Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi

Discover the power and precision behind Bon Jovi's classic rock anthem "Wanted Dead or Alive" with our in-depth guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com. This note-for-note breakdown dives deep into the guitar techniques that define the song, teaching you to capture its signature sound. Whether you're learning to enhance your expressive playing style, refine your rhythm, or add new solo techniques, this lesson will help you replicate Richie Sambora’s unique approach, building skills that will serve you across genres. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players in "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" features the iconic guitar work of Richie Sambora, known for his blues-rock influenced style mixed with intricate fingerpicking and anthemic, melodic solos. Sambora’s contribution to Bon Jovi’s sound helped solidify their place in rock history, bringing complex guitar work into mainstream rock. His versatile playing on this track has inspired countless guitarists worldwide, especially for his use of finger-picking and the way he blends rock energy with a country-western vibe. Learning this song is not only a journey into rock history but also a practical study in expressive guitar playing, where each note and bend brings out emotion and intensity.

Techniques Covered in "Wanted Dead or Alive"

1. Finger-Picking

The intro to "Wanted Dead or Alive" showcases a distinct finger-picking pattern that adds a haunting, open sound to the chords. Finger-picking enhances your control and dexterity, allowing you to play more complex patterns that create depth and texture in your sound. This technique is especially beneficial for developing independence in each finger, which will improve both accuracy and speed in your playing.

2. Open-String Riffs

This song’s opening relies on open-string riffs to create its spacious, iconic sound. Playing open strings provides a ringing tone that fills out the music without added distortion. Mastering open-string riffs will strengthen your timing and rhythm and help you incorporate fuller sounds into your playing, making single notes and chords resonate with more depth.

3. Slides

Throughout "Wanted Dead or Alive," slides play a crucial role in transitioning between notes, especially during solos and fills. Slides allow smooth movement across the fretboard, creating a fluid and connected sound between notes. Practicing slides will improve your hand coordination and help create seamless phrasing, making your solos sound more professional and polished.

4. String Bending

Richie Sambora uses string bending masterfully in this song, adding a vocal quality to his notes, particularly in the solo sections. String bending is essential for any guitarist who wants to add emotion and intensity to their solos. Practicing this technique will build finger strength and control, allowing you to hit precise pitches with ease.

5. Vibrato

In this song, Sambora’s vibrato adds life and character to sustained notes, giving them a rich, singing quality. Vibrato is vital for adding depth and expressiveness to your playing, and it’s a technique that can transform a static note into something captivating. Practicing vibrato improves finger control and can help you develop your unique voice on the guitar.

6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs appear frequently in Sambora’s melodic fills, adding speed and fluidity without relying on picking every note. These techniques are fundamental for creating fast, smooth passages and developing finger independence. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs improves dexterity, making your runs and fills sound fluid and effortless.

7. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song’s verses utilise arpeggiated chord progressions, breaking chords into single notes to create a fuller, more layered sound. Learning to arpeggiate chords enhances finger placement accuracy and lets you play complex patterns that create more intricate arrangements. This technique is excellent for adding dimension to your chord progressions and improving finger control.

8. Harmonics

To add a touch of ethereal sound, "Wanted Dead or Alive" also uses harmonics on various notes. Harmonics create bell-like tones that add depth to any piece. Practicing harmonics will refine your touch and accuracy, helping you add unique sounds to your playing and understand the physics of the guitar better.

9. Barre Chords

Barre chords are fundamental to Sambora’s rhythm playing in this track. Mastering barre chords is essential for any guitarist, allowing you to play movable shapes up and down the fretboard. Barre chords build hand strength, enabling you to play cleaner and more robust chords across various musical styles.

10. Unison Bends

In Sambora’s solo work, unison bends are used to create an intense, harmonised sound. This technique involves bending one string to match the pitch of another, producing a resonant and piercing tone. Practicing unison bends will improve your ear for pitch and finger strength, adding a powerful tool for dramatic, high-energy solos.

Guitar Techniques List

• Vibrato
• Finger-Picking
• Open-String Riffs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Barre Chords
• Unison Bends

By studying each of these techniques, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what makes "Wanted Dead or Alive" a timeless rock anthem and elevate your own guitar skills in the process. This lesson not only lets you play along with one of rock's greatest songs but also enhances your playing toolkit, preparing you for a wide range of musical styles and expressions.