Straight Shooter by Bad Company: A guitarist's analysis

Guitar lessons by Danny Gill

"Straight Shooter," the second album by British rock band Bad Company, was released in 1975. The album showcases the band's hard-hitting blues-rock sound, with exceptional guitar work by lead guitarist Mick Ralphs. From a guitar player‘s perspective, this album is a perfect blend of melodic blues-rock soloing, intricate rhythm guitar parts and classic rock songwriting at it‘s best. 

Join renowned Lick Library tutor Danny Gill as he guides you through some of Mick Ralphs’ guitar highlights of this seminal classic album. From a guitar player’s perspective, this album is a perfect blend of melodic blues-rock soloing, intricate rhythm guitar parts and classic rock song writing at its best. In this article, we will delve into the guitar techniques, scales, and solos on this album, as well as Ralphs' contributions.

Good Lovin' Gone Bad

The album opens with "Good Lovin' Gone Bad," a classic rock tune driven by a powerful riff in the A minor pentatonic scale. The song features a catchy, syncopated rhythm with palm-muted power chords, giving the song a driving groove. The solo section, played by Ralphs, uses the A minor pentatonic scale and employs string bending and vibrato techniques to add emotion and expression.

Feel Like Makin' Love

"Feel Like Makin' Love" is a well-known ballad that alternates between delicate arpeggiated chord progressions during the verses and heavier power chords in the chorus. The song is played in the key of D major, with Ralphs using finger-picking for the arpeggiated chords. The solo is in D major pentatonic, employing double-stop bends and slides to create a melodic and soulful feel.

Weep No More

"Weep No More" is a slow, bluesy track in the key of C minor. The song's foundation is built on open-string riffs and barre chords, and features an expressive solo that makes use of the C minor pentatonic scale, string bending, and vibrato techniques. Ralphs also employs harmonics in this track to add texture and depth to the song.

Shooting Star

"Shooting Star" is another classic ballad on the album, centred around a D major chord progression. The song features a blend of open chords and power chords, with Ralphs using alternate picking and slides throughout. The solo is based on the D major pentatonic scale, using legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a fluid and melodic sound.

Deal with the Preacher

"Deal with the Preacher" is a hard-rocking track with a strong riff based on the E minor pentatonic scale. The song employs power chords and syncopated rhythms to create a driving groove, while the solo features Ralphs using the E minor pentatonic scale, alternate picking, and string bending techniques to add intensity and expression to the track.

Wild Fire Woman

"Wild Fire Woman" is a fast-paced rocker in the key of A major. Ralphs employs galloping rhythms and power chords throughout the song, and the solo showcases his use of the A major pentatonic scale, string bending, and legato techniques to create a high-energy sound.

Anna

"Anna" is a slower, more melodic track in the key of G major. The song features arpeggiated chord progressions and open chords, with Ralphs using finger-picking and hybrid picking techniques. The solo section is played in G major pentatonic, employing slides, double stops, and vibrato to create a soulful and expressive sound.

Call on Me

The album closes with "Call on Me," a laid-back, bluesy track in the key of C major. The song's foundation is built on open chords and arpeggiated chord progressions, with Ralphs using finger-picking and hybrid picking techniques. The solo section is based on the C major pentatonic scale, employing string bending, double stops, and vibrato to add depth and emotion.

Mick Ralphs' Contribution to “Straight Shooter”

Mick Ralphs, the lead guitarist of Bad Company, played an essential role in shaping the band's signature sound on "Straight Shooter." His guitar work on the album is characterised by powerful riffs, expressive solos, and intricate chord progressions that showcase his technical proficiency, versatility, and creativity. Ralphs' ability to transition seamlessly between hard-hitting rockers and soulful ballads adds depth and variety to the album, making it a must-listen for guitar enthusiasts and fans of classic rock alike.

Ralphs' style on "Straight Shooter" is heavily influenced by blues and classic rock, with his solos often employing the minor and major pentatonic scales. His use of various techniques, such as string bending, vibrato, and legato, allows him to create solos that are both melodic and emotionally charged. Additionally, Ralphs demonstrates his mastery of rhythm guitar by utilising palm-muted power chords, syncopated rhythms, and open-string riffs to create driving grooves and memorable hooks that give each song a distinct character.

Mick Ralphs' contribution to "Straight Shooter" also extends beyond his guitar playing, as he co-wrote several of the album's most iconic tracks, including "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Shooting Star." As a songwriter, Ralphs demonstrates a keen understanding of song structure, melody, and dynamics, which further enhances the impact of his guitar work.

In summary, Mick Ralphs' contributions to "Straight Shooter" are instrumental in defining the album's overall sound and character. His exceptional guitar skills, combined with his song writing prowess, make this album a standout in Bad Company's discography and a testament to Ralphs' lasting influence on the rock music landscape.

Overall, "Straight Shooter" is a showcase of Mick Ralphs' exceptional guitar skills and a testament to Bad Company's ability to create memorable, timeless rock music. The album offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for guitarists of all levels, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to expand their understanding of guitar techniques and classic rock.

Guitar Techniques Used on Straight Shooter

Mick Ralphs' guitar work on "Straight Shooter" showcases a blend of blues and classic rock influences, with a focus on powerful riffs, expressive solos, and intricate chord progressions. Key techniques include vibrato, alternate picking, and legato, which add emotion and expression to his solos. Ralphs also demonstrates his rhythm guitar prowess through palm-muted power chords, syncopated rhythms, and open-string riffs. His mastery of finger-picking and hybrid picking techniques allows for delicate arpeggiated chord progressions, while his use of string bending, double stops, and slides create memorable hooks and captivating melodies.

The following is a list of guitar techniques used on the "Straight Shooter" album, with corresponding links to Lick Library glossary entries for further exploration:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• String Bending
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Finger Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Open-String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms