"Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi - Guitar Lesson Overview

"Wanted Dead or Alive" is one of Bon Jovi's most iconic songs, featuring an instantly recognizable acoustic intro and powerful electric guitar work. Richie Sambora’s distinctive playing is filled with memorable techniques that shape the sound of this timeless rock anthem. Our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Wanted Dead or Alive" focuses on four essential techniques: power chords, pinched harmonics, alternate picking, and string bending. These techniques will not only help you play the song accurately but also improve your overall guitar playing and mastery of classic rock guitar techniques. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Key Techniques in "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song's rhythm parts, particularly during the electric sections. Power chords are made up of just two or three notes (root and fifth, sometimes with an octave), making them both simple and powerful. Sambora uses power chords to deliver the song's driving force, especially during the choruses, giving the track a strong, authoritative sound without needing complex chord shapes.

For guitarists, power chords are essential. They are the cornerstone of many rock and metal songs, offering a robust and dynamic sound while keeping things straightforward. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use power chords to add depth and energy to your playing, ensuring that you can transition smoothly between different song sections with confidence.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are one of the standout techniques in the electric guitar solo of "Wanted Dead or Alive." Pinched harmonics are produced by lightly brushing the thumb against the string immediately after picking it, creating a high-pitched, squealing sound. Sambora employs this technique to add flair and expressiveness to his solos, making certain notes leap out with piercing intensity.

Mastering pinched harmonics takes practice, but it is a valuable tool for any lead guitarist looking to add a unique edge to their playing. By learning how Sambora integrates pinched harmonics into his solos, you’ll discover how to bring out these squealing notes to elevate your soloing and grab your listener's attention.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is used throughout "Wanted Dead or Alive," particularly during the acoustic 12-string guitar intro and the more complex picking patterns in the electric guitar sections. Alternate picking involves picking in a strict up-and-down motion, providing fluidity and precision to fast or intricate passages.

For guitarists, alternate picking is a must-know technique, especially when playing songs that feature rapid string changes or require precise timing. This lesson will guide you through mastering alternate picking, ensuring that you can maintain accuracy and speed while playing Sambora’s signature riffs.

String Bending

String bending is a key expressive technique that Sambora uses throughout "Wanted Dead or Alive," especially in the guitar solo. String bending allows you to “bend” a note up in pitch by pushing or pulling the string across the fretboard, creating a smooth, vocal-like transition between notes. Sambora uses this technique to great effect, allowing him to add emotional nuance to his lead playing.

Learning how to execute string bends accurately will improve your lead guitar skills by giving you the ability to add expressiveness and emotion to your solos. In this lesson, we’ll show you how to bend strings effectively, ensuring that your bends are in tune and packed with feeling.

About the Guitarist: Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora, the longtime guitarist for Bon Jovi, played a pivotal role in crafting the band’s signature sound. His blend of melodic acoustic work, searing lead guitar, and impeccable timing helped propel Bon Jovi to global stardom. "Wanted Dead or Alive" showcases his versatility, with a smooth transition from the acoustic 12-string intro to the gritty, emotive electric guitar solo. Learning Sambora's style and techniques will give you insight into how he creates a balanced blend of precision and feel, allowing you to capture the essence of his playing in your own performances.

Conclusion

"Wanted Dead or Alive" is a classic song that showcases Richie Sambora’s mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar playing. From the iconic 12-string intro to the searing electric guitar solo, Sambora uses techniques like power chords, pinched harmonics, alternate picking, and string bending to create a memorable and powerful performance.

In this note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll not only learn how to play the song in its entirety but also gain valuable skills that will enhance your overall guitar playing. Whether you're a fan of Bon Jovi or simply looking to improve your rock guitar chops, this lesson will provide you with the tools and techniques to play like a pro.

By the end of the lesson, you'll have a solid understanding of how to apply these techniques in your own playing, making you a more versatile and expressive guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Pinched Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending