Wanted Dead or Alive - Solo by Bon Jovi - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Wanted Dead or Alive - Solo by Bon Jovi lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down the essential techniques in this classic solo, offering an in-depth approach to mastering the distinctive string bending, vibrato, octaves, and pinched harmonics that define Richie Sambora’s unique style. This solo is more than just a sequence of notes; it’s a journey through techniques that bring emotion, attitude, and dynamic expression to life on the guitar. For guitarists aiming to add soul and dimension to their playing, this lesson provides essential insights and practical techniques. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

String Bending

String bending is a fundamental part of Sambora’s style and is used throughout the Wanted Dead or Alive solo to create a vocal-like expressiveness. Bending a string raises its pitch, allowing guitarists to create tension and add emphasis to specific notes. In Sambora’s solo, string bending adds a soaring quality that enhances the emotional intensity of the solo, making each note resonate with power and feeling.

For guitarists, mastering string bending is crucial to adding expressiveness to their solos. Practicing this technique improves control, finger strength, and precision. By learning to control the pitch and depth of each bend, players can infuse their solos with more dynamics and energy. String bending is a staple in rock, blues, and country, making it an invaluable tool for guitarists seeking to enhance their musical expression.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another key technique used in Wanted Dead or Alive to bring notes to life and add sustain. Sambora’s vibrato technique adds warmth and depth, giving each note a more vocal quality. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note, adding a resonant, singing quality that makes the solo feel more connected and expressive. Sambora’s vibrato is subtle yet powerful, complementing the solo’s overall dynamic feel.

For guitarists, vibrato is essential for creating character and depth in their playing. Practicing vibrato helps develop finger control and accuracy, allowing players to make each note resonate more deeply. This technique enhances sustain and can be adjusted for speed and intensity, making it versatile across genres. Mastering vibrato is crucial for guitarists looking to add nuance and personality to their music, enhancing both technical and expressive skills.

Octaves

Octaves are used by Sambora to add harmonic richness and fullness to the solo. By playing the same note in two different octaves, guitarists can create a sound that feels broader and more resonant. Sambora uses octaves to create melodic lines that cut through the mix, giving the solo a distinctive, anthemic feel. This approach also adds a layer of complexity and harmony to the solo, making it memorable and powerful.

For guitarists, learning to play with octaves builds fretboard familiarity and finger control. Practicing octaves enhances a player’s ability to create fuller, more complex lines and is especially useful in lead and rhythm contexts. Octaves are widely used in jazz, rock, and blues, where they add depth and harmonic support. By incorporating octaves into their playing, guitarists can create a more dynamic, layered sound that enriches solos and riffs alike.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add a unique tonal quality to Sambora’s solo, bringing a sharp, squealing sound that emphasizes certain notes with a gritty, aggressive tone. By lightly pinching the string as it’s picked, guitarists can produce harmonic overtones that add a metallic, resonant quality. Sambora’s use of pinched harmonics in Wanted Dead or Alive adds flair to the solo, creating moments of intensity and giving the solo a distinctive, signature sound.

For guitarists, learning pinched harmonics provides an opportunity to explore unique tonal effects. This technique requires control of pick angle and precision, offering a new way to articulate notes and add character to playing. Pinched harmonics are popular in rock and metal, where they add an edge to solos and riffs, helping players develop a distinct, recognizable sound. By mastering pinched harmonics, guitarists can access a broader tonal palette and experiment with textures that make their music stand out.

About Richie Sambora and His Influence

Richie Sambora’s work on Wanted Dead or Alive is a quintessential example of his influence on rock guitar. Known for his melodic phrasing, blues-rock approach, and powerful use of harmonics, Sambora helped define Bon Jovi’s sound. His signature style blends technical skill with an instinct for creating catchy, anthemic solos that connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Sambora’s solos often feature expressive string bending, melodic octaves, and pinch harmonics that make each note feel alive and impactful. Through this lesson, guitarists can get closer to Sambora’s playing style, learning techniques that enhance musicality and create memorable, emotive solos.

Guitar Techniques in Wanted Dead or Alive - Solo by Bon Jovi

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Octaves
• Pinched Harmonics