Wanted Dead Or Alive - Solo by Bon Jovi
At LickLibrary.com, we are proud to present our note-for-note guitar lesson for the iconic solo in Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead Or Alive. This comprehensive guitar tutorial breaks down every phrase, lick, and subtle nuance of the original solo, helping guitarists of all levels unlock the skills and techniques used by one of rock's most enduring bands. Whether you’re a dedicated Bon Jovi fan or a guitarist aiming to improve your soloing vocabulary, this lesson is a masterclass in melodic playing, expressive techniques, and rock guitar phrasing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Solo
Released in 1986 as part of Bon Jovi’s legendary Slippery When Wet album, Wanted Dead Or Alive became an anthem for arena rock, blending acoustic storytelling with powerful electric solos. The solo is memorable not just for its technical brilliance but for how tastefully it complements the emotion of the song. It’s a textbook example of crafting a solo that serves the song, not just showcasing speed or flash.
Guitarists Behind the Track
The standout solo was performed by Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi’s longtime guitarist and a cornerstone of their sound. Sambora’s approach to guitar is rooted in blues and classic rock, but he brings a polished, melodic sensibility that has influenced countless players. His use of expressive bends, tasteful phrasing, and perfectly executed harmonics has cemented his place among the greats of 80s and 90s rock guitar. Sambora’s style strikes a balance between technical ability and emotional storytelling—something this solo exemplifies perfectly.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
Our lesson breaks down the solo section by section, highlighting the specific guitar techniques used and guiding you through mastering each one.
String Bending
One of the defining elements of the Wanted Dead Or Alive solo is Sambora’s use of precise, vocal-like string bending. Bends are used not only to reach the desired pitch but to express emotion, almost like a singer’s vibrato. Mastering string bending will enhance your ability to phrase like a vocalist and bring real character to your leads.
Vibrato
Richie Sambora uses rich, controlled vibrato throughout the solo. Vibrato adds life to held notes and makes your playing sound more professional and emotive. Developing your vibrato technique improves both control and musical expression in lead guitar playing.
Slides
Smooth slides connect phrases and create seamless transitions between notes. This technique not only sounds fluid and natural but helps in maintaining the phrasing momentum of the solo. Learning slides allows you to navigate the fretboard more musically and add vocal-like transitions to your playing.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
The solo features several runs using hammer-ons and pull-offs, which allow for fast, legato-style phrasing. These techniques are essential for executing smooth, flowing lines without relying solely on picking.
Pinched Harmonics
Sambora uses pinched harmonics to add flair and emphasis to specific notes. When done right, they produce a screaming overtone that cuts through the mix. Learning this technique will give your solos more edge and excitement.
Double Stop Bends
The use of double stop bends brings a bluesy richness to the solo. This technique involves bending two strings at once or playing a static note alongside a bend. It’s essential for expressive soloing and gives your playing a full, harmonically rich sound.
Unison Bends
The solo also includes classic unison bends, a staple in rock guitar that adds tension and drama. Learning this technique sharpens your pitch accuracy and enhances your ability to create impactful moments in a solo.
Benefits of Learning This Solo
Learning the Wanted Dead Or Alive solo provides a holistic view of how to construct an emotionally impactful and technically sound lead. It combines essential rock techniques in a musical context, helping players understand how to phrase effectively, target chord tones, and use dynamics to tell a story. Whether you're building your soloing chops or looking to expand your stylistic range, this solo is a goldmine of phrasing, tone, and melodic sensibility.
Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...