"Young Lust" by Aerosmith: Guitar Lesson

"Young Lust" from the 1989 Aerosmith album 'Pump' is a driving rock track characterised by its gritty guitar riffs, dynamic song structure, and signature Joe Perry lead guitar work. Sam Bell unpacks the various elements of this song to appreciate its musical complexity and the guitar techniques it employs in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chords and Progression

The backbone of "Young Lust" lies in its chord progressions. The primary progression used during the verses employs a mix of open chords and power chords. The most prevalent chords include E, A, and D – fundamental chords in the rock canon. As the song moves into the chorus, the chord progression shifts, adding depth and dynamism to the track. Power chords, essential in creating that "big" rock sound, are prevalent throughout.

Guitar Scales

The solos and riffs in "Young Lust" predominantly revolve around the E minor pentatonic scale. This scale, known for its bluesy feel and simplicity, has been a staple in rock music, providing the foundation for countless iconic solos. Joe Perry takes this scale and infuses it with his unique flavour, adding passing notes and engaging in chromatic runs to give the solos in "Young Lust" their characteristic sound.

Solo Analysis

The solo in "Young Lust" is a masterclass in rock guitar. It starts off with a series of high-pitched, sustained bends, showcasing Perry's control over his instrument. As the solo progresses, he incorporates a series of rapid-fire alternate picking runs, transitioning seamlessly into legato phrases. The use of tapped harmonics adds a shimmering quality to certain notes, creating sonic peaks in the midst of the solo.

Joe Perry and His Guitar Mastery

Joe Perry, the lead guitarist of Aerosmith, is renowned for his raw, blues-infused style of playing. In "Young Lust", he exhibits why he's considered one of the greats. Beyond his technical prowess, Perry's ability to convey emotion through his guitar is unrivalled. Whether it's the aggressive riffs during the verses or the soulful bends in the solo, Perry's playing is the heartbeat of this song.

List of Guitar Techniques in "Young Lust"

In dissecting "Young Lust", several guitar techniques stand out:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• Chord Progressions

Many of these techniques are foundational in rock guitar playing, and "Young Lust" serves as a fantastic track to study for guitarists aiming to incorporate these techniques into their repertoire.

Conclusion

"Young Lust" by Aerosmith is a testament to the power of rock guitar. From its compelling chord progressions and bluesy riffs to Joe Perry's emotive solo, the song is a showcase of what the electric guitar can achieve in the hands of a master. Aspiring guitarists can learn a lot from diving deep into this track – understanding its structure, dissecting its techniques, and, most importantly, feeling the raw emotion it conveys.