"Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side" by Aerosmith: Guitar Lesson

Ah, Aerosmith's "Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side" from the iconic 'Pump' album. This track is a testament to Joe Perry's guitar prowess and the band's ability to seamlessly meld genres. As a guitar teacher, dissecting this song is both a joy and a challenge, because it's loaded with techniques and insights that guitarists can learn and appreciate. Sam Bell demonstrates all the nuances of this classic album track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Chord Progressions and Scales

The song kicks off with a blues-inflected approach, making use of the classic pentatonic scale that Perry is so fond of. As we proceed, a series of major and minor chords dominate, offering the song its characteristic mood swings. In particular, guitarists would note the use of dominant 7th chords that add a certain bite to the groove.

Guitar Solo Analysis

When we talk about the solo, it's essential to acknowledge Perry's unique voice on the guitar. He starts off with a series of bends and slides, playing around the pentatonic box but always adding his own twist. You'll find him occasionally hitting the bluesy bends that sound so sorrowful yet aggressive.

Midway through the solo, there's a shift into faster licks incorporating alternate picking and legato techniques. Perry also uses pinched harmonics for those high-pitched squeals, adding more flavor and dynamics to the solo. The utilisation of the whammy bar tricks adds another layer of expressiveness.

Joe Perry and His Playing

Joe Perry's style has always been a blend of raw rock energy and blues emotion. He's not the kind of guitarist who believes in a million notes per second. Instead, he chooses his notes with precision, giving each one a voice and a purpose. In "Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side," Perry showcases his penchant for fusing rock and blues, with sprinklings of jazz and funk.

His vibratos are rich and varied. Whether it's a slow vibrato that sounds like a cry or a faster one that resonates with urgency, Perry has mastered the art. When he plays, you don't just hear notes; you hear emotions, stories, and expressions.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in "Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side"

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Pinched Harmonics
5. Slides
6. Bluesy Bends
7. Whammy Bar Tricks
8. Chord Progressions
9. Harmonics

This track, like many of Aerosmith's songs, is a blend of old-school rock and roll with a modern twist. It stands out because of its unique sound, courtesy of Joe Perry's distinct playing style and Steven Tyler's unparalleled vocals.

For any guitarist looking to delve into rock and blues, "Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side" is an excellent track to dissect. The techniques used, though challenging, are a gateway to mastering the art of rock guitar.