My Michelle - Guns N' Roses

Dive into the gritty, energetic world of Guns N' Roses with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson for "My Michelle." This song, featured on the band's seminal Appetite for Destruction album, is a perfect example of the powerful hard rock sound that defined an era. "My Michelle" combines aggressive riffs, blues-inspired bends, and precise rhythm work to create a sound that’s raw, emotional, and impactful. In this lesson, we break down the song into its essential parts, focusing on the techniques that not only bring the song to life but also build essential skills for any rock guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists on "My Michelle"

"My Michelle" showcases the unforgettable guitar work of Slash and Izzy Stradlin. Slash's distinctive lead playing style, with its blues roots and rock edge, blends with Stradlin’s rhythm guitar mastery to form a powerful duo that defined Guns N' Roses' sound. Slash's expressive bends, vibrato, and his knack for melodic solos add an unforgettable character to the song. Izzy's rhythm playing complements this, laying down gritty, tight chord progressions and rhythm parts that anchor the song. Learning their styles will give guitarists insights into the creative interaction between lead and rhythm guitar that Guns N' Roses mastered.

Guitar Techniques in "My Michelle"

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The main riff in "My Michelle" relies on power chords and palm muting, a combination that drives the song with a steady, percussive sound. Power chords are fundamental for any rock player and give the riff its weight and energy. Palm muting, applied to these power chords, adds punch and clarity, creating a tight and aggressive rhythm that keeps the listener engaged. Mastering this pairing helps guitarists develop control and precision, enhancing their rhythm playing significantly.

Vibrato and String Bending

Slash’s lead playing in "My Michelle" is filled with expressive vibrato and string bending techniques. These techniques are used to add emotional depth and sustain to the notes, making the lead parts resonate with intensity. Vibrato helps players develop a stronger sense of control and expression in their solos, while string bending builds strength and pitch accuracy. Both techniques are essential for conveying the emotion and energy of a rock guitar solo.

Bluesy Bends and Pre-Bends

"My Michelle" features Slash’s signature bluesy bends and pre-bends, which add a gritty, soulful character to his solos. Bluesy bends capture the blues influence that underlies much of rock music, and pre-bends add tension and drama to a phrase, creating an exciting dynamic for listeners. These techniques teach guitarists how to use bends creatively to evoke a powerful, raw sound.

Alternate Picking and Syncopated Rhythms

In the faster, riff-based sections of the song, alternate picking and syncopated rhythms are key to maintaining speed and precision. Alternate picking enables fluidity and speed, essential for playing the song's faster passages with clarity. Syncopated rhythms add rhythmic complexity and a sense of movement to the riffs. Practicing these techniques will help guitarists improve timing and pick-hand control, making them more versatile in handling various tempos and styles.

Double-Stop Bends and Octave Melodies

Double-stop bends and octave melodies are also featured in "My Michelle," adding fullness and harmonics to the lead parts. Double-stop bends allow for harmonised notes, producing a thicker, more textured sound, while octave melodies give the solos a haunting, dynamic quality. Learning these techniques will enhance a player’s ability to create layers in their solos, a skill that is invaluable for any lead guitarist.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

Slash’s solos in "My Michelle" are also filled with slides and hammer-ons, which add smooth transitions and fluidity to the phrases. These techniques make the solo sound more connected and melodic, adding to the emotional quality of the playing. Hammer-ons build finger strength and dexterity, while slides give a legato feel to the music, helping guitarists develop smooth phrasing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning these techniques in the context of "My Michelle" offers guitarists a well-rounded toolkit for rock and hard rock playing. Each technique—whether it’s the power and clarity of palm-muted power chords, the expressiveness of vibrato and bending, or the speed and precision of alternate picking—contributes to a player’s versatility and depth. By mastering these techniques, guitarists not only learn a great song but also strengthen their overall playing skills, preparing them for a wide range of musical scenarios.

Guitar Techniques in "My Michelle"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Double-Stop Bends
• Pre-Bends
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Syncopated Rhythms

This comprehensive lesson on "My Michelle" not only teaches you how to play an iconic song but also enhances your guitar skills with essential techniques.