Is This Love – Whitesnake

"Is This Love" by Whitesnake is a true ‘80s power ballad classic that continues to inspire guitarists with its smooth melodic lines, emotional phrasing, and iconic tones. At LickLibrary, we’ve captured every note and nuance in our comprehensive guitar lesson, delivering a detailed, note-for-note breakdown of this timeless hit. Whether you're a fan of melodic soloing, expressive vibrato, or beautifully structured rhythm playing, this lesson gives you the tools to play like the pros and improve your technique along the way. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitar Work

Released in 1987 as part of Whitesnake's self-titled album, Is This Love quickly became a chart-topping anthem that showcased the band’s softer, more emotional side. The track is laced with tasteful guitar work that blends expressive lead playing with harmonically rich rhythm parts. With its blend of rock sensibility and soulful delivery, this song remains a perfect study piece for intermediate and advanced players looking to refine both feel and technique.

Guitarist Spotlight: John Sykes and Adrian Vandenberg

The guitar work on Is This Love is widely attributed to John Sykes, who was instrumental in reshaping Whitesnake's sound during the mid-80s, although Adrian Vandenberg is often credited for contributing as well. Sykes’ playing style is known for its melodic sensibility, tasteful use of sustain and bends, and an ability to blend technical skill with soulful phrasing. These guitarists brought a blend of bluesy rock tone and modern shred techniques, influencing countless players with their expressive, high-gain guitar sound and masterful articulation.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our lesson breaks down all key guitar parts in Is This Love, offering in-depth guidance on how to replicate each section with precision and feeling. The following techniques are covered throughout the song, each explained and demonstrated clearly:

String Bending

You'll explore several types of string bends, from subtle expressive bends to more aggressive, sustained ones that give the solo its vocal-like quality. Learning this technique improves your pitch control and emotional expression in solos.

Vibrato

Used throughout the solo sections, vibrato adds depth and character to sustained notes. Mastering vibrato allows players to shape their tone with more individuality and dynamic control.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato-based techniques are key in the melodic phrasing found in the verses and solo. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs enhances your fluidity and speed when navigating melodic lines.

Slides

Slides are used frequently in both lead and rhythm parts to connect phrases and transitions. Developing smooth slides improves your ability to move around the fretboard fluidly while maintaining phrasing.

Double Stops

Found in both the rhythm fills and lead licks, double stops offer a harmonically rich sound that thickens up solos and adds color. This technique teaches you to think beyond single-note lines.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song’s chord progressions provides insight into how rock ballads create mood and emotion. It also helps develop your rhythm playing and songwriting sensibility.

Arpeggios

Arpeggiated chords in the intro and verses give the song its atmospheric texture. Practicing arpeggios builds fretboard awareness and picking accuracy, essential for melodic rhythm playing.

Sustain

Sustain plays a critical role in the emotional tone of the solos. Learning to control sustain helps you draw more emotion out of your guitar playing by extending note life and adding tension.

Why Learn This Song?

Studying Is This Love is more than just learning a classic; it’s an opportunity to master a variety of essential rock guitar techniques in a musical context. By learning to emulate the phrasing, tone, and feel of the original recording, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how great guitar solos are constructed. Additionally, the song offers a perfect blend of technical challenges and emotional delivery—ideal for developing both your hands and your musical ear.

Whether you're preparing to perform, record, or just play for fun, this lesson will elevate your skills and deepen your appreciation for the artistry behind great guitar playing.

Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Sustain

Ready to master the sounds of Is This Love? Dive into the lesson and transform your playing with the expert guidance only LickLibrary can offer.