Poison - Alice Cooper

Learn to Play "Poison" by Alice Cooper - A Guitarist's Breakdown

Alice Cooper’s "Poison", released in 1989, is one of the most recognisable rock anthems of the late ‘80s. Packed with melodic hooks, gritty riffs, and soaring lead guitar work, this song is a must-learn for any guitarist wanting to develop their rock playing. Our note-for-note Licklibrary lesson will break down each section of the song, ensuring you master the intricate guitar parts with precision.

In this lesson, we focus on techniques that are essential for recreating the song’s signature sound, from punchy power chords to expressive string bending and pinched harmonics. Each technique serves to enhance your playing, giving you the skillset to tackle not only "Poison" but also other hard rock and metal classics. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Poison"

The song features guitar work by Kane Roberts, Alice Cooper’s long-time guitarist, alongside Guy Mann-Dude, both known for their highly technical yet melodic playing styles. Kane Roberts’ playing is characterised by precision, sustain-heavy solos, and powerful rhythm guitar work, which is evident throughout "Poison." His ability to blend aggressive picking with melodic phrasing influenced many rock guitarists of the era. This song perfectly showcases the hard rock and glam metal guitar style that dominated the late ‘80s, making it an essential track for any aspiring guitarist to study.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Poison"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of "Poison’s" driving rhythm. These simple yet effective two or three-note chords create a thick, aggressive sound, essential for rock and metal playing. Mastering power chords will improve your left-hand strength and right-hand accuracy, giving you the ability to play with more confidence and control.

Palm Muting

Throughout the song, palm muting is used to add rhythmic tightness and percussive quality to the riffs. This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, creating a more controlled and chunky tone. Perfecting palm muting will improve your dynamic control and help you develop a cleaner playing style.

String Bending & Bluesy Bends

The lead guitar sections of "Poison" feature expressive string bending, a technique used to push notes to a higher pitch, creating vocal-like phrasing. Bluesy bends, a key part of rock soloing, allow you to add emotion and character to your leads. Learning this technique will enhance your soloing skills and improve your control over pitch and vibrato.

Pinched Harmonics

A signature feature of hard rock and metal, pinched harmonics add screaming, high-pitched overtones to your playing. Achieved by striking the string with the pick while lightly touching it with your thumb, pinched harmonics help create a more aggressive lead tone. Developing this technique will give your solos and riffs an added edge.

Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one string while playing another unbent note, creating a powerful, harmonised sound. They are frequently used in "Poison’s" lead lines to add tension and excitement. This technique enhances your ability to play expressive solos and improves your bending accuracy.

Slides

Sliding between notes allows for smoother transitions and adds a professional touch to your playing. "Poison" features several slides that help create fluidity in both rhythm and lead parts. Learning this technique will help your playing sound more polished and connected.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios break up chords into their individual notes, allowing for more intricate and melodic passages. In "Poison," arpeggiated sections help add texture to the lead guitar work. Practicing arpeggios will improve your finger independence and picking accuracy.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Poison"

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• Arpeggios

Master "Poison" with LickLibrary

With our step-by-step, note-for-note breakdown of Alice Cooper’s "Poison," you'll gain the essential skills to play this rock anthem with confidence. Learning these techniques will not only help you master this song but also build a strong foundation in rock and metal guitar playing. Dive into the lesson today and take your guitar skills to the next level!