Walk This Way - Aerosmith

Master the Iconic Riffs of "Walk This Way"

Aerosmith’s "Walk This Way" is one of the most instantly recognisable rock songs of all time, featuring a legendary riff, bluesy phrasing, and an infectious groove. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com gives you the tools to play the song just like Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, breaking down every technique used in the original recording. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist looking to improve your phrasing or an experienced player wanting to nail the song's signature feel, this lesson will elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Walk This Way"

The song was brought to life by Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, the dynamic duo of Aerosmith. Perry’s raw, blues-influenced style combined with Whitford’s tight rhythm playing helped define the hard rock and blues-rock sound of the '70s and beyond. Their approach to guitar work—melding funky, syncopated rhythms with expressive lead playing—set a precedent for generations of rock guitarists, influencing everyone from Slash to The Black Crowes. Perry's slippery blues licks and powerful string bends are a key highlight of this track, while Whitford’s solid rhythm playing provides the foundation.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Our "Walk This Way" lesson focuses on key techniques that will enhance your guitar skills, improve your versatility, and help you develop a more professional touch. Below are some of the fundamental techniques featured in this lesson:

Open String Riffs

One of the defining aspects of "Walk This Way" is its open-string-based riff, which gives the song its percussive and funky feel. Mastering open string riffs helps you develop better hand coordination and makes your playing sound fuller with minimal effort.

Palm Muting

The tight, percussive groove in "Walk This Way" is achieved through palm muting—a technique that involves lightly resting the palm on the strings while picking. Learning this will help you gain better control over dynamics and create a more punchy, articulate sound in rock and blues-based playing.

Slides

The song features sliding phrases that enhance the fluidity of the riff and lead licks. Mastering slides will improve your ability to transition between notes smoothly, making your playing sound more expressive and natural.

String Bending

Joe Perry’s solos incorporate string bending, a fundamental technique in blues and rock. This lesson will teach you how to execute bends accurately, hitting the right pitch and controlling vibrato for a more expressive, vocal-like sound.

Double Stops

"Walk This Way" features double stops—a technique where two notes are played simultaneously, creating a thicker and more aggressive sound. This is a great way to add depth and power to your lead lines.

Syncopated Rhythms

The funk-influenced rhythm playing in "Walk This Way" requires syncopation, where accents fall on unexpected beats. Developing this skill will give you a better sense of timing and improve your overall groove.

Bluesy Bends

Perry’s lead lines feature expressive bluesy bends, giving his playing a raw and emotional feel. Learning this technique will deepen your blues phrasing, making your solos sound more authentic.

Power Chords

Brad Whitford’s power chord rhythm playing provides the backbone of the song. Understanding power chords is essential for building strong rock rhythm guitar skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here are the key guitar techniques covered in our "Walk This Way" lesson, along with links for further study:

• Open String Riffs
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends
• Power Chords

By mastering these techniques through our note-for-note lesson, you'll not only be able to play "Walk This Way" accurately but also expand your guitar vocabulary, improve your groove, and develop better expression in your playing. Ready to rock? Start learning now at LickLibrary.com!