Still of the Night - Riff by Whitesnake - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Still of the Night - Riff by Whitesnake guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com offers a comprehensive breakdown of one of the heaviest, most iconic rock riffs of the ‘80s. This lesson focuses on the techniques that give the song its powerful, dynamic sound, including power chords, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. With each technique carefully explained, guitarists will be able to recreate John Sykes’ distinctive riff and expand their own technical skills. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of the main riff in Still of the Night, giving the song its deep, aggressive sound. Power chords, constructed with only the root and fifth, create a simple yet full sound that lacks major or minor tonalities. This neutrality allows for a bold, resonant sound that’s perfect for hard rock. Sykes’ use of power chords in this riff lays down a heavy, rhythmic base, adding weight and impact to the song.

For guitarists, mastering power chords is essential for building a strong rhythm foundation. Power chords are widely used in rock and metal, and practicing this technique improves finger strength, speed, and precision. By learning power chords, players can tackle a vast array of rock songs and develop their sense of rhythm, making it easier to create a tight, driving sound.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are another key element of Still of the Night, adding fluidity and speed to the riff’s melodic lines. A hammer-on involves pressing down on a fret to sound a note without re-picking it, allowing for a smooth connection between notes. Sykes’ use of hammer-ons gives the riff its fluid, cascading feel, creating a sense of motion that drives the music forward.

Learning hammer-ons is beneficial for building finger strength, dexterity, and control. This technique allows guitarists to play faster, more intricate lines while achieving a legato sound. Mastering hammer-ons adds finesse to your playing, making it possible to connect notes smoothly and achieve a more polished, professional sound.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are used alongside hammer-ons in Still of the Night, contributing to the riff’s smooth, flowing quality. A pull-off involves plucking a note by releasing a finger from the fretboard, allowing another note to ring out. In this riff, Sykes combines pull-offs with hammer-ons to create fast, fluid phrases that add a sense of complexity to the music.

For guitarists, practicing pull-offs improves finger control, accuracy, and speed. This technique allows players to connect notes seamlessly, reducing the need for picking and enabling more fluid, expressive phrases. Pull-offs are especially valuable in rock and blues styles, where smooth phrasing and dynamic lead lines are key to creating an engaging, emotive sound.

About John Sykes and His Influence

John Sykes, the guitarist behind Whitesnake’s groundbreaking sound, is renowned for his powerful tone, high-energy playing, and blues-inspired phrasing. His performance on Still of the Night showcases his ability to blend aggression with melody, creating a riff that drives the song with undeniable intensity. Sykes’ style, highlighted by precise hammer-ons, pull-offs, and power chords, set a standard for hard rock guitar in the 1980s. By learning this riff, guitarists gain insight into Sykes’ influential approach and develop techniques that are foundational to rock and metal.

Guitar Techniques in Still of the Night - Riff by Whitesnake

• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs