Learn to Play "Don't Cry" by Guns N' Roses | Guitar Lesson

“Don’t Cry” is one of Guns N’ Roses’ most iconic ballads, known for its heartfelt lyrics, emotive solos, and soaring melodies. Released on Use Your Illusion I in 1991, the song became a standout track in the band’s discography, combining emotional depth with stunning guitar work. In this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary, we take you through every expressive detail of the track—from the delicate arpeggios to the powerful bends and melodic solos that define this rock masterpiece.

This lesson focuses on the essential techniques that shape “Don’t Cry,” including arpeggiated chord progressions, octaves, string bending, and vibrato. These techniques are foundational for expressive guitar playing, and the song offers the perfect context to practice and refine them. Whether you’re working on phrasing, building feel in your solos, or understanding how to add emotion to your tone, this is a must-learn song for any rock guitarist. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verses of “Don’t Cry” are built around beautifully layered arpeggiated chord progressions. These broken chords outline the harmony in a melodic, flowing manner that gives the song its reflective tone. In this lesson, you’ll learn to pick through chord shapes cleanly and evenly, developing better right-hand control and timing. Mastering arpeggios like these is essential for players who want to add musicality and dynamic depth to their rhythm and clean playing.

Octaves

Octave melodies are featured in the lead fills and some solo passages, creating harmonically rich lines that cut through the mix without being too busy. Learning to play with octaves not only helps you build melodic ideas across the neck, but also improves your fretboard knowledge and hand synchronization. This lesson breaks down how to use octaves for expressive embellishments and lead lines, giving your playing a polished and professional sound.

String Bending

One of Slash’s signature techniques is string bending, and “Don’t Cry” showcases his mastery of pitch control and emotion. Throughout the solos, you’ll find full-step and micro bends that add a vocal-like quality to his phrasing. We’ll walk you through proper bending technique, how to hit the pitch perfectly, and how to use bends for dramatic effect. This is a critical skill for lead players and one of the most expressive tools in a guitarist’s arsenal.

Vibrato

No Slash solo is complete without his signature vibrato—wide, controlled, and full of attitude. In this lesson, we cover how to develop a confident vibrato that adds character and sustain to your lead lines. You’ll explore different vibrato speeds, widths, and approaches to match the phrasing found in “Don’t Cry.” Vibrato is a key element in developing a personal voice on the guitar, and this track offers plenty of opportunity to refine it.

Why Learn “Don’t Cry”?

“Don’t Cry” is more than just a power ballad—it’s a masterclass in emotional guitar playing. Every note in the song serves the mood and story of the lyrics, and learning to play it teaches you how to match technical control with musical feel. From clean picking and layered chords to expressive bends and lead phrasing, this song helps build the foundation for a well-rounded, expressive rock style.

Our LickLibrary note-for-note guitar lesson ensures that you’ll learn every riff, fill, and solo exactly as played on the original recording. With slow breakdowns, on-screen tab, and expert guidance, you’ll be able to develop the skills and expression that make this track so timeless.

About the Guitarists: Slash & Izzy Stradlin

The guitar parts in “Don’t Cry” are a masterclass in contrast and chemistry between Slash and Izzy Stradlin. Slash’s lyrical lead guitar work brings emotional storytelling through melody and technique, while Izzy provides a solid foundation with subtle chord voicings and textures that glue the track together. Slash’s use of expressive bends, vocal-like vibrato, and melodic phrasing has influenced generations of players, and learning this track offers insight into what makes his playing so iconic. Meanwhile, Izzy’s rhythm parts are an essential study in tasteful, understated rock guitar that supports without overpowering.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Octave Melodies
• String Bending
• Vibrato

Master the emotional intensity and melodic finesse of one of Guns N’ Roses’ greatest songs with this Don’t Cry guitar lesson from LickLibrary. Whether you’re a fan of Slash’s soulful leads or looking to sharpen your expressive techniques, this is the perfect song to help you grow as a guitarist.