"What It Takes" by Aerosmith: Guitar Lesson

From Aerosmith's critically acclaimed album 'Pump', "What It Takes" stands as a testament to the band's adaptability and prowess in the rock ballad genre. As guitarists, there is a wealth of material in this song to delve into, both rhythmically and technically. Sam Bell dives in, focusing on Joe Perry, the lead guitarist's, contribution to this timeless classic in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chords and Progressions

At its core, "What It Takes" employs a series of chord progressions that offer a delicate blend of major and minor tones. The song predominantly revolves around chords like G, Cadd9, D, Em, and A7. The verses demonstrate a smooth transition from G to Cadd9 to D, whereas the chorus highlights the emotive shift from Em to D to Cadd9 and back to G.

Guitar Scales

The solo and various fills throughout the song are deeply rooted in the minor pentatonic scale, a favorite among rock guitarists. This scale, combined with occasional touches of the major scale and blues notes, allows for expressive solos and melodic underpinnings.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Joe Perry's solo in "What It Takes" is a masterclass in emotive playing. Starting off with slow, blues-inspired bends, Perry seamlessly transitions into faster licks employing alternate picking and legato techniques. Tapped harmonics and pinched harmonics add a shimmering quality to certain notes, making them stand out. Perry’s use of unison bends adds a touch of tension and release, echoing the song’s lyrical themes.

Joe Perry's Signature Touch

It's imperative to highlight the nuances that Joe Perry brings into this track. Perry has an innate ability to balance technical prowess with raw emotion. His choices of notes, especially in the solo, show restraint where needed and flamboyance where it counts. His playing often incorporates slides, rakes, and tasteful use of the whammy bar.

Guitar Techniques Utilised:

• Chord Progressions
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• Rakes
• Whammy Bar Tricks

In conclusion, "What It Takes" is not just a soulful rock ballad, but a treasure trove for guitarists aiming to study the amalgamation of technique and emotion. The song illustrates how a piece of music can transcend its basic structure through the artist's unique touch. For any guitarist, whether a budding enthusiast or a seasoned player, dissecting and understanding the elements that go into tracks like this can prove to be both educational and inspirational. The genius of Joe Perry, combined with the indomitable spirit of Aerosmith, makes "What It Takes" an evergreen piece in the world of rock music and an invaluable lesson in guitar playing.