Dream On - Aerosmith

Learn to Play "Dream On" by Aerosmith - A Note-for-Note Breakdown

Aerosmith's "Dream On" is one of the most iconic rock ballads of all time. Released in 1973 as part of their debut album, this song features beautifully composed melodies, powerful vocal lines, and an emotive guitar solo that every guitarist should study. In this LickLibrary lesson, we take you through the note-for-note transcription of the song, breaking down each section and highlighting key techniques that will enhance your playing style. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to refine your skills or an advanced player seeking to capture the song’s magic, this lesson is perfect for you. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work on "Dream On"

The guitar work in "Dream On" is a mix of delicate arpeggios, smooth legato passages, emotive bends, and a soaring solo. The song seamlessly transitions between gentle, clean passages and powerful, distorted riffs, making it an excellent study in dynamic control and expression. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, the guitarists behind the track, crafted a performance that combines melodic phrasing and technical mastery, making this a must-learn for any aspiring rock guitarist.

Meet the Guitarists: Joe Perry & Brad Whitford

Joe Perry, Aerosmith’s lead guitarist, is renowned for his blues-influenced rock phrasing and expressive playing. His work on "Dream On" showcases his ability to mix raw emotion with technical precision. His influence extends beyond Aerosmith, inspiring generations of guitarists in both classic and modern rock.

Brad Whitford, the band's rhythm guitarist, provides the backbone of many of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, including "Dream On." His chord progressions and rhythmic stability are essential to the song's structure, complementing Perry’s lead playing. The interplay between these two guitarists is a defining feature of Aerosmith’s sound, making their music both powerful and deeply expressive.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Dream On"

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

This song's intro features arpeggiated chord progressions, where individual notes of a chord are picked separately to create a flowing, melodic feel. This technique improves finger dexterity and precision, helping guitarists develop a more fluid and expressive playing style.

String Bending

The solo incorporates string bending, which adds emotional intensity to the melody. Mastering string bends improves pitch accuracy and control, making your solos sound more vocal and expressive.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

A staple of lead guitar playing, hammer-ons and pull-offs create smooth, fluid phrases that enhance speed and legato phrasing. Learning these techniques will help you play faster and with greater articulation.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between notes smoothly, creating a singing, expressive quality in your playing. This technique is essential for developing better note connection and phrasing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is crucial in this song, especially in the lead sections, adding a rich, expressive quality to sustained notes. Practicing vibrato will increase sustain and make your playing sound more dynamic.

Power Chords

The dynamic shift in the song is driven by power chords, creating an impactful contrast between the soft verses and the climactic chorus. Mastering power chords improves rhythmic accuracy and strength in your fretting hand.

Alternate Picking

Some of the faster passages in the solo require alternate picking, which enhances speed and efficiency. This is a fundamental technique for any guitarist looking to improve their picking precision.

Double Stops

Double stops are used in the solo to thicken the sound, adding a bluesy edge to the melody. Learning this technique will expand your harmonic vocabulary and make your solos more dynamic.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song’s chord progressions helps guitarists develop a sense of musical structure and harmony, making it easier to learn and compose their own music.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Dream On"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Mastering these techniques will not only help you play "Dream On" authentically but also improve your overall lead and rhythm guitar skills. Dive into the lesson at LickLibrary and take your playing to the next level!