Unskinny Bop - Poison

"Unskinny Bop" by Poison is an essential song for any guitarist looking to dive into classic 80s glam rock. With its infectious rhythm, powerful riffs, and engaging lead work, this song offers a variety of guitar techniques that make it a valuable learning experience. In this detailed guitar lesson, we break down the song note-for-note, giving you the tools and insights needed to master each section. The lesson focuses on core techniques that are used throughout "Unskinny Bop," helping you not only to play the song accurately but to deepen your understanding and skills as a guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this 80s classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

C.C. Deville

The driving force behind Poison’s unmistakable sound in "Unskinny Bop" is the guitar work of C.C. DeVille. Known for his high-energy performances, explosive solos, and mastery of glam rock guitar techniques, DeVille brought an iconic sound to Poison’s music. His style combines elements of bluesy rock, classic rock ‘n’ roll, and heavy metal, making his playing dynamic and colourful. DeVille's influence extends beyond Poison, as his approach inspired a generation of guitarists in the 80s and 90s who embraced the raw, expressive power of glam rock guitar.

Techniques Used in "Unskinny Bop"

Power Chords and Barre Chords

The backbone of the rhythm section in "Unskinny Bop" is rooted in power chords and barre chords. These foundational shapes provide a full, punchy sound that is essential for rock and metal genres. Power chords are perfect for adding depth and power to any riff without complicating the harmony, while barre chords offer more harmonic range, allowing for both major and minor sounds. Learning these chords will expand your ability to play rhythmically dynamic, full-bodied chords across various rock styles.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is crucial in "Unskinny Bop" to create tight, percussive rhythm sections that drive the song forward. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of your palm on the strings near the bridge, producing a muted, rhythmic sound. Mastering palm muting is beneficial for controlling dynamics and adding punch to riffs. It's a technique that greatly improves your ability to play rhythm guitar in rock and metal styles, giving you greater control over sound and texture.

Vibrato

In the lead sections of "Unskinny Bop," vibrato plays a significant role in adding expressiveness to sustained notes. Vibrato is achieved by slightly bending the string up and down to create a subtle pitch variation. This technique enhances the emotion of each note, making your playing feel more vocal and dynamic. Vibrato is invaluable for every guitarist, as it allows for personal expression within solos and adds depth to melodic lines.

String Bending and Pre-Bends

String bending is another technique that adds expressiveness to C.C. DeVille’s solos, along with pre-bends to create tension and release in lead lines. In string bending, you push or pull the string to change its pitch, while a pre-bend involves bending the note to pitch before plucking it. These techniques are essential for capturing the bluesy, emotive qualities that characterise glam rock. Learning these techniques will help you add expression to your solos and develop a signature sound.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the song, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, flowing lines within the solos and fills. These techniques allow for quick transitions between notes without picking each one, making your playing sound more fluid and connected. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are crucial in faster passages, improving your dexterity and adding a legato feel to your playing. Mastering these will help you develop speed and precision in soloing.

Slides and Pick Slides

Slides and pick slides contribute to the gritty, high-energy feel of "Unskinny Bop." Sliding between notes creates a smooth, connecting sound, while pick slides add a scratchy, percussive effect that enhances the song's attitude. These techniques are particularly effective for adding drama and emphasis to specific notes or phrases. By incorporating slides and pick slides, you can create a more dynamic and engaging performance.

Pinched Harmonics

C.C. DeVille’s solos often include pinched harmonics, which produce high-pitched, squealing notes that cut through the mix. Achieved by lightly touching the string with the edge of your thumb as you pick, pinched harmonics add an intense, aggressive quality to your lead playing. This technique is invaluable for rock and metal genres, allowing you to add a unique, attention-grabbing sound to solos and riffs.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The use of whammy bar tricks in "Unskinny Bop" brings a touch of 80s flair to the song, creating dramatic pitch shifts and dive-bombs. The whammy bar allows you to manipulate the pitch of notes, creating effects that range from subtle vibrato to extreme dives. Learning to control the whammy bar will give you greater expressiveness and versatility in your playing, opening up creative possibilities for both rhythm and lead guitar.

Benefits of Learning "Unskinny Bop" Techniques

Mastering the techniques in "Unskinny Bop" provides a well-rounded skill set that applies to various rock and metal genres. You’ll improve your rhythm playing with power chords and palm muting, add expressiveness with vibrato and bending, and enhance your lead work with hammer-ons, pull-offs, and whammy bar tricks. These techniques are not only central to this song but are also transferable to many others in the rock genre, making this lesson both fun and practical for any guitarist looking to expand their abilities.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Pick Slides
• Pinched Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Each of these techniques adds a unique element to "Unskinny Bop" and will expand your guitar-playing toolkit, enabling you to tackle a range of rock songs with confidence and style. Dive in and rock on with this exciting lesson from Licklibrary.com!