Wicked Sensation by George Lynch
Discover the power and finesse behind George Lynch’s signature guitar work in Wicked Sensation with LickLibrary’s in-depth note-for-note lesson. This masterclass dives deep into the captivating guitar parts that define this hard rock anthem, breaking down every riff, solo, and technique that make the track a must-learn for aspiring rock and metal guitarists. Whether you're aiming to replicate Lynch’s tone or expand your technique toolkit, this lesson delivers the tools you need to level up. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and the Guitarist
Wicked Sensation is the title track from the 1990 debut album of Lynch Mob, the band formed by legendary guitarist George Lynch following his tenure with Dokken. Known for his aggressive tone, expressive phrasing, and unique blend of bluesy soul and metal precision, George Lynch carved a distinctive place in the pantheon of guitar heroes.
On Wicked Sensation, Lynch showcases a dynamic range of techniques and stylistic choices that fuse groove-laden rhythm guitar with virtuosic lead work. His guitar playing is aggressive yet tasteful, blending feel and flash with sophisticated harmonic choices. The track’s thick riffs and fiery solos are a showcase of Lynch’s unmatched musical vocabulary.
George Lynch’s influence spans generations of guitarists. His work with both Dokken and Lynch Mob laid a foundational blueprint for 80s and 90s rock and metal guitar playing. His sound is instantly recognisable—equal parts raw attitude and technical prowess.
Guitar Techniques in Wicked Sensation
The Wicked Sensation guitar lesson provides a goldmine of techniques, all taught in detail with on-screen notation and close-up camera work to ensure clarity and accuracy. Below is a breakdown of the main techniques covered in the lesson and how they benefit your playing:
String Bending
Lynch uses expressive string bending throughout the solos, often pushing the limits of pitch and sustain to create emotional intensity. Mastering string bending allows guitarists to play with vocal-like phrasing, making lead lines more expressive and dynamic.
Pinched Harmonics
The song features signature Lynch squeals—high-pitched overtones created with pinched harmonics. Learning this technique helps players add edge and aggression to their solos, a staple of hard rock and metal guitar.
Vibrato
Lynch's vibrato technique is wide and controlled, adding emotional depth to his solos. Developing this skill enhances note sustain and overall musicality, especially when holding bends.
Palm Muting
The song’s heavy riffs are tight and percussive, thanks to effective use of palm muting. This technique is essential for adding punch to rhythm parts and improving right-hand control.
Alternate Picking
Lynch’s quick runs and riff articulation are anchored in clean alternate picking. Practicing this builds speed and precision, two key aspects of professional-level playing.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
These techniques are employed in fast legato runs that add fluidity to solos. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs allows guitarists to create seamless phrases and increase speed without excessive picking.
Slides
Gritty slides between notes enhance the blues-rock feel of the track. Slides improve fretboard navigation and give phrasing a smoother, more expressive quality.
Unison Bends
The solo work features unison bends, adding a dramatic, vocal-like sound. Learning this technique improves pitch control and bend accuracy.
Double Stop Bends
Lynch uses double stop bends to emphasise aggressive moments in the solo. This technique helps guitarists play harmonised bends and adds thickness to leads.
Legato
Rapid-fire phrases throughout the solo are often executed using legato, a technique that smooths out runs by minimising picking. It increases speed and fluidity across multiple strings.
Dive Bombs
The use of the whammy bar for dramatic dive bombs adds flair and chaos to Lynch’s solos. This technique injects wild expression and is great for learning whammy bar control.
Tapped Harmonics
Tapped harmonics are another of Lynch’s signature tools, creating bell-like tones during melodic passages. Mastering them sharpens harmonic awareness and touch sensitivity.
Rakes
George Lynch’s aggressive style often incorporates rakes to add rhythmic tension before hitting target notes. Raking improves timing and adds intensity to solos.
Power Chords
The meat of the rhythm guitar parts lies in chunky power chords, essential for any rock guitarist. Learning them strengthens your rhythm foundation and helps in building solid rock riffs.
Conclusion
The Wicked Sensation guitar lesson is not only a journey into the genius of George Lynch’s playing but also a practical masterclass in essential rock guitar techniques. Each element—from the searing lead lines to the crushing rhythm work—teaches you to play with more feel, precision, and authority.
Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to break through to advanced lead playing, or a seasoned player studying George Lynch’s iconic style, this lesson offers hours of valuable content that will transform your playing. Dive into one of hard rock’s most exciting guitar tracks and absorb the techniques that made George Lynch a legend.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
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