Mr. Scary by George Lynch

“Mr. Scary” by George Lynch is a high-energy instrumental track that showcases some of the most iconic and technically challenging guitar techniques of the 1980s shred era. Our note-for-note Licklibrary guitar lesson breaks down every part of this ferocious track, giving players a front-row seat to George Lynch's masterclass in metal guitar. Whether you're looking to expand your lead guitar vocabulary or hone your phrasing and control, this lesson offers deep insights into Lynch's signature style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarist

George Lynch, best known for his work with Dokken and his own band Lynch Mob, is one of the most influential guitarists of the glam metal and hard rock scenes. "Mr. Scary," an instrumental track from Dokken’s Back for the Attack album, is a standout example of his expressive and aggressive playing style. Known for blending bluesy phrasing with explosive shred techniques, Lynch's tone and attitude have inspired generations of guitarists. His use of intricate phrasing, unique vibrato, and fluid legato runs makes him a player every rock guitarist can learn from.

Lesson Overview

Our detailed breakdown of “Mr. Scary” will guide you through each riff, lick, and solo passage. The lesson focuses on building technique and understanding how to use flashy guitar methods in a musical and creative way. Here's a look at the key techniques and concepts you'll master through this lesson:

Alternate Picking

From the very first bars of “Mr. Scary,” Lynch employs alternate picking to deliver tight, fast, and articulate runs. Mastering this technique helps guitarists gain better control, precision, and speed—critical for executing fast passages cleanly and confidently.

Legato

Throughout the solos, Lynch uses smooth legato phrasing that blends hammer-ons and pull-offs for fluid, rolling lines. Learning legato helps players develop finger strength and fluid motion, essential for achieving a seamless sound at high speeds.

Vibrato

Lynch's aggressive, wide vibrato is a cornerstone of his expressive playing. This lesson will show you how to mimic his phrasing style, adding depth and emotion to every note you play—something that separates good guitarists from great ones.

Pinched Harmonics

George Lynch frequently uses pinched harmonics to add extra bite and sizzle to his phrases. Learning to control these harmonics adds a vocal-like squeal to your playing, a must-have tool in the rock and metal guitarist’s arsenal.

Dive Bombs and Whammy Bar Tricks

“Mr. Scary” is peppered with aggressive dive bombs and whammy bar tricks, which give the track its unhinged and dramatic vibe. These techniques are not just for flair—they help guitarists explore pitch manipulation and dynamics in creative, attention-grabbing ways.

Trills

The solo sections incorporate rapid-fire trills, pushing your finger dexterity and timing to the limit. Practicing trills sharpens both strength and control in the fretting hand, making your lead playing more expressive and dynamic.

String Bending and Pre-Bends

Lynch's expressive lead work is filled with soaring string bends and tasteful pre-bends, allowing you to master the subtleties of pitch manipulation. These techniques enhance your emotional phrasing and make your solos sing.

Two-Handed Tapping

One of the standout moments in “Mr. Scary” features blazing two-handed tapping, creating extended phrases that aren’t possible with standard picking. This technique opens up new melodic possibilities across the fretboard and builds coordination between both hands.

Palm Muting

For rhythm sections, Lynch uses aggressive palm muting to create tight, percussive textures. Mastery of this technique helps guitarists control dynamics and inject punch into their riffs.

Arpeggios

Quick-fire arpeggios appear throughout Lynch’s solos, offering a melodic and harmonic framework that’s crucial for lead players to understand. Practicing these builds fretboard knowledge and fluency.

Why Learn “Mr. Scary”?

Studying “Mr. Scary” offers guitarists a rare opportunity to step inside the mind of a true innovator. George Lynch’s fusion of melody, aggression, and technical proficiency makes this song a must-learn for intermediate to advanced players. Beyond just technique, this lesson teaches you how to channel energy and emotion through your instrument—a skill that separates imitators from true performers.

By learning “Mr. Scary,” you’ll develop a toolkit that includes:

• Improved finger dexterity and control
• A deeper sense of phrasing and expression
• A greater command over complex lead guitar techniques
• Expanded creativity and confidence in your solos

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Arpeggios
• Pre-Bends
• String Bending