Ready For Love - Bad Company

Learn to Play "Ready For Love" with LickLibrary

Bad Company's classic track Ready For Love is a masterclass in melodic rock guitar, showcasing the soulful playing and bluesy phrasing that defined the band's sound. Our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every detail of this song, helping you master the techniques used by legendary guitarist Mick Ralphs. Whether you’re looking to improve your phrasing, develop your chord progressions, or refine your soloing, this lesson will give you the tools you need to play Ready For Love with confidence. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Mick Ralphs and His Influence on Classic Rock Guitar

Mick Ralphs, the guitarist behind Ready For Love, is known for his impeccable touch and feel, blending bluesy rock tones with melodic phrasing. Before forming Bad Company, Ralphs was a key member of Mott the Hoople, bringing his signature warm, expressive guitar playing into the world of hard rock. His playing style is a mix of expressive bends, tasteful vibrato, and powerful chord progressions, influencing countless rock guitarists over the decades. In Ready For Love, Ralphs delivers a heartfelt guitar performance filled with dynamic rhythm playing and soaring lead lines, making it a great song for guitarists looking to refine their expressive techniques.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Chord Progressions

The foundation of Ready For Love is its beautifully structured chord progressions. Learning these will help you develop a stronger understanding of how chords interact melodically and how to create compelling song structures.

Barre Chords

Mick Ralphs makes excellent use of barre chords, allowing for smooth transitions across the neck. Mastering these will improve your fretting-hand strength and expand your ability to play in different keys.

String Bending

The lead lines in Ready For Love feature expressive string bending techniques. Practicing these bends will enhance your ability to play with feeling and accurately hit pitch-perfect notes.

Vibrato

A crucial element of Ralphs' lead style is his use of vibrato. Developing a controlled vibrato will give your playing more emotion and sustain, helping you create a more personal and engaging sound.

Slides

Throughout the song, smooth slides are used to connect notes fluidly. This technique is essential for achieving a more natural, vocal-like lead tone.

Double Stops

The lead sections also incorporate double stops, allowing for richer, fuller-sounding licks. Mastering this technique will improve your soloing and rhythm playing simultaneously.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The soloing in Ready For Love contains fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs, helping to create smooth and expressive melodic lines.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song features sections of arpeggiated chord progressions, adding depth and texture to the rhythm parts. Practicing arpeggios will improve your picking accuracy and finger coordination.

Why Learn "Ready For Love"?

Learning Ready For Love will not only help you play an iconic rock ballad but also build essential skills that apply across multiple genres. By mastering the techniques found in this song, you’ll improve your lead phrasing, rhythm accuracy, and overall expressiveness on the guitar. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an experienced guitarist refining your technique, this lesson provides valuable insights into professional-level rock guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Ready For Love"

• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

With this in-depth lesson from LickLibrary, you’ll be ready to master Ready For Love and take your guitar skills to the next level!