More Than Words by Extreme

Extreme’s “More Than Words” is one of the most iconic acoustic ballads of all time, showcasing masterful guitar work that perfectly complements its heartfelt lyrics. At Licklibrary.com, we bring you an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson that breaks down every nuance of this classic track. Whether you're looking to master the song’s intricate fingerpicking or understand its unique chord voicings, this lesson will elevate your acoustic playing skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "More Than Words"

Nuno Bettencourt, the lead guitarist of Extreme, is widely recognized for his exceptional technique, blending rock, funk, and classical influences. While Extreme is known for their energetic and virtuosic electric guitar work, “More Than Words” highlights Nuno’s incredible acoustic finesse. His percussive finger-style technique and smooth transitions between chords create a full, rich sound with just one guitar. Learning from Bettencourt’s style will not only improve your fingerpicking but also enhance your sense of rhythm and dynamics.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Fingerpicking

This song relies heavily on an intricate finger-picking pattern that creates a delicate, flowing feel. Mastering this technique will help you develop greater control over individual strings and improve coordination between your picking-hand fingers.

Percussive Slaps and Rhythmic Accents

Nuno Bettencourt incorporates subtle percussive slaps into the playing, adding a unique groove to the song. This technique enhances rhythmic precision and teaches players how to add depth and dynamics to their acoustic playing.

Chord Progressions

The song features beautifully voiced chord progressions that add richness to its sound. Learning these progressions will help guitarists expand their chord vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of harmonic movement.

Travis Picking

The alternating bass-note picking style found in “More Than Words” is a classic example of Travis picking. This technique is essential for developing independence between the thumb and fingers, a crucial skill for acoustic players.

Slides

Nuno uses slides to transition smoothly between chord shapes, adding a fluid and expressive quality to the playing. Mastering slides helps improve finger agility and note connection, making your playing sound more natural and effortless.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs are embedded within the picking patterns to create smooth note transitions. These techniques enhance speed and legato phrasing, making your playing more fluid and expressive.

Barre Chords

A strong grasp of barre chords is crucial for playing “More Than Words” accurately. The song uses various barre chord shapes that require hand strength and precision. Practicing these will enhance endurance and finger positioning across the fretboard.

Sustain and Dynamics

A major part of this song’s beauty lies in its emotional delivery, achieved through effective sustain and dynamic control. Learning to manage note length and volume variations will add expressiveness to your acoustic performances.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-picking
• Chord progressions
• Travis picking
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Barre chords
• Sustain

By learning “More Than Words” with our step-by-step lesson, you’ll not only master a classic song but also enhance your overall guitar technique, adding finesse and musicality to your playing. Dive in now and start perfecting this acoustic masterpiece!