I'm Eighteen – Alice Cooper

Learn to Play I'm Eighteen by Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper’s I'm Eighteen is a hard rock classic that defined the rebellious spirit of the early ‘70s. Released in 1970 on the album Love It to Death, this song became a defining anthem for the youth of the era, blending raw, powerful riffs with aggressive vocals and attitude-driven guitar work. With our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com, you’ll master the key techniques used in this song while improving your playing style and musical expression. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists on I'm Eighteen and Their Influence

The guitar work on I'm Eighteen was performed by Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, both of whom played a crucial role in shaping Alice Cooper’s early sound. Glen Buxton’s aggressive, bluesy phrasing and Michael Bruce’s solid rhythm playing created a raw and powerful sonic landscape that heavily influenced later rock and punk musicians. Their playing on this track is a perfect example of early hard rock guitar, with simple yet effective chord progressions and well-placed lead fills that emphasise emotion over complexity. By learning their parts, you’ll gain valuable insight into the roots of classic rock guitar and how to craft impactful rhythm and lead lines.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of rock guitar, and I'm Eighteen makes great use of them to create a gritty, raw sound. These two- or three-note chords provide a strong, punchy tone without excessive complexity, making them a staple of rock and punk music. Learning power chords will improve your rhythm playing, helping you build dynamic and energetic guitar parts.

Palm Muting

Throughout the track, palm muting is used to add rhythmic drive and control over the dynamics of the guitar parts. By lightly resting your picking hand on the strings while playing, you can achieve a percussive, muted effect. This technique is essential for creating tight, aggressive riffs and adding variation to chord progressions.

String Bending

Buxton’s lead playing includes expressive string bends that add emotion to the solo and fills. String bending allows you to smoothly transition between notes and add a vocal-like quality to your playing. Mastering bends improves finger strength and control while enhancing your ability to create expressive melodies.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the lead parts in I'm Eighteen to connect notes smoothly and create fluid motion across the fretboard. This technique enhances legato phrasing and makes solos sound more natural and connected. Practicing slides will help you develop a more dynamic and expressive lead guitar style.

Chord Progressions

The song follows a simple yet effective chord progression that drives the melody and supports the vocal line. Understanding chord progressions will improve your songwriting and accompaniment skills, helping you build solid musical foundations for your own compositions.

Double Stops

Double stops are used to add harmonic depth to the lead sections of the song. This technique involves playing two notes simultaneously, creating a fuller and richer tone. Learning double stops will improve your ability to harmonise melodies and add texture to your lead playing.

Why Learn I'm Eighteen?

Studying this classic song not only helps you master fundamental rock guitar techniques but also deepens your appreciation for the raw energy of early hard rock. Whether you're an aspiring rock guitarist or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, our detailed lesson will give you the tools to play I'm Eighteen with confidence and style. By learning its core techniques, you'll be better equipped to tackle other rock and punk songs with ease.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Double Stops

With our comprehensive lesson at Licklibrary.com, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to play I'm Eighteen note for note, all while improving your overall technique and musicality. So grab your guitar and start rocking today!