Learn "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News with LickLibrary

Dive into the iconic sound of the 80s with LickLibrary’s detailed guitar tutorial for "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. This song, known for its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, is not just a pop anthem but a showcase of fundamental guitar techniques that can enhance any guitarist’s skills. Our tutorial focuses on teaching you how to master double stops, power chords, palm muting, and vibrato—each integral to replicating the energetic sound of this classic track. This song is taught by Sam Bell.

Essential Guitar Techniques in "The Power of Love"

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously and are a key feature in creating the rich, layered guitar sounds in "The Power of Love." This technique adds a fuller, more harmonic richness to the rhythm sections and can be used to enhance melodies in your own compositions. Mastering double stops can help you make your playing sound more robust and melodically interesting.

Power Chords

Power chords are a staple of rock and pop music and form the foundation of many guitar riffs, including those in "The Power of Love." These chords produce a thick, controlled sound that drives the track’s dynamic rhythm section. Learning power chords is essential for any guitarist looking to play rock or pop music, as they provide a solid base from which to build more complex arrangements.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a key technique used in this song to vary the guitar's tone and attack, giving certain parts a muted, percussive sound. This technique is crucial for controlling the dynamic and feel of a song, making your rhythm playing more nuanced and expressive. It's particularly effective in verses and softer sections, where controlling volume and texture is key.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds expression and sustain to single notes and chords. In "The Power of Love," vibrato is used to enhance the ends of phrases and make the guitar parts more vibrant and alive. This technique is essential for injecting emotion and personality into your playing, making notes sound more interesting and full-bodied.

The Guitar Work of Chris Hayes

Chris Hayes, the lead guitarist for Huey Lewis and the News, plays a crucial role in defining the band’s sound with his clean, articulate, and melodic guitar playing. His work on "The Power of Love" showcases his ability to blend rock and pop elements seamlessly, creating memorable and influential guitar parts that resonate with musicians and fans alike. Learning his parts gives you insight into effective pop-rock guitar playing and how to make guitar lines pop within the context of a band.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Engaging with these guitar techniques through "The Power of Love" provides several advantages:

  • Enhanced Musical Versatility: These techniques are foundational across various music genres, enhancing your versatility as a musician.
  • Greater Expressive Capacity: Skills like vibrato and double stops expand your expressive toolkit, allowing for more emotional depth in your playing.
  • Improved Rhythm and Timing: Mastering palm muting and power chords can greatly improve your rhythm playing, essential for performing in a band setting.


Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here are the essential techniques you will master in this tutorial, each linked for further exploration:

Join us at LickLibrary to master "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News, and unlock your potential with these essential guitar techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to polish your skills, this lesson will help you develop precision, power, and passion in your guitar playing.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Sam Bell

Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...

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