River Of Love – George Lynch

"River Of Love" by George Lynch is a guitar-driven hard rock anthem that showcases the iconic guitarist's signature blend of melodic phrasing and fierce technical ability. At LickLibrary, we've created a comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson that dissects every riff, solo, and intricate detail of this track, offering players of intermediate to advanced levels a chance to absorb Lynch's expressive playing style.

This lesson dives deep into the techniques that define Lynch’s playing, helping you improve not only your technical chops but also your musical phrasing and stylistic versatility. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering George Lynch's work for the first time, this lesson offers valuable insight into the vocabulary of one of rock's most respected guitar heroes. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – George Lynch

George Lynch first gained widespread fame as the lead guitarist of Dokken, where he became known for his virtuosic solos, aggressive riffing, and expressive tonal control. His post-Dokken work, especially with his band Lynch Mob, allowed him to explore a more blues-influenced and melodic rock style. "River Of Love" stands as a hallmark of this period, combining raw energy with refined technique.

Lynch's influence on modern guitarists is undeniable. His blend of shredding proficiency and soulful phrasing has inspired players across metal, rock, and even fusion genres. Learning from his playing offers a direct connection to the legacy of ‘80s and ‘90s hard rock guitar, while also equipping players with evergreen techniques applicable to multiple styles.

Song Breakdown & Techniques

Intro Riff & Groove

The song kicks off with a commanding riff built on aggressive palm-muting and heavy use of power chords. This combination gives the track its rhythmic drive and punch, laying the foundation for the rest of the piece.

Technique Benefit: Developing tight palm-muting improves rhythm control and precision, especially for rock and metal genres. Mastering power chords is essential for crafting impactful riffs with minimal movement.

Verse & Main Groove

Lynch spices up the verse with syncopated rhythms and percussive chugs, keeping the momentum high. Subtle slides and string bending add expression to the groove.

Technique Benefit: Slides and bends enhance your phrasing and help inject vocal-like qualities into your lead and rhythm playing.

Pre-Chorus & Chorus

Here, the use of alternate picking becomes prominent, particularly during transitional licks and fills. There’s also tasteful vibrato that lends Lynch’s notes a singing quality.

Technique Benefit: Alternate picking builds speed and efficiency across strings, while controlled vibrato adds character and emotion to sustained notes.

Solo Section

The solo is a masterclass in Lynch’s expressive technique. You’ll encounter legato runs, pinched harmonics, trills, and even explosive dive bombs via the whammy bar.

Technique Benefit: Learning legato increases fluidity between notes and reduces pick dependency. Pinched harmonics and dive bombs teach you how to manipulate tone and create sonic drama during solos.

Outro & Embellishments

As the song winds down, Lynch uses unison bends, double-stop bends, and rapid pull-offs to add flair and intensity to the closing statements.

Technique Benefit: Double-stop and unison bends create rich harmonic textures, while pull-offs boost left-hand strength and fluid motion across the fretboard.

Why Learn This Song?

“River Of Love” is an ideal study for guitarists aiming to bridge technical proficiency with musical expressiveness. You’ll not only refine your mechanics but also develop stylistic awareness that elevates your improvisation and composition. The lesson breaks each section down methodically, allowing you to master each part before piecing the full song together.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Dive Bombs
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• String Bending

Ready to channel your inner George Lynch? Dive into the River Of Love guitar lesson now and elevate your playing with one of hard rock's most dynamic and expressive guitar tracks.