Yesterdays by Guns N’ Roses
Song Overview
"Yesterdays," a standout track by Guns N’ Roses, encapsulates the band's ability to deliver powerful ballads with emotional depth and intricate guitar work. Featured on their 1991 album Use Your Illusion II, the song is a blend of evocative lyrics and masterful instrumentation. Guitarists Slash and Izzy Stradlin crafted a guitar arrangement that is both accessible and expressive, making it a fantastic song to learn for players looking to hone their skills in technique and musicality. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitarists
Slash, known for his distinctive style and soulful playing, is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His approach combines melodic phrasing, emotive bends, and virtuosic solos, which shine in "Yesterdays." Izzy Stradlin, on the other hand, brought a rhythm-driven sensibility, providing the perfect foundation for Slash's lead work. Together, their interplay creates a rich and dynamic guitar landscape, making Guns N’ Roses’ sound instantly recognisable.
Guitar Techniques Explored in "Yesterdays"
This lesson dissects the key techniques that make "Yesterdays" a guitar masterclass in expressive rock playing. By learning these techniques, players will not only master the song but also expand their overall guitar proficiency.
Chord Progressions
"Yesterdays" relies on beautifully constructed chord progressions that form the backbone of the song. These progressions are crucial for developing your understanding of harmony and how chords can be used to convey emotion in music. Mastering this element will improve your rhythm playing and help you compose your own songs.
Learn more about chord progressions here.
Slides
Slides feature prominently in the melodic lead lines of "Yesterdays." This technique allows for smooth transitions between notes, adding fluidity and expression to your playing. Practicing slides improves finger control and can make your solos sound more polished and professional.
String Bending
The song’s expressive licks heavily utilise string bending to create tension and release. Bending is a cornerstone of expressive guitar playing, allowing you to mimic the vocal quality of the human voice. Perfecting bends will significantly enhance your lead guitar skills.
Learn more about string bending here.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
The solo section employs hammer-ons and pull-offs to deliver rapid note sequences with a legato feel. These techniques are vital for achieving speed and smoothness in your lead playing while maintaining control and precision.
Learn more about hammer-ons here.
Learn more about pull-offs here.
Vibrato
Slash’s signature vibrato adds a touch of emotion to every sustained note. Vibrato gives life to your playing by creating a subtle oscillation in pitch, making your solos more expressive and engaging.
Learn more about vibrato here.
Arpeggios
The track features arpeggiated chord passages that highlight each note in a chord, creating a delicate and intricate texture. Practicing arpeggios enhances your understanding of chord shapes and note placement across the fretboard.
Learn more about arpeggios here.
Double Stops
The lesson also delves into double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. These create a fuller sound and add harmonic depth to your playing. Double stops are a versatile technique that can be used in rhythm and lead contexts.
Learn more about double stops here.
Benefits of Learning "Yesterdays"
By studying "Yesterdays," you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to blend rhythm and lead playing seamlessly. This lesson equips you with techniques that are applicable across multiple genres, enhances your expressiveness as a guitarist, and provides insights into the iconic playing styles of Slash and Izzy Stradlin. Whether you’re focusing on emotional solos or foundational rhythm work, this track offers something for every player.
Guitar Techniques in the Lesson
Here’s a list of techniques covered in this lesson, with links for further exploration:
Dive into this detailed lesson and unlock the secrets behind one of Guns N’ Roses’ most memorable ballads.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...