Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Guns N' Roses

Learn to Play "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" - Note for Note

Guns N' Roses’ version of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door is an iconic rock ballad that showcases emotive lead guitar work, soaring melodies, and classic rock rhythm playing. Originally written by Bob Dylan, GNR’s rendition adds powerful electric guitar phrasing and expressive soloing, making it a fantastic track to learn for intermediate players looking to improve their lead and rhythm guitar skills.

In this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com, you’ll master the essential techniques used by Slash and the band to create the song’s distinct sound. This lesson covers everything from the expressive bends and melodic phrasing to the rhythm guitar foundation that supports the lead work. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"

String Bending

Slash is known for his expressive string bending, and this song features a variety of bends, including bluesy bends that add to the vocal-like quality of the solos. Mastering bends helps develop pitch accuracy and emotional expression in your lead playing.

Vibrato

A signature aspect of Slash’s playing, vibrato is essential in this song. His wide, controlled vibrato gives sustain and depth to each note, making solos sound more dynamic and expressive.

Slides

The lead guitar lines in Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door use slides to connect phrases smoothly. Learning this technique will help improve fluidity in your playing, making transitions between notes and phrases more seamless.

Alternate Picking

Some of the faster licks in the solos require precise alternate picking for speed and articulation. Practicing this technique will enhance picking accuracy and improve overall speed and efficiency.

Double Stops

The song incorporates double stops in its lead guitar phrases, adding a fuller, richer sound to the melody. This technique is a great way to build a harmonised lead sound and strengthen finger coordination.

Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar in Knockin' On Heaven's Door is built around simple but effective chord progressions. These progressions provide a strong foundation for soloing and help players develop a sense of timing and musical structure.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

To create smooth melodic passages, the solos include hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques improve finger dexterity and allow for faster, more fluid playing.

Unison Bends

This song also features unison bends, a technique where two strings are played together with one being bent to match the pitch of the other. This technique is great for creating a thick, harmonised lead tone.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

Slash’s Influence

Slash’s guitar playing in Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door is one of his most memorable performances. His melodic phrasing, expressive bends, and signature vibrato make this solo instantly recognisable. Slash’s influence extends across generations, inspiring guitarists with his blues-infused rock style and effortless ability to create emotional solos.

Izzy Stradlin’s Rhythm Work

Izzy Stradlin provides the backbone of the song with his solid rhythm playing. His use of open chords and dynamic strumming enhances the song’s rich, full sound. Learning his rhythm techniques will improve timing and groove, essential for any guitarist looking to play in a band setting.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Unison Bends

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door note for note, but you’ll also gain valuable skills that can be applied to countless other rock and blues solos.

Start learning this classic track today with LickLibrary.com and take your lead guitar playing to the next level!