Locomotive by Guns N’ Roses – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Master the intricate guitar work in “Locomotive” by Guns N’ Roses with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary. Taken from the ambitious Use Your Illusion II album, “Locomotive” is one of the band’s most complex and groove-driven tracks. Combining funk-inspired rock with blistering lead work, dynamic shifts, and layered guitar textures, it stands as a shining example of Slash and Izzy Stradlin’s ability to fuse technical proficiency with raw feel. This lesson focuses on key techniques found throughout the song, including power chords, altered tunings, string bending, and vibrato, giving you all the tools to play this iconic track with precision and emotion. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Power Chords

Power chords are at the core of the song’s heavy-hitting rhythm sections. Used throughout the main riff and verse grooves, they deliver the punch and attitude that “Locomotive” demands. Learning to play power chords cleanly and confidently will not only strengthen your rhythm chops but also improve your fretting hand control and picking-hand accuracy. This song’s fast-paced transitions and syncopated strumming patterns make it an excellent workout for players looking to build tight, articulate rock rhythm technique.

Altered Tunings

Like much of Use Your Illusion II, “Locomotive” is performed in altered tunings—specifically, the band tunes down a half-step. This tuning gives the song a heavier tonal weight and a slightly darker edge, allowing the riffs and solos to breathe with more depth and attitude. Playing in altered tunings challenges your understanding of the fretboard and encourages new chord shapes and voicings, helping expand your versatility and tonal creativity as a guitarist.

String Bending

Slash’s lead work on “Locomotive” is packed with dynamic string bending, from expressive bluesy licks to fiery, high-pitched squeals. These bends are critical in capturing the emotion of the solos and require a solid command of finger strength and intonation. This lesson will guide you through accurate bending techniques, ensuring that you hit the pitch every time and develop the control needed to execute bends with fluidity and confidence. It’s a great way to enhance the vocal quality of your lead playing.

Vibrato

Throughout the solos and melodic lines, vibrato is used to inject further emotion and sustain into the performance. Whether it's a wide, expressive vibrato on a sustained note or a subtle, faster variation, Slash uses this technique to keep his solos alive and breathing. Our lesson covers various vibrato techniques and helps you develop your own style while staying faithful to the nuances of the original recording. Vibrato adds personal flair to your playing and is essential for crafting a memorable lead guitar tone.

Why Learn “Locomotive”?

“Locomotive” is a must-learn for any Guns N’ Roses fan or guitarist looking to push themselves musically. The song demands a mix of rhythm precision, technical soloing, and dynamic awareness. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of song structure, feel, and how to build tension and release through your playing. This lesson offers a comprehensive guide to nailing each section note-for-note, while also helping you internalize the techniques that made Slash and Izzy’s playing so influential.

From chunky, groove-laden riffs to soaring bends and expressive vibrato, this is a song that gives your playing personality and bite. Whether you're focused on rhythm or lead, “Locomotive” is a rewarding challenge that will boost your skills across the board.

About the Guitarists: Slash & Izzy Stradlin

At the heart of “Locomotive” are the combined forces of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, whose contrasting yet complementary styles define the band’s guitar sound. Slash delivers soaring leads, saturated with feel and personality, while Izzy lays down tight, groove-heavy rhythm parts that form the backbone of the track. Slash’s bluesy phrasing and melodic sensibility shine in this song, offering guitarists a masterclass in combining aggression with nuance. Izzy’s gritty, punk-infused rhythm style provides the perfect foil, showing the importance of groove, simplicity, and timing in crafting a powerful guitar arrangement.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Altered Tunings
• String Bending
• Vibrato

Jump on board with "Locomotive" and bring the high-octane energy of Guns N’ Roses into your own playing. This LickLibrary lesson is your ticket to mastering one of the band’s most musically ambitious tracks—complete with all the grit, groove, and fire that made it a fan favorite.