Back For More - Ratt

"Back For More" by Ratt is a classic rock song that showcases the dynamic and intricate guitar work of the 1980s. Our LickLibrary guitar lesson delves deep into this iconic song, breaking down the techniques that make it memorable. From melodic licks to driving riffs, this song offers a masterclass in rock guitar techniques that are invaluable for any aspiring guitarist. In this lesson, we'll explore the song's essential techniques, explain their benefits, and show how they contribute to creating the signature sound of this Ratt hit. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists of "Back For More"

The lead guitar work in "Back For More" is delivered by Warren DeMartini, with rhythm guitar contributions from Robbin Crosby. DeMartini and Crosby are renowned for their highly melodic and harmonically rich playing style that defined Ratt's sound. DeMartini's unique phrasing, impeccable vibrato, and technical prowess influenced generations of guitarists, while Crosby’s solid rhythm work laid a powerful foundation. Together, they created memorable dual guitar harmonies and a dynamic energy that set Ratt apart in the glam metal era. Understanding their influence and approach to guitar playing will provide context for mastering the techniques in this song.

Guitar Techniques in "Back For More"

1. String Bending

Technique Focus: The lesson highlights the expressive use of string bending in the solos, a technique essential for adding emotion and intensity to your playing. String bending requires precision and control, allowing you to reach the pitch accurately, which is crucial for replicating DeMartini's style.

Benefit: Practicing string bending will improve finger strength and pitch accuracy, helping you develop a more expressive style that conveys emotion in each note.

2. Vibrato

Technique Focus: Vibrato is a defining characteristic of Warren DeMartini’s playing, giving his notes a rich, singing quality. This lesson emphasises controlled, wide vibrato, which is essential for emulating his sound.

Benefit: Learning vibrato will improve your tonal control and sustain, enhancing your playing with a professional polish and making each note more impactful.

3. Alternate Picking

Technique Focus: "Back For More" features fast-paced alternate picking in various licks and riffs. This technique requires alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, promoting efficiency and speed.

Benefit: Mastering alternate picking will increase your speed and accuracy, allowing you to tackle faster passages with ease and improving overall picking technique.

4. Palm Muting

Technique Focus: Palm muting is used extensively in the song’s rhythm sections, adding a chunky, percussive quality to the riffs. This technique involves resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge.

Benefit: Practicing palm muting will give you greater control over dynamics and articulation, allowing you to add depth to your rhythm playing and maintain a tight, clean sound.

5. Slides

Technique Focus: Sliding between notes adds smoothness and flow to the lead lines, a hallmark of DeMartini’s style. This lesson breaks down key slide phrases, emphasising timing and accuracy.

Benefit: Practicing slides enhances your finger control and positioning, enabling you to transition between notes seamlessly and create a smoother sound.

6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Technique Focus: Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create fluid, legato phrases in the solos. This technique allows notes to ring without repeated picking, adding speed and smoothness to your playing.

Benefit: Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve finger dexterity and speed, allowing you to play legato passages with ease and improving your overall articulation.

7. Power Chords

Technique Focus: Power chords drive the rhythm in "Back For More," providing a solid and punchy foundation. This technique focuses on playing two-note chord shapes, often using palm muting for an added rhythmic effect.

Benefit: Practicing power chords will enhance your rhythm guitar skills, giving you a fuller sound and a foundational knowledge of rock chord structures.

8. Pinched Harmonics

Technique Focus: This lesson also covers pinched harmonics, a technique that adds a sharp, squealing sound to specific notes. Pinched harmonics are an expressive feature in many of Ratt’s songs and add a unique texture to solos and riffs.

Benefit: Mastering pinched harmonics will give you greater control over your sound, allowing you to add more excitement and personality to your solos.

9. Double-Stop Bends

Technique Focus: Double-stop bends are used to create harmonised, expressive phrases. This technique involves bending two strings simultaneously, achieving a rich, layered sound.

Benefit: Double-stop bends will enhance your bending accuracy and provide you with a fuller sound when playing lead parts, allowing you to add harmony to your solos.

10. Dive Bombs with the Whammy Bar

Technique Focus: The lesson explores dive bombs, a technique achieved with the whammy bar to lower the pitch dramatically. This technique is often used in Ratt’s music to add flair and intensity to the solos.

Benefit: Practicing dive bombs improves your whammy bar control and adds dramatic expression to your playing, making it a powerful tool for creating tension and excitement in your solos.

Guitar Techniques List

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Pinched Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks

With this lesson, you'll have everything you need to capture the essence of "Back For More," mastering each technique that makes this song a rock guitar staple. Dive into these methods to elevate your playing and unlock the sound of the 1980s rock guitar!