"Call On Me" by Bad Company

Bad Company’s classic track “Call On Me” provides an incredible platform for guitarists to explore essential techniques, all of which come together to create the song’s iconic sound. In this comprehensive lesson from LickLibrary, you’ll dive deep into learning the song note-for-note while honing your guitar playing skills through a variety of techniques that are foundational to rock guitar mastery. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to learn from this lesson, the guitarists behind the song, and why developing these techniques is essential for your growth as a guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Mick Ralphs

Mick Ralphs, the guitarist for Bad Company, was instrumental in defining the band's blues-rock sound in the 1970s. Ralphs had a distinctive style, blending melodic lead work with powerful rhythm playing, making his guitar parts both memorable and influential. His use of straightforward yet effective techniques has influenced generations of rock guitarists, particularly his ability to combine strong riffs with tasteful solos. His work on "Call On Me" demonstrates his mastery of blending rhythm and lead elements, creating a dynamic and fluid guitar part that anchors the track.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending is one of the most expressive techniques found in the solo of “Call On Me.” It allows you to raise the pitch of a note by physically bending the string, creating a vocal-like quality in your playing. Learning how to properly execute string bends will not only help you replicate the song’s feel but also improve your overall control and intonation. String bending is crucial for adding emotion and dynamics to your solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another essential technique used throughout the lead sections in "Call On Me." This technique involves oscillating the pitch of a note slightly, which enhances sustain and adds expression to your playing. Ralphs’ tasteful use of vibrato gives his bends and held notes more character, creating a rich tonal texture. Mastering vibrato will greatly enhance your soloing, giving your notes a more polished and emotive feel. Learn more about vibrato here.

Alternate Picking

The main riff and many of the lead lines in "Call On Me" incorporate alternate picking, where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique is essential for building speed, precision, and fluidity in your playing. By mastering alternate picking, you’ll be able to tackle faster sections with ease and play cleaner, more defined notes. Get a deeper understanding of alternate picking here.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are key components of the melodic lines in "Call On Me." These legato techniques allow you to create smooth, flowing passages without picking every note. Hammer-ons involve pressing down on a note without picking, while pull-offs are the reverse—letting go of a note to play a lower one. Both of these techniques add fluidity to your playing and are great for speeding up your lead playing. Discover more about hammer-ons here and pull-offs here.

Power Chords

The rhythm sections of "Call On Me" make extensive use of power chords, a staple of rock guitar playing. Power chords are two or three-note chord shapes that produce a full, powerful sound without the complexity of barre chords. These are essential for rock rhythm guitar, giving your playing the weight and drive needed for a solid foundation. Mastering power chords will allow you to play along with countless rock songs and develop your rhythm guitar technique. Learn more about power chords here.

Slides

Slides are used in both rhythm and lead sections of "Call On Me" to smoothly transition between notes. Sliding involves gliding your finger along the string from one note to another, adding a seamless and flowing feel to your playing. This technique enhances the musicality of your lines and makes your solos sound more connected. Incorporating slides into your playing will help you create more expressive guitar parts. Learn more about slides here.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are used in the rhythmic backing of "Call On Me," especially during the chorus sections. These chords involve pressing down on multiple strings with one finger to form a chord shape, allowing for a wider range of chord voicings across the fretboard. Barre chords are essential for expanding your chord vocabulary and playing songs in various keys. Learn more about barre chords here.

Bluesy Bends

Mick Ralphs’ solos are infused with bluesy bends, where the bend is slightly less than a full tone, creating a blues-inspired feel. This technique adds a lot of emotional depth to the soloing, giving it a raw, expressive quality. Understanding how to use bluesy bends will help you tap into the emotive power of blues phrasing in your own solos. Discover more about bluesy bends here.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm sections of "Call On Me" use palm muting to create a punchy, rhythmic drive. By resting your palm on the strings near the bridge, you dampen the notes slightly, creating a percussive sound. Palm muting is essential for tight, controlled rhythm playing and gives your guitar riffs more power and definition. Learn more about palm muting here.

Slides and Legato Phrasing

Mick Ralphs integrates slides and legato phrasing throughout the solos to achieve a smooth and connected flow between notes. Legato techniques, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, allow you to play notes with minimal picking, resulting in fluid, seamless phrasing. Legato playing enhances speed, fluidity, and expression in your lead guitar work. Learn more about legato here.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Barre Chords
• Bluesy Bends
• Palm Muting

By mastering these essential guitar techniques, you’ll be well on your way to nailing the classic sound of "Call On Me" by Bad Company, while also enhancing your overall guitar playing skills for a wide range of styles.