Civil War - Guns N' Roses

Learn to Play "Civil War" by Guns N' Roses - Note for Note

"Civil War" is one of Guns N' Roses' most powerful and emotionally charged songs, combining intricate guitar work with meaningful lyrics. Found on the 1991 album Use Your Illusion II, this song showcases the iconic playing style of lead guitarist Slash, supported by the tight rhythm work of Izzy Stradlin. Our LickLibrary guitar lesson offers a note-for-note breakdown of "Civil War," focusing on the essential techniques that define the song and helping guitarists develop skills that can be applied across a variety of rock and blues genres. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in "Civil War"

Slash & Izzy Stradlin – A Legendary Duo

Slash's melodic lead work and expressive phrasing are on full display in "Civil War." His blues-influenced licks, smooth bends, and emotive vibrato give the song its signature sound. Meanwhile, Izzy Stradlin’s steady rhythm guitar playing provides the foundation, demonstrating how well-crafted chord progressions can drive a song’s dynamics. Together, they create a rich tapestry of sound that every aspiring guitarist should study.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Civil War"

String Bending

This song features a variety of expressive string bends that add emotion and sustain to the lead guitar parts. Learning precise bending techniques helps guitarists enhance their phrasing and create a vocal-like quality in their solos.

Vibrato

Slash’s signature vibrato is present throughout "Civil War," giving sustained notes a natural, expressive sound. Developing a controlled vibrato technique is essential for adding character and depth to solos.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

The lead sections make use of smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for fluid transitions between notes. These techniques enhance speed and articulation, making solos sound more connected and natural.

Alternate Picking

From the opening arpeggiated sections to the faster lead passages, alternate picking ensures precision and speed. Mastering this technique improves overall picking efficiency and clarity.

Double Stops

Several lead lines in "Civil War" include double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously for a fuller sound. Learning to incorporate double stops can help guitarists add harmonic richness to their playing.

Slides

Slide guitar work is prevalent in Slash’s lead playing on "Civil War." This technique is key for achieving smooth transitions between notes and adding a bluesy feel to solos.

Chord Progressions

Izzy Stradlin's rhythm guitar parts are built on strong chord progressions that provide the song’s harmonic structure. Studying these chord movements helps guitarists understand how to construct compelling song arrangements.

Palm Muting

Some sections of "Civil War" make use of palm muting to create dynamic contrast. This technique is crucial for adding punch and rhythmic tightness to riffs and chord progressions.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro of "Civil War" showcases a beautiful arpeggiated chord sequence. Mastering arpeggios helps guitarists improve finger coordination and develop a better understanding of note separation within chords.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Civil War"

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Mastering "Civil War" with LickLibrary's note-for-note lesson will help you refine these essential rock guitar techniques while capturing the essence of Slash’s legendary playing style. Whether you're looking to improve your soloing, rhythm work, or overall guitar expression, this lesson is the perfect way to elevate your playing!