Learn to Play "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake

Dive into the timeless rock anthem “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake with LickLibrary’s comprehensive guitar lesson, designed to walk you through every riff, lick, and solo with note-for-note precision. This lesson captures the spirit and energy of the original recording, allowing players of all levels to learn the distinctive guitar work that made this track a staple of '80s rock. Whether you're looking to improve your phrasing, soloing, or rhythm skills, this tutorial delivers a rich learning experience packed with valuable techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Legacy

Released in 1982 and re-recorded in 1987 for global success, Here I Go Again became one of Whitesnake’s most iconic tracks. Its memorable chorus, soaring vocals, and blues-infused guitar work have secured its place as a classic rock favourite. The song’s power ballad structure, combined with its emotionally charged lyrics and melodic guitar parts, makes it an ideal choice for guitarists eager to sharpen their skills and develop expressive playing.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

The original 1982 version featured the talented Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody, while the more widely known 1987 version was recorded with John Sykes and Adrian Vandenberg, two guitarists known for their fiery technique and melodic sensibility. John Sykes brought a more aggressive, polished hard rock tone, while Vandenberg added fluid solos and smooth vibrato. Their combined styles contributed heavily to the anthemic feel of the track and have influenced generations of rock guitarists. Their playing on this track showcases a blend of classic rock attitude with tasteful technique, offering a perfect study for aspiring lead and rhythm players alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Vibrato

Used throughout the solo sections, vibrato adds emotion and sustain to held notes. Learning to control vibrato enhances your musical expression and helps your solos sing more melodically.

String Bending

This track features plenty of expressive string bending. Bending notes accurately to pitch is a cornerstone of lead guitar playing and adds vocal-like phrasing to your solos.

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes using slides are heard in the intro and lead lines. Slides are essential for legato playing and add fluidity to your movement across the fretboard.

Alternate Picking

Fast passages and riffs use alternate picking for speed and precision. Mastering this technique improves your picking efficiency and helps with faster lead runs.

Power Chords

The driving rhythm of Here I Go Again relies heavily on power chords. These foundational shapes are key for building rock-solid rhythm chops and are perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike.

Palm Muting

To create dynamic contrast and tight rhythm sections, palm muting is used effectively throughout the song. Learning this technique helps control tone and rhythm precision in high-gain contexts.

Double Stops

The lead sections often incorporate double stops, playing two notes simultaneously for a fuller sound. This technique adds harmonic depth to solos and fills.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Legato playing with hammer-ons and pull-offs enhances the fluidity of fast licks. These are essential for speed and smoothness in lead guitar work.

Bluesy Bends

The influence of blues can be heard in the tasteful bluesy bends sprinkled throughout the solos. Learning this technique brings soulful articulation to your phrasing.

Barre Chords

Some of the rhythm parts require the use of barre chords, which are crucial for playing more complex chord voicings and for transitioning across the neck with ease.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Studying Here I Go Again gives you an opportunity to understand classic rock arrangement, sharpen your soloing vocabulary, and gain confidence in both rhythm and lead playing. The song’s moderate tempo and clear structure make it ideal for intermediate players looking to push their abilities, while the iconic solos offer challenges even seasoned guitarists will enjoy.

By learning this track through LickLibrary’s detailed lesson, you’ll gain hands-on experience with essential rock guitar techniques, improve your ear for melody, and develop greater control and confidence in your playing.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Barre Chords
• Bluesy Bends

Ready to plug in and play? Explore the full note-for-note breakdown of Here I Go Again only at LickLibrary.com, and unlock the techniques that defined a generation of guitar-driven rock.