It’s So Easy by Guns N’ Roses

Dive deep into the gritty, rebellious energy of Guns N’ Roses with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson on It’s So Easy. One of the standout tracks from their iconic debut album Appetite for Destruction, this song is a perfect showcase of the hard-hitting, attitude-driven playing styles of Slash and Duff McKagan. Our LickLibrary lesson breaks down every riff, lick, and technique used in the song, offering guitarists of all levels a chance to master its raw groove and build essential rock guitar skills. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Song Breakdown

It’s So Easy kicks off with a pounding, syncopated rhythm that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the track. It’s built on a foundation of powerful, chugging palm-muting and aggressive power chords, both of which are essential components in the arsenal of any rock guitarist. The intro and verse riffs demand tight timing and a solid right-hand technique to lock in with the drums and bass, giving players a real-world workout in rhythm guitar.

As the track progresses, players will encounter slides and hammer-ons that add a vocal-like, expressive quality to the lead work. These techniques not only give the riffing a sleazy swagger but also teach valuable finger strength and coordination. The main solo in It’s So Easy is deceptively simple but offers a masterclass in taste, tone, and feel, utilising subtle vibrato and melodic phrasing.

Techniques You Will Learn

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a rhythmic staple in rock and metal guitar playing. By lightly resting the palm of your picking hand near the bridge, you create a tight, percussive sound. This technique helps develop dynamic control and precision, vital for executing tight, groove-based riffs like those found throughout It’s So Easy.

Power Chords

The backbone of rock guitar, power chords deliver maximum sonic impact with minimal finger movement. Learning to move them quickly across the fretboard helps players build finger strength and mobility while locking in with a band.

Slides

Slide techniques create fluid motion between notes and add expression to both rhythm and lead playing. Practicing slides refines fretboard awareness and finger control, making your transitions smoother and more musical.

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons help players achieve speed and legato flow in their lines. They build finger strength and dexterity in your fretting hand and are often used in faster lead runs to make them sound smoother and more connected.

Vibrato

Good vibrato gives your playing emotion and personality. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to apply controlled vibrato to held notes, which enhances sustain and musical phrasing—a key trait of Slash’s expressive soloing style.

About the Guitarists

It’s So Easy features the unmistakable guitar work of Slash, whose blues-infused hard rock playing helped define the sound of late '80s rock. Known for his emotive phrasing, tastefully crafted solos, and iconic Les Paul tone, Slash's influence is deeply felt in every lick and riff of this track. His playing strikes a balance between raw aggression and melodic sensibility, making it essential learning for any aspiring rock guitarist.

Backing him is rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, whose tight, riff-based playing style provides the perfect complement. Stradlin’s groove and feel are key to the band’s swagger, offering students a valuable lesson in solid, supportive rhythm work. Together, Slash and Izzy demonstrate the power of two guitars working in tandem—a hallmark of Guns N’ Roses’ massive sound.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning It’s So Easy equips you with foundational rock techniques while also helping you develop stage-ready confidence. It’s an ideal track for intermediate players looking to tighten their rhythm chops and build a more expressive lead style. Plus, mastering this song means gaining a deeper appreciation of one of the most influential rock bands in history.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Vibrato

Want to bring attitude and precision to your guitar playing? Dive into our full breakdown of It’s So Easy today and unleash your inner rock star.