Aerosmith – Walk This Way – Main Riff

Step into the world of classic rock with the iconic riff from "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith. This LickLibrary guitar lesson takes an in-depth look at the main riff that helped define a generation of rock guitar. Perfectly crafted for intermediate to advanced players, this breakdown will teach you how to capture the groove, feel, and fire of one of the most recognisable guitar licks in history.

In this note-for-note lesson, you’ll get more than just the riff — you’ll dive deep into the guitar techniques that make Joe Perry’s playing so engaging. The riff from Walk This Way is a brilliant example of tight rhythmic control, expressive phrasing, and rock 'n' roll attitude. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or looking to expand your toolbox, this lesson delivers practical skills and stylistic insights that can be applied to your own playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Riff That Changed Rock

"Walk This Way" opens with a punchy, syncopated guitar riff that grabs your attention instantly. It’s tight, funky, and driven by an infectious groove. This riff blurs the line between rock and funk, showcasing Joe Perry’s incredible sense of rhythm and melodic phrasing. The LickLibrary lesson carefully breaks down each component of the riff, ensuring you can master its subtle timing, attack, and dynamics.

Playing this riff well isn't just about hitting the right notes — it’s about locking in with the groove. You’ll develop a stronger sense of timing and precision, especially when playing over a swung beat. This makes it a fantastic piece to practice your rhythmic accuracy.

Guitar Techniques in Focus

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used heavily throughout the riff to create a tight, punchy feel. By lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings, you control the sustain and attack of each note. This technique adds dynamic range and rhythmic clarity — a must for funk-infused rock playing. Learning this technique sharpens your control and tightens your overall rhythm guitar work.

Slides

Slides between notes in the riff add a vocal-like quality and help maintain the groove. They’re used subtly but effectively in Walk This Way, giving the lick fluidity and motion. Practising slides enhances your ability to connect phrases smoothly and expressively.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques give the riff its slick, rolling character. The combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs adds speed and fluidity without excessive picking. Mastering legato playing improves both your technical skill and musical phrasing.

String Bending

While not the main focus, string bending does appear in lead embellishments and fills related to the riff. This expressive technique adds emotion and intensity, helping replicate Perry’s signature style. Bending with control is vital for playing with feel and articulation.

Syncopated Rhythms

The riff’s infectious bounce is driven by syncopated rhythms, which place emphasis on off-beats. This creates a funky, danceable groove that sets Walk This Way apart. Learning to play syncopation tightens your sense of rhythm and improves your groove-based playing across genres.

Open String Riffs

The riff uses open string riffs to maximise resonance and energy. These open-string licks create a full, percussive tone that’s key to the song’s drive. Open string riffs help you learn how to use open notes creatively in rock and blues settings.

About the Guitar Players

"Walk This Way" was recorded by the legendary Aerosmith guitar duo — Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Joe Perry, the band’s lead guitarist, is known for his bluesy phrasing, raw tone, and rhythmic style. His playing on Walk This Way is a masterclass in combining funk and rock with precision and feel. Brad Whitford complements Perry perfectly, often handling rhythm duties and providing a solid foundation for Perry’s lead work.

Together, their work on this track influenced countless rock and metal bands that followed, laying the groundwork for genres like funk rock and rap-rock. Perry’s style, in particular, remains a huge influence on players who want to blend attitude with groove.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning Walk This Way is more than just a tribute to classic rock — it’s a lesson in groove, precision, and stylistic nuance. By mastering the techniques within this riff, you’ll:

• Improve your right-hand control and timing
• Learn to integrate multiple techniques into a single phrase
• Develop a feel for rock and funk fusion
• Enhance your rhythmic confidence and phrasing skills

This riff is a perfect example of how a few notes, when played well, can become legendary.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs