Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi

"Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi is a quintessential rock anthem from the band's celebrated 1988 album New Jersey. Known for its infectious energy, groovy riffs, and a powerful solo, this track showcases techniques that make it a must-learn for any guitarist eager to explore the dynamic style of late 80s rock. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note lesson of this classic hit dissects every riff, chord, and solo, offering you the tools to master it with precision. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players Behind "Bad Medicine"

Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi’s iconic guitarist, is the mastermind behind the electrifying guitar work in "Bad Medicine." Sambora is renowned for his melodic sensibility, technical prowess, and ability to weave emotion into every note. His distinctive style blends blues-inspired licks with rock techniques, making him a significant influence on generations of guitarists. Sambora’s use of harmonics, bends, and power chords in this track perfectly captures the essence of 80s rock while demonstrating his deep musicality.

Techniques Highlighted in the Lesson

Our lesson on "Bad Medicine" focuses on several core guitar techniques that define the song’s distinctive sound. Below is a breakdown of these techniques and the benefits of mastering them.

Power Chords

Power chords drive the song’s infectious rhythm. These simplified chords are integral to rock music, offering a full-bodied sound without the complexity of full barre chords. Learning power chords will improve your fretting hand strength and help you navigate the fretboard more efficiently.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm in "Bad Medicine" is accentuated by palm muting, adding depth and texture to the verses. This technique improves your control and dynamic range, allowing you to create tension and release in your playing.

String Bending

Richie Sambora’s expressive string bends in the solo breathe life into his licks. String bending adds emotion and articulation to your solos and helps develop finger strength and precision.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The quick, flowing licks in the solo utilize hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating a smooth and fluid sound. Mastering these techniques enhances your speed and legato playing, crucial for melodic soloing.

Double Stops

Double stops feature prominently in Sambora’s lead sections, adding a harmonic richness to the melody. This technique teaches you how to play two notes simultaneously, enhancing your ability to create fuller-sounding solos.

Vibrato

Richie Sambora’s signature vibrato adds a vocal-like quality to his leads. Vibrato is essential for adding expressiveness to your playing, allowing you to sustain and colour notes with finesse.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, creating a seamless flow in both rhythm and lead parts. This technique improves fretboard navigation and adds a polished, professional touch to your playing.

Pick Slides

The dramatic pick slides in the intro and transitions add an aggressive, rock-and-roll edge to the song. Incorporating pick slides into your playing adds flair and is perfect for stage performance.

Alternate Picking

The rapid picking patterns in the solo demonstrate Sambora’s alternate picking mastery. This fundamental technique increases your picking speed and accuracy, essential for playing fast and intricate passages.

Harmonics

Richie Sambora’s use of natural harmonics adds sparkle and dimension to the track. Learning harmonics enhances your tone exploration and adds creative flair to your compositions.

Benefits of Learning "Bad Medicine"

Learning "Bad Medicine" provides a comprehensive lesson in rock guitar techniques, helping you build a strong foundation in rhythm and lead guitar. Each technique highlighted in this song improves specific aspects of your playing, from timing and precision to expressiveness and speed. Moreover, mastering this track connects you to the legacy of Richie Sambora and his contributions to rock guitar, inspiring your growth as a musician.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Pick Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Harmonics

Explore these techniques through our lesson and take your playing to the next level with "Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi!