"Love In An Elevator" by Aerosmith: Guitar Lesson

"Love In An Elevator" from Aerosmith's 'Pump' album is a testament to the band's incredible ability to blend hard rock with a bluesy undertone. As a guitar teacher, breaking down this song offers an insightful perspective into the world of rock guitar, its techniques, chord progressions, and the unique style of Joe Perry, the band's lead guitarist. Sam Bell breaks down this massive hit single in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson,

Chord Progressions & Scales

One of the fundamental elements to grasp from "Love In An Elevator" is its rock-driven chord progressions. The song predominantly uses power chords, which are two-note chords, giving it a robust and direct sound. These chords, combined with a mix of major and minor scales, create a dynamic between tension and release throughout the song. Joe Perry often employs the blues scale, a variation of the minor pentatonic, to add flavor to his solos and riffs.

Joe Perry's Guitar Solo & Style

Perry's solo in "Love In An Elevator" is a showcase of his ability to balance technique with soul. He opens with strong bends, adding emotion to each note. Perry frequently uses double-stop bends and unison bends to thicken the sound and create harmonic contrast.

As the solo progresses, Perry demonstrates alternate picking, a technique where the pick alternates between down and up strokes, ensuring fast and even note delivery. He intertwines this with legato runs, which involve playing notes smoothly by utilising hammer-ons and pull-offs.

But Perry's signature move in many solos, including this one, is his use of pinched harmonics. This technique produces a high-pitched 'squeal' sound, adding a sharp edge to his solos.

Techniques Used Throughout The Song

Aerosmith's songs are known for their rhythm sections, and "Love In An Elevator" is no exception. The song prominently features palm-muting in the verses, giving the guitar a tight and controlled sound. Arpeggios are used as well, where chords are broken down, and each note is played individually.

For guitarists trying to replicate the song, understanding the use of whammy bar tricks is crucial. Perry often utilizes the whammy bar to add vibrato to a note or perform dive-bombs, a rapid decrease in pitch using the bar.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in "Love In An Elevator":

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive-Bombs
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm-Muting
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• String Bending

In conclusion, "Love In An Elevator" is not just a popular rock song; it's a piece packed with guitar techniques and nuances that can be a valuable study for aspiring guitarists. Joe Perry's distinctive style, blended with the song's energetic chord progressions, creates a memorable musical journey that resonates with guitar enthusiasts worldwide. As a guitar teacher, diving into such classics provides students with a comprehensive understanding of rock guitar's depth and diversity.