"F.I.N.E" by Aerosmith - Guitar Lesson

One of the standout tracks from Aerosmith's 'Pump' album, "F.I.N.E," provides a veritable smorgasbord of guitar techniques and features that are worth examining in detail. The song blends elements of hard rock with a bluesy touch, which has been a signature style of Aerosmith, and more specifically, their lead guitarist Joe Perry. Sam Bell walks you through every note and nuance in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Chords & Scales

The primary chord progression in "F.I.N.E" predominantly uses power chords. These power chords offer a raw and meaty sound that drives the song's high-energy vibe. The verses and chorus structure make use of chords such as G5, D5, A5, and E5, providing a straightforward, yet effective backbone to the song.

Scales-wise, the song leans heavily on the pentatonic minor, particularly the E pentatonic minor when it comes to its solo and fills. This scale is a cornerstone in rock and blues genres, and its usage here provides a raw and vintage character to the tune.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Joe Perry, the band's lead guitarist, has always been revered for his ability to play soulful yet electrifying solos, and "F.I.N.E" is no exception. The solo starts off with a series of quick bends, moving on to speedy pentatonic licks. One can also hear Perry employing the use of unison bends, which is where two strings are played simultaneously, with one being bent to match the pitch of the other.

Perry's choice of using double stop bends gives the solo a more bluesy touch amidst the hard rock setting. This particular technique involves bending one string while letting another ring out, providing a thicker, more expressive sound. Furthermore, there's a smattering of pinched harmonics that give certain notes a sharp, biting character.

Joe Perry's Touch

Perry's style has always leaned towards blending hard rock with blues, and "F.I.N.E" offers a classic representation of that. While the song is predominantly hard-hitting, the usage of blues scales and techniques lends it a certain soul. Perry's guitar tone in the track, slightly overdriven with a warm undertone, also exemplifies this balance between raw power and emotive depth.

Techniques Used

For aspiring guitarists looking to master the techniques featured in "F.I.N.E," here's a comprehensive list with links for deeper exploration:

• Power Chords
• Bends
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends
• Pinched Harmonics

In summary, "F.I.N.E" stands out as a representation of what made Aerosmith and Joe Perry iconic in the rock world. From the rugged power chords to the electrifying solo filled with bends and pinched harmonics, the song encapsulates the spirit of rock 'n' roll. For guitarists, understanding and studying this track offers insight into combining techniques and styles, and ultimately, creating a sound that resonates. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, there's something to be learned from Aerosmith's mastery in "F.I.N.E."