18 And Life - Skid Row

Learn to Play "18 And Life" Note for Note

Skid Row’s "18 And Life" is a power ballad that blends melodic guitar work with hard-hitting rock techniques, making it a must-learn for any aspiring guitarist. This Licklibrary.com lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the song’s riffs, chord progressions, and expressive lead guitar parts, ensuring you can play it with precision and emotion.

The song features a mix of powerful open-string riffs, soaring lead melodies, and expressive bends that define its anthemic sound. This lesson will not only teach you how to play "18 And Life" note for note but also improve your control, timing, and articulation as a guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists Behind "18 And Life"

The song was recorded by Dave "Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill, two phenomenal guitarists who defined Skid Row’s aggressive yet melodic sound. Sabo’s lead playing brings a blues-influenced, expressive quality to the solos, while Hill's rhythmic precision and dual-guitar harmonies create a full and dynamic arrangement. Their style blends elements of classic rock, metal, and blues, influencing many guitarists in the late ‘80s and beyond.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are a key element in the song’s rhythmic drive, used in both the intro and chorus sections. They provide a thick, aggressive tone that cuts through the mix and lays the foundation for the melody.

String Bending

Expressive bends are essential in the solo and lead sections, helping to create an emotive, vocal-like quality in the guitar lines. Mastering proper bending technique ensures your notes hit the pitch accurately and sustain beautifully.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes add a fluid and connected feel to the lead phrases. This technique is especially useful in achieving the song’s signature melodic phrasing and enhancing your legato playing.

Vibrato

The lead lines in "18 And Life" feature a wide, controlled vibrato, adding depth and emotion to sustained notes. Developing a strong vibrato technique will improve note sustain and expressiveness.

Palm Muting

The song’s verses use tight palm-muting to create a dynamic contrast between heavy power chords and muted picking. Mastering palm muting enhances your ability to control dynamics and tighten up your playing.

Double-Stop Bends

One of the signature moments in the solo includes double-stop bends, which add a harmonic richness and bluesy feel to the lead playing. This technique is great for creating thicker lead tones and emphasising melodic phrases.

Alternate Picking

The song’s fast-paced licks and riffs require precise alternate picking, ensuring that each note is articulated cleanly. Developing this skill improves speed and efficiency in both lead and rhythm playing.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Legato techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs are used throughout the song’s solos to create a smooth, flowing sound. These techniques help improve left-hand strength and dexterity.

Chord Progressions

The ballad’s arpeggiated chord progressions in the verses create a melodic foundation that supports the vocals beautifully. Understanding these progressions will expand your harmonic knowledge and improve your songwriting abilities.

Pinched Harmonics

Scotti Hill adds pinched harmonics to select notes, giving the guitar tone an aggressive, screaming quality. Learning this technique allows you to add extra bite and excitement to your solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Double-Stop Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Pinched Harmonics

This "18 And Life" lesson will not only teach you how to play the song accurately but also improve essential rock and metal guitar techniques, helping you take your playing to the next level. Get started now and bring Skid Row’s classic anthem to life!