Big Bad Moon by Joe Satriani

"Big Bad Moon" by Joe Satriani is a true powerhouse of rock guitar, blending a mix of heavy blues and innovative guitar techniques. In this comprehensive guitar lesson, we will take a deep dive into the techniques and skills required to master this iconic track. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just beginning, this lesson will enhance your understanding of Satriani’s style and significantly improve your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Satriani track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Joe Satriani and the Song

Joe Satriani is a legendary figure in the world of guitar playing, known for his technical prowess and ability to create melodic yet complex compositions. "Big Bad Moon," from his 1989 album Flying in a Blue Dream, showcases his talent for combining blues-inspired riffs with modern rock elements.

In this song, Satriani delivers a gritty, bluesy performance with fiery guitar solos and a powerful rhythm that is both accessible and awe-inspiring for guitarists of all levels. This song stands out for its creative use of harmonics, string bending, and intricate legato phrasing. Learning "Big Bad Moon" is not only an opportunity to master technical skills but also to understand the musicality of a guitarist who has influenced players worldwide.

Guitar Techniques in "Big Bad Moon"

1. String Bending

String bending is used throughout "Big Bad Moon" to add an expressive, vocal-like quality to the guitar phrases. Satriani expertly bends strings to reach different pitch intervals, creating a dynamic and emotional feel in his solos.

Benefits: Mastering string bending enhances your control over pitch and helps you develop a more expressive lead guitar style. It’s especially useful in rock and blues, where feel and emotion are crucial.

2. Pinched Harmonics

Satriani’s use of pinched harmonics in this track adds a biting edge to his tone, cutting through the mix with sharp, squealing notes. This technique is particularly prominent in the solo sections.

Benefits: Pinched harmonics allow for dramatic tonal shifts and give your playing an aggressive flair. It’s perfect for rock and metal genres, making solos more distinctive and engaging.

3. Legato

Satriani employs legato runs in many of his solos, utilizing hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, fluid passages. The legato technique is essential for the fast melodic lines that Satriani is known for.

Benefits: Practicing legato helps you achieve speed and fluidity in your playing while maintaining clarity and precision in your note execution. It also reduces the amount of picking required, leading to a more seamless playing style.

4. Alternate Picking

The rhythm sections in "Big Bad Moon" heavily utilise alternate picking, allowing Satriani to create tight, fast-paced riffs.

Benefits: Alternate picking improves your speed, accuracy, and efficiency when playing both rhythm and lead parts. It’s a fundamental technique for any aspiring rock guitarist.

5. Vibrato

Satriani’s use of vibrato adds a dramatic, emotive quality to his notes, particularly in the slower sections of the solo. His signature wide vibrato gives his playing a distinct sound.

Benefits: Learning vibrato improves your ability to sustain and enrich notes, making your lead guitar playing more expressive and personal.

6. Whammy Bar Tricks

One of the standout elements in "Big Bad Moon" is Satriani’s use of the whammy bar to perform dives, bends, and other whammy bar tricks. These techniques give the track its otherworldly, dynamic feel.

Benefits: Whammy bar tricks expand your tonal range and allow you to explore new sonic textures. This is ideal for players looking to add drama and flair to their solos.

7. Double Stop Bends

Satriani frequently incorporates double-stop bends, particularly in the main riffs of "Big Bad Moon." These bends allow him to create harmonised, full-sounding phrases that add richness to the melody.

Benefits: Mastering double-stop bends is essential for developing more harmonically interesting guitar lines. It adds a layer of depth to your solos and rhythm playing.

8. Palm Muting

Throughout the track, palm muting is used to create a tight, percussive rhythm during the verses. Palm muting adds definition and control, especially in heavier rock and metal styles.

Benefits: Palm muting allows you to control dynamics, adding punch and clarity to your rhythm playing. It’s a vital skill for creating the kind of rhythmic precision found in "Big Bad Moon."

9. Bluesy Bends

Blues influences are woven throughout "Big Bad Moon," and Satriani’s use of bluesy bends is a perfect example of this. These bends give the song its soulful, raw feel.

Benefits: Incorporating bluesy bends into your playing helps you build emotional depth and an authentic blues-rock sound, essential for any well-rounded guitarist.

10. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The song includes several instances of hammer-ons and pull-offs to execute rapid, smooth note transitions, particularly in the faster solo sections.

Benefits: These techniques improve your speed and dexterity, making your playing more fluid and allowing you to transition between notes effortlessly.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson:

• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Legato
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Double Stop Bends
• Palm Muting
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-ons

By focusing on these techniques, this lesson will not only help you learn "Big Bad Moon" but also build a strong foundation for mastering rock guitar. Each technique is crucial for developing both your lead and rhythm guitar skills, making you a more versatile player.

Guitar Techniques List

Enhance your guitar skills by exploring more techniques through our lessons. Here is a list of techniques used in our various tutorials, each linked to a detailed glossary page for further learning:

• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Legato
• Slides

For those looking to broaden their guitar technique repertoire, consider delving into other methods such as vibrato or tapped harmonics available through our comprehensive lessons.

By focusing on these techniques, not only will you be able to play "Big Bad Moon" with authenticity and flair, but you'll also have acquired skills that can be applied to a vast array of musical pieces and genres. Join us at Licklibrary.com to embark on this musical journey filled with growth and guitar mastery!