"You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi - Guitar Lesson Overview

"You Give Love a Bad Name" is a timeless rock anthem that helped catapult Bon Jovi to international stardom in the 1980s. Known for its infectious riff, anthemic chorus, and unforgettable solo, this song showcases some of the best elements of rock guitar playing. In this note-for-note guitar lesson, we’ll break down key techniques used by Richie Sambora in the song, such as power chords, palm muting, whammy bar tricks, and two-hand tapping. These techniques will not only help you master the song but will also elevate your overall guitar playing skills. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Key Techniques in "You Give Love a Bad Name"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of many classic rock songs, and "You Give Love a Bad Name" is no exception. Sambora uses power chords to drive the main riff and throughout the verses and chorus, providing the song with its strong, punchy rhythm. Power chords are simple to play, consisting of just two or three notes, but they produce a big, full sound that is perfect for rock music. These chords are easy to move around the fretboard, making them ideal for fast-paced songs like this one.

For any guitarist, mastering power chords is essential. They are a fundamental part of rock and metal music, and learning to play them fluently will enhance your rhythm playing. In this lesson, we’ll teach you how to move between power chords quickly and seamlessly, giving you the tools to play countless other songs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is another key technique used in this song, particularly during the verses. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, creating a muted, percussive sound. Palm muting helps control the dynamics of your playing, allowing you to create contrast between sections of the song, such as the punchy verses and the big, open-sounding choruses.

Learning how to palm mute effectively is crucial for any guitarist who wants to play rock or metal music. It not only adds a tight, rhythmic quality to your playing but also gives you greater control over your sound, making it a versatile technique that you’ll use in many other songs.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The whammy bar (or tremolo bar) is used by Richie Sambora to add dramatic flourishes throughout the song. Whammy bar tricks allow you to raise or lower the pitch of a note by pushing or pulling the bar, creating everything from subtle vibrato to deep dive bombs. In "You Give Love a Bad Name," Sambora uses the whammy bar to accentuate certain notes and add excitement to his solos.

Learning how to use the whammy bar effectively can take your lead guitar playing to the next level. This technique adds a dynamic, expressive element to your playing, giving you the ability to bend notes and create a variety of effects that can make your solos stand out.

Two-Hand Tapping

One of the standout techniques in this song is two-hand tapping, used by Sambora in the guitar solo. Tapping involves using both hands on the fretboard to hammer-on and pull-off notes in rapid succession, creating a smooth, fluid sound. This technique allows you to play fast, intricate solos that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional picking methods. Sambora’s tapping solo in "You Give Love a Bad Name" is a perfect example of how this flashy technique can add flair to a song.

For guitarists, learning two-hand tapping opens up a whole new range of possibilities for soloing. It allows you to play faster and more complex passages with ease and can add a level of technical brilliance to your playing that will impress any audience.

About the Guitarist: Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora is one of rock's most iconic guitarists, blending technical proficiency with melodic sensibilities to create some of the most memorable guitar parts in rock history. His work with Bon Jovi defined the sound of 1980s arena rock, and his contributions to "You Give Love a Bad Name" are a perfect example of his ability to fuse hard-hitting riffs with expressive lead guitar work. Sambora's playing on this track is full of energy, employing a mix of aggressive rhythms, melodic solos, and flashy techniques like two-hand tapping and whammy bar tricks. Learning this song gives you an inside look at his signature style, which continues to influence guitarists worldwide.

Conclusion

"You Give Love a Bad Name" is not just a rock anthem—it’s a masterclass in essential guitar techniques. From the driving power chords that anchor the rhythm to the flashy two-hand tapping in the solo, this song is packed with valuable lessons for any aspiring guitarist. Richie Sambora’s playing on this track perfectly balances rhythm and lead, showcasing his ability to blend technical prowess with melodic sensibility.

By learning these techniques, you’ll not only master one of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits but also improve your overall guitar playing. Whether you’re a fan of Bon Jovi or simply looking to enhance your rock guitar skills, this lesson will give you the tools you need to play like a pro.

In our note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll learn all the key parts of the song in detail, with expert guidance on how to master each technique.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Two-Hand Tapping