Still of the Night by Whitesnake

Our "Still of the Night" guitar lesson offers a deep dive into the techniques that make this Whitesnake classic a true showcase of rock guitar brilliance. From melodic riffs to blazing solos, this lesson teaches you to play "Still of the Night" note-for-note, letting you master each part with precision. This guide will break down the guitar techniques used in the song, highlighting their benefits and showing how they can elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players in "Still of the Night"

"Still of the Night" is one of Whitesnake's signature tracks, primarily driven by the iconic guitar work of John Sykes. Known for his powerful playing style, Sykes brought a blend of precision, aggression, and melody that set him apart. His influence on rock and metal guitarists is profound, inspiring players with his use of intricate riffs, lightning-fast solos, and emotive bending. Learning Sykes' parts in "Still of the Night" is a unique opportunity to explore his approach to dynamics and expression on the guitar, as well as his technical prowess.

Techniques Used in the Song

String Bending

String bending adds a vocal-like quality to guitar playing and is extensively used throughout "Still of the Night" to add tension and emotion. This technique allows you to reach pitches between the frets, creating a unique sound. Learning to control your bends will improve your overall expressiveness and accuracy, as it requires precise finger strength and control.

Vibrato

John Sykes’ use of vibrato is signature to his playing style, giving his notes a rich, singing quality. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note for a sustained, resonant sound. Developing a strong vibrato technique adds depth and character to your solos, making each note stand out.

Alternate Picking

Throughout the fast-paced riffs and solo sections, alternate picking is crucial to maintaining speed and clarity. This technique uses alternating upstrokes and downstrokes, providing control and efficiency in faster passages. Practicing alternate picking will enhance your overall speed and precision, making your playing sound cleaner and more professional.

Legato

The solos in "Still of the Night" utilise legato for smooth, fluid passages, particularly in fast runs. Legato combines hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a seamless sound between notes. Mastering legato not only increases speed but also promotes finger independence, allowing you to play intricate runs with less effort.

Double-Stop Bends

Double-stop bends are used to create harmony between two notes and add a raw, bluesy feel to the song. This technique requires bending two strings simultaneously, a challenging but rewarding skill. Double-stop bends add power and thickness to your sound, making your solos stand out with added harmonic depth.

Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another string. This technique is used to create a sense of tension and release in Sykes' soloing. Practicing unison bends will improve your ear for pitch and enhance your control over string bending.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are a defining feature of John Sykes' style, adding a searing quality to certain notes. By pressing the string with both the pick and thumb, you can create a high-pitched, squealing sound. Mastering pinched harmonics will add a dramatic flair to your playing, giving you a way to accentuate key moments in a riff or solo.

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of rock rhythm playing, and they drive the rhythm sections of "Still of the Night." These chords are straightforward yet powerful, allowing the guitarist to maintain a tight, punchy rhythm. Learning power chords is essential for building solid rhythm guitar skills, allowing you to play with authority and consistency.

Slides

Slides add a dynamic quality to the transitions between notes, which Sykes uses to his advantage in the melodic sections of the song. Sliding from one fret to another creates a smooth, continuous sound, adding a sense of movement to your playing. Practicing slides will help improve your fretboard navigation and add fluidity to your playing.

Dive Bombs

"Dive bombs" are an exciting technique achieved with the whammy bar to create a dramatic drop in pitch. This is used in "Still of the Night" to add intensity to certain passages. Dive bombs are a powerful way to make your solos more dynamic, enhancing your control over pitch modulation and making your playing more exciting.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a percussive quality to rhythm parts by dampening the strings. This technique gives the rhythm sections in "Still of the Night" a punchy, controlled feel, making it easier to distinguish between aggressive and softer sections. Palm muting improves rhythm control, enabling you to add more contrast to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The solo sections make extensive use of hammer-ons and pull-offs for fast, smooth runs. These techniques allow you to play faster with fewer pick strokes, giving your solos a more flowing sound. Mastering these techniques will increase your dexterity and speed, making it easier to tackle complex solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

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

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only play "Still of the Night" with confidence, but you'll also develop essential skills to take your guitar playing to new levels. Each technique provides unique tools for expression, control, and dynamics, making this lesson a must for any aspiring rock guitarist. Dive in and bring the power of Whitesnake’s legendary song to your own playing!