Learn to Play "Lights" by Journey
Journey's classic hit "Lights" is a quintessential example of rock balladry, featuring emotive melodies, dynamic rhythms, and tasteful guitar work. Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Lights" offers players the opportunity to master the song exactly as it was performed, focusing on the unique techniques used throughout the track. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or a seasoned guitarist seeking to perfect your interpretation, this lesson provides detailed guidance on key techniques that will elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track on this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Guitar Techniques Highlighted in "Lights"
String Bending
String bending is one of the key techniques used throughout "Lights," helping to bring out the soulful, expressive quality of the lead guitar lines. Bends allow the guitarist to smoothly transition between notes, adding emotional depth to each phrase. In our lesson, you'll learn how to control the pitch of your bends, ensuring they are in tune and musically impactful. Mastering string bending will improve your finger strength and dexterity, enabling you to incorporate more emotion into your solos and melodic lines.
Vibrato
Another fundamental technique featured in "Lights" is vibrato. Steve Perry's powerful vocal performance is mirrored in the guitar parts, which are full of rich, singing vibrato. Our lesson breaks down the proper finger positioning and movement needed to produce a controlled, wide vibrato, which will add character to your notes and help sustain them. This technique not only enhances your musicality but also gives your playing a more professional, polished feel.
Alternate Picking
Journey's rhythm parts in "Lights" feature tight, precise picking patterns, many of which use alternate picking. This technique, where the guitarist alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes, is essential for maintaining speed and accuracy, especially in more rhythmically complex sections. Our lesson focuses on building this skill, teaching you how to alternate pick cleanly and efficiently, improving your timing and enabling you to tackle faster passages with ease.
Learn more about alternate picking.
Arpeggios
The arpeggiated chord progressions in "Lights" are a signature element of the song, giving it a smooth, flowing feel. Arpeggios involve playing the individual notes of a chord in sequence, and this technique is crucial for adding texture to your playing. Our lesson will show you how to accurately finger and articulate these arpeggios, which will help you develop a stronger sense of chord structure and fluidity on the fretboard.
Slides
Slides are a subtle but effective technique used to connect notes and phrases throughout the song. They add a smooth, legato feel to transitions and can help you move between positions on the neck seamlessly. In "Lights," slides are used to enhance both the melodic and rhythmic sections, and our lesson will demonstrate how to execute clean, controlled slides to make your playing sound more connected and polished.
Power Chords
Journey's music often incorporates strong, foundational power chords, and "Lights" is no exception. These chords are essential for creating a solid rhythmic foundation in rock music. Our lesson covers the proper fingering and muting techniques required to play power chords clearly and with authority. Once you master this technique, you'll be able to add a punchy, powerful element to your rhythm playing.
Learn more about power chords.
About the Guitarists in "Lights"
The original guitar work on "Lights" was performed by Journey's lead guitarist, Neal Schon. Schon's guitar style is characterised by his melodic phrasing, technical prowess, and ability to blend rock and blues influences seamlessly. Throughout his career, Schon has been known for his soulful approach to guitar playing, often crafting solos that serve the song rather than showcasing technical flashiness. His work on "Lights" is a perfect example of this approach, featuring tasteful bends, vibrato, and lyrical solos that complement the vocal melody.
Schon's influence as a guitarist extends beyond Journey, having worked with artists like Carlos Santana and contributing to the evolution of arena rock guitar. His signature sound—combining bluesy bends, melodic phrasing, and emotive vibrato—has inspired countless guitarists around the world.
Guitar Techniques Used in "Lights" Lessons
By learning these techniques through our in-depth lesson on "Lights," you'll not only master the song itself but also develop a skill set that will enhance your overall guitar playing. Whether you're focusing on perfecting your bends, increasing your picking speed, or building a solid rhythmic foundation with power chords, this lesson has something for every guitarist looking to improve. Dive into the world of Journey, and bring Schon's signature style to your playing!
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...