Every Rose Has Its Thorn - Poison

Learn to Play Poison’s Classic Ballad

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison is one of the most iconic power ballads of the 1980s. Released in 1988 on their album Open Up and Say... Ahh!, the song is a perfect blend of melodic guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. This lesson from Licklibrary.com breaks down every note, chord, and solo so you can master the song just like C.C. DeVille played it.

Our lesson focuses on essential techniques that will improve your overall playing ability while allowing you to capture the emotion and feel of this legendary track. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skill set or an experienced player aiming to refine your phrasing, this lesson has something valuable to offer. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist - C.C. DeVille

C.C. DeVille, the lead guitarist of Poison, is known for his high-energy playing, melodic solos, and ability to blend hard rock with bluesy influences. His work on "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" showcases his ability to craft expressive, memorable solos that enhance the song’s emotional weight. DeVille's style combines elements of classic rock, glam metal, and blues, making him an influential figure in the late ‘80s rock scene. His signature use of bends, vibrato, and melodic phrasing make this song an excellent study piece for any guitarist.

Key Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Fingerpicking

The intro and verse sections of "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" are played using fingerpicking rather than a pick. This technique allows for a softer, more expressive sound, ideal for acoustic ballads. Learning fingerpicking will help you develop independence between your thumb and fingers, improving your ability to play intricate patterns with a natural, fluid feel.

Chord Progressions

The song features a straightforward but effective chord progression that supports the vocal melody beautifully. Understanding how these chords work together will improve your ability to construct and recognise progressions in other songs, making composition and improvisation much easier.

Slides

Throughout the lead parts, DeVille employs slides to transition smoothly between notes, adding a singing quality to the guitar lines. Practicing slides enhances finger control and phrasing, allowing you to create more expressive, connected melodies.

String Bending

One of the most expressive techniques in the solo is string bending. This allows notes to reach a higher pitch smoothly and is essential for adding emotion to lead playing. Mastering this technique will improve your ability to create vocal-like phrasing in your solos.

Vibrato

DeVille’s solos are filled with vibrato, which adds sustain and expression to the notes. A strong vibrato technique helps develop control and individuality in your playing, allowing you to add nuance and feeling to sustained notes.

Double Stops

The solo also includes double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create a fuller, harmonised sound. Learning to play double stops improves coordination and enhances your ability to add layers to your lead playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The melodic phrases in the solo utilise hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, legato runs. Mastering these techniques will help you play faster, smoother licks with minimal picking effort.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verse sections feature arpeggiated chord progressions, which involve picking individual notes from a chord rather than strumming them all at once. This technique helps develop right-hand accuracy and finger independence, making it a valuable skill for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Fingerpicking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

By mastering these techniques through our note-for-note lesson, you'll not only be able to play "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" accurately but also develop skills that will enhance your playing across multiple styles and genres. Start learning today with Licklibrary.com and take your guitar playing to the next level!