Wild Child by W.A.S.P

"Wild Child," a quintessential track by W.A.S.P, encapsulates the raw energy and rebellious spirit of 80s glam metal. This song not only showcases the band’s signature sound but also provides an exciting opportunity for guitarists to delve into various techniques that define the era. In this lesson, we will explore the fundamental guitar techniques utilised in "Wild Child," enhancing your playing skills and expanding your musical repertoire. Danny Gill breaks down this W.A.S.P classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Overview of Techniques in "Wild Child"

Learning the techniques found in "Wild Child" will enhance your guitar playing by developing your agility, precision, and expressive abilities. Each technique contributes to a unique sound, allowing you to add depth to your playing style. This lesson focuses on techniques such as vibrato, alternate picking, legato, and more. Mastering these methods will not only make you a more versatile guitarist but also give you insight into the stylistic nuances that define rock music.

Guitar Techniques Explored

1. Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique that involves oscillating the pitch of a note by bending it slightly up and down. This adds emotional weight and expressiveness to your playing. By learning vibrato, you can infuse your solos with character, making each note resonate with a personal touch.

2. Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for achieving speed and precision in your playing. This technique involves alternating your pick strokes between downstrokes and upstrokes. Mastering alternate picking not only enhances your ability to play fast passages but also contributes to a more even tone across your notes.

3. Legato

Legato playing is characterised by smooth, connected notes created through techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. This style allows for fluid melodies that flow seamlessly, enhancing the musicality of your solos. Practicing legato can significantly improve your dexterity and finger coordination.

4. Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics involve lightly touching the string at specific points while picking to create bell-like tones. This technique adds a unique texture to your playing, and mastering it will allow you to incorporate ethereal sounds into your solos.

5. Double-Stop Bends

Double-stop bends are when you bend two strings simultaneously, creating a fuller sound. This technique can add a powerful layer to your solos, allowing you to express harmonic ideas in a way that resonates with the listener.

6. Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one note while playing a second note on a different string. This technique creates a rich, layered sound and is effective in achieving a dynamic interplay between notes.

7. Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are achieved by lightly touching the string with your thumb while picking it, producing a sharp, screaming tone. This technique is widely used in rock and metal, adding a gritty edge to solos.

8. Trills

Trills involve rapidly alternating between two notes, which can create a sense of urgency and excitement in your playing. This technique is excellent for building speed and adding flourish to your phrases.

9. Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking is characterised by fast, repeated picking of a single note or chord. This technique creates a sense of intensity and urgency, making it perfect for fast-paced rock riffs.

10. Dive Bombs

Using the whammy bar to create a dive bomb effect can add dramatic flair to your solos. This technique involves pulling the bar down to lower the pitch dramatically, providing a powerful sonic effect.

Guitar Players Behind "Wild Child"

W.A.S.P. is fronted by the charismatic Blackie Lawless, whose guitar work, alongside the brilliant contributions from guitarist Chris Holmes, has been pivotal in shaping the band's sound. Their influence on the glam metal genre is profound, blending hard rock with theatrical elements and a rebellious attitude. Both guitarists have played a crucial role in developing signature riffs and solos that are both technically demanding and musically satisfying. Their style emphasises power, showmanship, and the raw emotion that defines rock music, making them iconic figures in the genre.

Conclusion

In summary, "Wild Child" by W.A.S.P. offers an excellent platform for guitarists to explore a variety of essential techniques. By focusing on vibrato, alternate picking, legato, and other methods, you can enhance your skills and expressiveness on the guitar. Each technique not only improves your playing but also deepens your understanding of the rock genre's stylistic intricacies. Dive into these lessons, and unleash your inner wild child!

Techniques Used in This Lesson:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs