Learn to Play "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson on Guitar

Embark on a musical journey with Licklibrary's comprehensive guitar lesson on "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson. This song is not just an iconic part of pop music history, but it's also a masterpiece that features a blend of aggressive rock tones and compelling guitar techniques. Our detailed course breaks down the song note for note, focusing on key guitar techniques such as slides, vibrato, string bending, and palm muting. Whether you're looking to master Michael Jackson's hits or enhance your guitar skills, this lesson from Danny Gill caters to both.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Dirty Diana"

Slides

A slide is when you move from one fret to another on the same string, maintaining pressure on the string as you go. This technique adds a smooth, flowing sound to melodies. In "Dirty Diana," slides are used to connect phrases seamlessly, giving the song its slick, melodic transitions.

Vibrato

Vibrato involves slightly vibrating the finger on a string that's already being pressed down to a fret, creating a pulsating, expressive sound. This technique is crucial in "Dirty Diana" for adding emotion and depth to sustained notes, enhancing the dramatic effect of the song.

String Bending

String bending is a technique where the string is stretched sideways across the fretboard, raising its pitch. In "Dirty Diana," bending is used to reach emotional peaks and add intensity to the guitar solos, reflecting the song's passionate lyrics.

Palm Muting

Palm muting involves resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing, which produces a muted, percussive sound. This technique is featured in the rhythmic sections of "Dirty Diana," providing a driving, controlled backdrop to the more explosive lead elements.

The Guitarist Behind "Dirty Diana"

The guitar work on "Dirty Diana" was famously performed by Steve Stevens, best known as Billy Idol’s right-hand man. Stevens’ contribution to the song is marked by his dynamic playing style and inventive use of effects, which helped cement the track’s place in rock and pop crossover history. His ability to meld rock guitar virtuosity with pop sensibilities made the guitar solos in "Dirty Diana" both unique and memorable, influencing countless guitarists to explore genre-blending techniques.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By focusing on the techniques used in "Dirty Diana," guitarists can gain versatility in their playing. Learning slides and vibrato can significantly enhance expressiveness in any genre. Mastering string bending and palm muting offers the ability to add texture and rhythm to your playing, making your performances more dynamic and engaging.

Conclusion

"Dity Diana" is a testament to Michael Jackson's versatility and Steve Stevens' guitar prowess. Through Licklibrary’s detailed lesson, guitarists not only get to play this iconic song but also enhance their technique and expressive capabilities. Join us to unlock new aspects of your guitar playing, guided by the song’s compelling fusion of pop and rock elements.

List of Guitar Techniques in Our Lessons

• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Palm Muting

By the end of this course, you will have not only learned how to play "Dirty Diana" with precision but also incorporated essential guitar techniques into your repertoire, making you a more skilled and expressive player.