"I'm Easy" by David Lee Roth - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

"I'm Easy" from David Lee Roth’s Eat 'Em and Smile album is a fast-paced, rock-filled track that showcases flashy guitar work and high-energy riffs. The guitar playing on this song, handled by the legendary Steve Vai, is a perfect blend of precision, technical mastery, and explosive rock attitude. This lesson focuses on some of the key techniques found in "I'm Easy," including string bending, vibrato, double stops, and syncopated rhythms. Each technique plays a significant role in giving the song its unique feel and character. By mastering these elements, you’ll not only be able to nail this song note for note but also build a solid foundation of essential guitar skills. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Techniques Used

String Bending

String bending is one of the core techniques used in "I'm Easy." Steve Vai utilizes bends throughout the solos and lead lines to add emotion and intensity to his playing. This technique involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, allowing for a smooth, vocal-like quality. In this song, string bending is crucial for creating those dynamic, expressive moments that give the solos their melodic flow.

String bending is essential for adding expression to your playing, especially in blues and rock music. It allows you to move between notes in a more vocal and fluid manner, giving your solos an emotional depth. Mastering this technique improves your finger strength and precision, as hitting the correct pitch requires control. String bending will enhance your overall ability to play melodic lead lines that sound rich and full of feeling.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another key component of Steve Vai’s playing in "I'm Easy." Vai uses vibrato to give sustained notes more character, adding a slight oscillation in pitch to create a smooth, flowing sound. This technique helps transform static notes into ones that feel alive, adding warmth and texture to both rhythm and lead guitar parts. In this song, vibrato is especially important during the longer, drawn-out notes in Vai’s soloing sections.

Vibrato adds expressiveness and sustain to your playing, making your notes sound richer and more engaging. This technique enhances your control over pitch and dynamics, giving you the ability to manipulate a note’s feel and emotion. Learning vibrato will greatly improve your phrasing, allowing you to add your own unique touch to solos and melodies. It’s an essential technique for any guitarist looking to play with more depth and sophistication.

Double Stops

Double stops are used throughout "I'm Easy" to add harmonic richness to the lead guitar work. A double stop involves playing two notes simultaneously, either as part of a melody or a riff. Steve Vai uses double stops to thicken up his lead lines, adding layers of harmony to his solos and rhythm sections. This technique gives the song a fuller sound, making it feel bigger and more dynamic.

Double stops are vital for creating a fuller, richer sound in your playing. They allow you to add harmony to your lead lines and riffs, giving your playing a more complete and powerful tone. Mastering double stops will improve your finger independence and coordination, as playing two notes simultaneously requires precise control. This technique is widely used in blues, rock, and country music, and learning it will greatly expand your ability to craft more harmonically interesting guitar parts.

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation is a rhythmic technique used in "I'm Easy" to create off-beat accents and grooves that keep the listener engaged. Syncopated rhythms involve placing emphasis on the weaker beats or between beats, which creates a more dynamic and interesting groove. In this song, syncopation adds an extra layer of complexity to the rhythm guitar parts, making them more unpredictable and exciting.

Mastering syncopated rhythms helps you develop a stronger sense of timing and groove. This technique improves your ability to play with precision while adding rhythmic interest to your playing. Syncopation is widely used in genres like funk, jazz, and rock, making it a versatile skill to have. By incorporating syncopated rhythms into your playing, you’ll be able to craft more dynamic and engaging rhythm parts that stand out.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Steve Vai, the guitar virtuoso behind the electric riffs and solos of "I'm Easy," is one of the most innovative and technically skilled guitarists in rock history. Vai’s approach to the guitar blends technical precision with boundless creativity, making him a perfect fit for David Lee Roth’s flamboyant style. Vai’s contributions to the Eat 'Em and Smile album are full of fast-paced, intricate guitar work that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock guitar playing. His use of string bending, vibrato, double stops, and syncopated rhythms on "I'm Easy" showcase his ability to combine technical mastery with soulful expression. Vai’s influence extends far beyond this track, as he continues to inspire generations of guitarists across multiple genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms

Learning the techniques found in "I'm Easy" will not only help you master this iconic song but also enhance your overall guitar playing. String bending and vibrato will add depth and emotion to your solos, while double stops will improve your harmonic abilities, giving your playing a richer sound. Syncopated rhythms will help you develop a better sense of timing and groove, allowing you to create more dynamic and interesting rhythm parts. By focusing on these key techniques, you’ll be able to take your playing to the next level, gaining the skills and confidence needed to tackle a wide range of musical styles. Dive into this lesson and start building your foundation with one of rock’s most iconic tracks!