"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi - Guitar Lesson Overview

"Livin' on a Prayer" is one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1980s and a signature song for Bon Jovi. With its unforgettable riffs and high-energy performance, this song became an instant classic, showcasing Richie Sambora's powerful guitar work. Our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Livin' on a Prayer" focuses on key techniques such as power chords, alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato. These essential techniques will not only help you nail the song but also expand your versatility and expression as a guitarist. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Key Techniques in "Livin' on a Prayer"

Power Chords

Power chords are a foundational element of the rhythm guitar parts in "Livin' on a Prayer." These two-note or three-note chords provide the song with its driving, rock-solid energy, particularly in the verses and choruses. Power chords are simple to play, but they are extremely effective in delivering a big, full sound without the complexity of traditional chord shapes. Sambora uses power chords to create a rhythmic and harmonic foundation that perfectly supports the vocals and synths in the song.

For guitarists, mastering power chords is crucial. They are used in countless rock and metal songs due to their simplicity and punchy sound. Learning how to switch between power chords quickly and smoothly will improve your rhythm guitar playing and make your performances sound more polished and professional.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is featured throughout the song, especially in the verses and the iconic intro riff. This technique involves picking notes in an alternating up-and-down motion, which allows for faster and more precise playing. In "Livin' on a Prayer," alternate picking helps keep the guitar parts tight and rhythmically precise, even during the faster sections of the song.

Mastering alternate picking is essential for any guitarist who wants to play with speed and control. It improves your ability to play complex riffs and lead lines with clarity and consistency, which is especially important in a song like "Livin' on a Prayer," where tight timing is key to the song's powerful groove.

String Bending

String bending is a major part of Richie Sambora's lead guitar style, and it's used to great effect in the guitar solo of "Livin' on a Prayer." String bending allows you to bend a note up in pitch by pushing the string across the fretboard. Sambora uses this technique to create expressive, vocal-like sounds in his solos, making his playing more emotional and dynamic.

For guitarists, learning to bend strings accurately is essential for creating solos that sound natural and expressive. Proper string bending adds a level of depth and feeling to your playing that simple note changes can’t achieve. This lesson will guide you through mastering string bending so that your solos are both in tune and full of emotion.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another expressive technique used by Sambora in "Livin' on a Prayer." Vibrato involves slightly varying the pitch of a note by oscillating the fretting hand, adding depth and emotion to sustained notes. Sambora uses vibrato to give his solos and riffs a sense of life and movement, particularly in the soaring lead lines during the song's bridge and outro.

Learning vibrato is essential for any guitarist looking to add expressiveness to their playing. This technique allows you to control the texture and tone of each note, making your solos sound more polished and professional. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute vibrato correctly, giving your playing more character and emotional resonance.

About the Guitarist: Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora is one of rock’s most influential guitarists, known for his melodic style, powerful riffs, and emotive solos. As Bon Jovi's lead guitarist, Sambora helped define the sound of '80s rock, blending technical proficiency with a keen sense of melody. His work on "Livin' on a Prayer" demonstrates his ability to balance catchy rhythm parts with lead guitar that elevates the entire track. By learning this song, you'll gain insight into Sambora’s unique approach to songwriting and soloing, which continues to inspire guitarists around the world.

Conclusion

"Livin' on a Prayer" is a must-learn song for any aspiring rock guitarist. From its iconic intro to its explosive choruses, the song is packed with powerful guitar techniques that every player should master. Richie Sambora’s guitar work on this track showcases the perfect balance of rhythm and lead, blending power chords, alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato to create a timeless rock anthem.

In our note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll not only learn how to play the song from start to finish, but you’ll also develop key skills that will enhance your overall guitar playing. Whether you’re a fan of Bon Jovi or looking to expand your rock repertoire, this lesson will help you play like a pro and add these essential techniques to your toolbox.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to tackle other rock classics with ease, ensuring that your guitar playing is both expressive and technically sound.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato