“Anything Goes” by Guns N' Roses

Explore the raw, unfiltered energy of Guns N’ Roses with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson for “Anything Goes” — a high-octane track from their iconic debut album Appetite for Destruction. Known for its wild guitar solos, sleazy riffing, and unrelenting rock ‘n’ roll attitude, this song is a goldmine for guitarists looking to master the expressive techniques that made Slash and Izzy Stradlin legendary. Whether you're sharpening your chops or chasing the classic GNR tone, this lesson delivers both the skills and the swagger. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Slash and Izzy Stradlin

Slash and Izzy Stradlin formed one of the most dynamic guitar duos in rock history. Slash, with his searing lead lines, unorthodox phrasing, and signature Les Paul tone, brought fiery intensity to every solo. Izzy, on the other hand, provided a gritty rhythmic foundation, grounding the chaos with his punk-infused sensibility. Together, they epitomised the dangerous sound of late-80s hard rock. Learning “Anything Goes” offers students insight into how Slash’s bluesy flair and Izzy’s street-smart rhythm combined into a timeless, aggressive style.

Lesson Focus and Guitar Techniques

Our “Anything Goes” guitar lesson dissects every riff, lick, and solo to help you capture the track’s spirit. Below are the core techniques emphasised in the lesson, with short insights into their importance and application:

String Bending

Slash’s expressive lead work relies heavily on string bending to create vocal-like phrasing. This technique is essential for adding emotion and intensity to your solos. You'll learn how to control pitch and vibrato while making your bends sing in tune.

Vibrato

Mastering vibrato adds personality to your notes. Slash’s wide, controlled vibrato is a defining element of his sound, and this lesson helps you develop that same confidence and control.

Legato

Smooth, flowing lines in the solo are made possible by legato phrasing—hammer-ons and pull-offs that let notes blend seamlessly. It’s perfect for building speed and fluidity in your lead playing.

Slides

Slides connect phrases with slick motion. The song uses both ascending and descending slides, making your playing sound more lyrical and connected.

Pinched Harmonics

Add edge and attitude with these squealing harmonic accents. Slash uses them to punctuate key moments in the solo, giving it extra grit.

Palm Muting

This technique tightens up rhythm sections and adds aggression to riffs. It’s crucial for maintaining control and dynamics in the intro and verse sections.

Power Chords

The backbone of the song’s heavy riffing. You'll get a deep dive into how to voice and move these foundational shapes to drive the rhythm.

Double-Stop Bends

Used in the song’s climactic moments, this technique allows for expressive two-note bends that add thickness and tension to solos.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Integral to Slash’s legato phrasing, these techniques are used extensively in the song’s solo to create smooth melodic runs.

Whammy Bar Tricks

These dramatic pitch drops and flutters add chaos and excitement. While used sparingly, they give the solo an unhinged, live feel that’s unmistakable.

Rakes

A subtle but powerful trick in Slash’s arsenal, raking helps you add percussive texture and anticipation to key notes in your solos.

Tremolo Picking

Used in high-energy sections to add a frenzied intensity, this technique is excellent for developing speed and control.

Why These Techniques Matter

Each of these guitar techniques contributes to the unique attitude of “Anything Goes.” More importantly, mastering them will enhance your playing far beyond this single track:

• Expression: Techniques like string bending, vibrato, and pinched harmonics teach you how to inject emotion into your playing.
• Speed and Flow: Legato, tremolo picking, and slides help build seamless phrasing and technical efficiency.
• Rhythmic Precision: Palm muting and power chords hone your rhythm guitar skills, essential for playing tight in any rock setting.
• Stage Presence: Flashy elements like whammy bar tricks and rakes boost your performance value and help you stand out.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Slides
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Double-Stop Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Rakes
• Tremolo Picking

Ready to unlock the firepower of Guns N’ Roses on your fretboard? Dive into our full “Anything Goes” guitar lesson and play like the legends.