-rock licks. His signature use of string bends, vibrato, and double-stop bends creates the soaring and emotional feel that defines the song.

Brad Whitford, often underrated, provides solid rhythm playing that complements Perry’s lead work. His contributions bring a tight, grooving foundation, ensuring that "Cryin'" maintains its punch and drive throughout.

Together, their interplay demonstrates dual-guitar harmonies and bluesy bends, a cornerstone of Aerosmith’s sound that has influenced countless guitarists.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

String Bending

String bending is a key technique in "Cryin'", especially in the emotional lead lines. Bends allow you to mimic the vocal-like expression heard in the solos, making your guitar sing with passion.

Vibrato

Joe Perry’s use of vibrato adds depth and sustain to his notes, giving them a wider, more expressive sound. Mastering vibrato helps your notes stand out and makes them more dynamic and soulful.

Double-Stop Bends

Double-stop bends are heavily featured in the main lead passages. This technique creates a powerful, harmonised effect, adding weight and intensity to the solo sections.

Legato

The fast runs in "Cryin'" use legato playing, where hammer-ons and pull-offs make for fluid, effortless licks. Learning this technique will improve your speed and efficiency, making your solos smoother.

Slides

Slides help to create a seamless connection between notes, giving the melody a smoother, flowing quality. This technique is essential in the lead work of "Cryin'", especially in transitioning between phrases.

Unison Bends

Unison bends add a dramatic, wailing sound that’s heard throughout the song. By bending one string to match the pitch of another, you create an intense, soaring effect that is a staple of rock guitar solos.

Pull-Offs

The song incorporates pull-offs in multiple lead lines, helping to achieve fast, fluid note transitions. This technique is crucial for achieving a more effortless and natural feel in your playing.

Arpeggios

Some of the clean rhythm parts feature arpeggiated chord progressions, where individual notes of a chord are played separately instead of strummed together. This technique enhances melodic clarity and musical depth.

Bluesy Bends

Joe Perry’s signature bluesy bends add an extra layer of soul and expressiveness to the solos. Mastering this technique will help you develop a more vocal-like quality in your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Legato
• Slides
• Unison Bends
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggios
• Bluesy Bends

By learning these techniques in "Cryin'", you’ll develop better control, phrasing, and expression—helping you sound more like Joe Perry and refine your rock guitar skills. Check out our note-for-note guitar lesson to start mastering this Aerosmith classic today!