Runaway by Bon Jovi

Take a deep dive into one of the most iconic debut singles of the '80s with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Runaway” by Bon Jovi. This classic rock anthem, packed with energy and attitude, is not only a must-learn for Bon Jovi fans but also a powerful toolkit for any guitarist looking to develop key rock techniques. In this Licklibrary lesson, we break down every section of the track—from the driving rhythm parts to the soaring lead lines—highlighting the essential guitar skills that define this song. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitarists

“Runaway” was the breakout hit that launched Bon Jovi's career in 1984. Featuring a high-octane blend of synth-heavy production and guitar-driven rock, the track captures the raw energy of the era. While Jon Bon Jovi fronts the band vocally, the guitar work in this song is attributed to the legendary session player Tim Pierce, known for his melodic sensibilities and technical precision. Pierce's performance on “Runaway” is a brilliant example of clean articulation, clever phrasing, and effective use of rock techniques—all delivered with a sense of style and restraint.

His influence on this track can’t be overstated: Pierce brings both texture and fireworks to the guitar lines, establishing a foundation that would later be developed further by Richie Sambora in the band’s future work. This lesson pays tribute to that legacy, giving you the chance to master the song’s nuances while building your own musical vocabulary.

Guitar Techniques in Focus

String Bending

One of the most prominent techniques in “Runaway” is the string bend, which adds vocal-like expressiveness to lead phrases. String bending allows the guitarist to reach pitches between frets, creating emotive tension and resolution. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute bends accurately and musically, which helps develop finger strength and ear training—crucial for any lead player.

Vibrato

Closely related to bending, vibrato is used to give sustained notes life and character. In “Runaway,” vibrato helps notes linger with emotion, enhancing the drama of melodic lines. Practicing vibrato improves control and adds individuality to your phrasing, making even simple licks sound professional and expressive.

Palm Muting

The song’s chugging rhythm sections rely heavily on palm muting, particularly during the verse and bridge. This technique tightens up your sound, helping create dynamic contrast and punch. Learning proper palm muting also improves right-hand accuracy and rhythmic discipline—key elements of tight rock guitar playing.

Alternate Picking

Tim Pierce’s clean and precise runs in the solo section are made possible through efficient alternate picking. This fundamental technique involves picking in a down-up motion, enabling speed and clarity. Mastering alternate picking boosts your speed and timing, especially during faster passages and scale runs.

Slides

The use of slides between notes adds fluidity to both rhythm and lead parts in “Runaway.” Slides connect phrases smoothly and allow you to move seamlessly across the fretboard. Incorporating slides into your playing enhances your legato phrasing and helps develop fretboard familiarity.

Power Chords

“Runaway” leans on driving power chords to bring that hard rock crunch. Learning to play these shapes cleanly and dynamically helps lay the foundation for playing countless rock songs. It’s an essential building block for any aspiring rhythm guitarist.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

To articulate fast melodic phrases, “Runaway” makes use of hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques add speed and smoothness to your licks, making your lead playing sound fluid and connected. Mastering them also improves finger independence and coordination.

Pinched Harmonics

Subtle but impactful, pinched harmonics add a squealing, aggressive edge to select notes in the solo. This technique is excellent for injecting attitude into your playing and refining your pick-hand control.

Unison Bends

Unison bends—a staple of classic rock—feature in “Runaway” to create a harmonically rich, powerful sound. Unison bends help train your pitch accuracy and build finger strength, making them an ideal tool for soloists aiming to cut through a mix.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning “Runaway” is more than just playing a rock hit—it's a workout in phrasing, timing, and tone. Each section offers a lesson in contrast: gritty verses versus melodic solos, rhythmic tightness against expressive lead work. You'll walk away from this lesson with sharper skills, a deeper understanding of classic rock guitar vocabulary, and a killer track under your belt to add to your performance repertoire.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• String Bending

Whether you're a fan of Bon Jovi or just want to level up your classic rock chops, “Runaway” offers a thrilling and rewarding guitar journey. Jump into this Licklibrary lesson and bring every note to life—just like the pros.