Feel Like Makin' Love by Bad Company - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Feel Like Makin' Love guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com provides an in-depth exploration of this iconic track by Bad Company, focusing on the core techniques that define its unique sound. Through this lesson, you'll learn to master power chords, arpeggiated chord progressions, hammer-ons, and double stops—each an essential part of the song’s character. This comprehensive breakdown equips you with the skills to play with the richness and depth of a classic rock anthem. This lesson is taught by Michael Casswell.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords drive the rhythm of Feel Like Makin' Love, providing a strong, resonant foundation for the song. Composed of the root and fifth notes, power chords are a staple in rock music for their simplicity and effectiveness. In this song, Ralphs uses them to create a solid backbone, lending the piece its dynamic, full-bodied sound. The open, unembellished nature of power chords allows the rhythm to breathe while still maintaining an energetic pulse.

Mastering power chords is essential for any guitarist aiming to play rock music. They give you the freedom to focus on rhythm and dynamics, making it easier to switch between chords quickly. This technique also enhances finger strength and accuracy, helping you navigate the fretboard with ease. Power chords are versatile, allowing you to play rhythmically complex parts while keeping a rich, consistent sound.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

One of the song's defining features is its arpeggiated chord progression, which adds melodic complexity and depth to the rhythm. Arpeggiation involves playing the notes of a chord individually rather than strumming them together, resulting in a flowing, harp-like effect. In Feel Like Makin' Love, this technique is used to create a gentle, rolling feel that contrasts with the power chord sections, adding a layer of musicality and movement to the song.

Arpeggiated chord progressions are excellent for developing finger precision and timing. This technique enhances a guitarist’s ability to control each note within a chord, encouraging precision and a strong sense of timing. Practicing arpeggios helps improve finger independence and dexterity, and applying them in a rock context, as in this song, demonstrates how they can add elegance to even the most powerful riffs.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons provide a smooth, flowing connection between notes in the song, adding a fluid quality to the melody. This technique involves pressing down on a string with one finger after initially picking it, creating a legato effect. In Feel Like Makin' Love, hammer-ons are used to enhance transitions and create subtle variations in the melody, giving the song’s main riff a slightly bluesy feel.

Hammer-ons are essential for developing speed and fluency in lead guitar playing. By practicing hammer-ons, you’ll gain greater control over note articulation, allowing for smoother transitions between notes. This technique is widely used across genres and is particularly effective in rock and blues for its ability to convey expression and nuance.

Double Stops

Double stops, another key element in Feel Like Makin' Love, involve playing two notes simultaneously, resulting in a thicker, more harmonically rich sound. Double stops add depth to Ralphs’s solo sections, creating a more powerful and fuller sound that complements the song’s rhythmic intensity. This technique is great for adding harmonic complexity to your playing and works well within the song’s mix of melody and power.

Learning double stops can greatly improve finger coordination and control. They allow guitarists to add layers to their solos, making their playing sound fuller and more intricate. Double stops are commonly used in rock and blues, making them a valuable skill for any guitarist looking to add depth and texture to their solos.

About Bad Company and Their Influence

Bad Company, fronted by legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers with Mick Ralphs on guitar, emerged as a powerhouse of rock, combining blues roots with high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. With Feel Like Makin' Love, Ralphs created one of rock’s most memorable guitar riffs, blending powerful chords with melodic arpeggiations. Bad Company’s style influenced countless bands that followed, showcasing how effective simple, well-crafted riffs can be. This song captures their ability to marry gritty rock energy with melody, making it a perfect study for guitarists aiming to capture the essence of classic rock.

Guitar Techniques in Feel Like Makin' Love - Solo by Bad Company

The following techniques are essential for achieving the sound of Feel Like Makin' Love. Incorporating these skills into your repertoire will allow you to create powerful and expressive rock music with a mix of melody, power, and emotion:

• Power Chords
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops

Our lesson on Feel Like Makin' Love at LickLibrary.com provides an in-depth, note-for-note guide to each of these techniques, helping you capture the classic rock sound of Bad Company. By mastering these elements, you’ll gain both the technical skill and musical expression to play with confidence, bringing this timeless song to life with every note.