"Anna" by Bad Company

Bad Company’s song "Anna" presents a perfect combination of classic rock, blues influences, and guitar-driven power. Our note-for-note guitar lesson focuses on deconstructing each element of the song, allowing players to master the techniques that are central to its unique sound. This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also enhances your overall guitar skills by breaking down key techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques Found in "Anna"

Bad Company’s music is known for blending soulful rock with technical precision, and "Anna" is no different. In our lesson, you’ll focus on several key techniques that drive the sound of the song. These are explained below to help you understand why learning them will benefit your playing.

String Bending

"Anna" features expressive string bending throughout the solos and melodic lines. String bending adds emotion to your playing, allowing notes to rise in pitch smoothly, giving you control over tension and release. By mastering bends, you’ll be able to replicate this expressive element in other songs, adding more depth to your lead guitar work.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to your bends is essential for capturing the full essence of the song. Vibrato involves subtly fluctuating the pitch of a note, giving it a “singing” quality. This is an essential skill for any guitarist as it enhances the sustain and emotion of your playing, making notes feel more alive.

Power Chords

The driving rhythm guitar sections of "Anna" are powered by solid power chords. Power chords are a staple in rock music, and mastering them helps you build strong, authoritative rhythm sections. They are also versatile enough to be used in a variety of genres, making them a foundational tool in any guitarist’s arsenal.

Palm Muting

To create the tight, percussive sound that gives the rhythm guitar its punch, palm muting is used extensively. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, muting the sound to create a more controlled and rhythmic feel. Palm muting is a critical technique for playing rock and metal styles, as it allows you to vary the dynamics of your playing with precision.

Slides

In the intro and various melodic fills, slides are used to smoothly connect notes and add a fluid, vocal-like quality to the lead guitar lines. Mastering slides improves your ability to move around the fretboard with ease and gives your playing a polished, professional sound.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout "Anna," you’ll encounter both hammer-ons and pull-offs, which are used to create smooth, flowing legato phrases. These techniques are crucial for playing fast, fluid lines with minimal picking, allowing you to develop speed and dexterity.

Bluesy Bends

"Anna" contains plenty of bluesy bends that give the song its soulful, emotional feel. Learning how to execute these bends properly helps develop your touch and feel, critical for playing blues, rock, and beyond.

Arpeggios

In certain sections, arpeggios are used to break down chords into individual notes, creating a more intricate and dynamic harmonic backdrop. Practicing arpeggios enhances your understanding of chord structures and improves your finger control and coordination, which is key for both lead and rhythm playing.

The Guitarist Behind "Anna"

"Anna" is driven by the impeccable guitar work of Mick Ralphs, the primary guitarist for Bad Company. Ralphs’ playing blends powerful rock riffs with soulful blues lines, showcasing his mastery over both rhythm and lead guitar. His approach to guitar is both technically sound and emotionally resonant, making him one of the standout guitarists of the 1970s rock scene.

Mick Ralphs’ influence can be felt across genres as his use of simple yet effective guitar techniques created memorable rock anthems. His ability to combine power chords, bluesy phrasing, and tasteful solos in songs like "Anna" is what makes him a respected figure in the world of classic rock guitarists. Learning his style will give you a deep appreciation for rock guitar’s melodic and rhythmic elements and help improve your ability to play both rhythm and lead seamlessly.

Why Learning These Techniques is Important

Each of the techniques covered in our lesson on "Anna" is foundational for any aspiring rock guitarist. String bending and vibrato help you express emotion in your solos, while palm muting and power chords are essential for building a strong rhythm. Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides allow for smoother transitions and faster playing, improving your overall fluidity on the guitar.

Understanding arpeggios not only builds your fretboard knowledge but also develops your finger dexterity. Bluesy bends bring a soulful, authentic rock flavor to your playing, rounding out a comprehensive skill set. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate player, mastering these techniques will improve your versatility and confidence as a guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Bluesy Bends
• Arpeggios