“My Michelle” by Guns N’ Roses

Take your guitar skills to the next level with our note-for-note breakdown of “My Michelle” by Guns N’ Roses, available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This in-depth guitar lesson explores every nuance of this iconic track, breaking down both rhythm and lead guitar parts to help you master the style and techniques of one of hard rock’s most legendary bands. Whether you're an intermediate player or looking to challenge your advanced skills, this lesson will sharpen your technique and boost your rock guitar vocabulary. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

“My Michelle” is a gritty, aggressive track from Guns N’ Roses' seminal 1987 album Appetite for Destruction. The song showcases the dual-guitar power of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, whose interplay is a defining feature of the band’s sound.

Slash is widely celebrated for his blues-infused phrasing, melodic sensibility, and emotive bends. His solo in “My Michelle” is a perfect example of raw expression and technical flair. Izzy Stradlin, on the other hand, brings a tight, punk-inspired rhythm style that provides the backbone of the band’s groove. Together, they create a dynamic and powerful guitar texture that has influenced generations of rock and metal players.

Song Structure and Techniques Taught

Opening Riff and Power Chords

The song kicks off with a dark, brooding riff built around distorted power chords. These are essential for any rock or metal guitarist and lay the foundation for countless iconic riffs. Mastering power chords will enhance your rhythm playing and help you create tight, punchy guitar parts.

Palm Muting

The main riff utilises palm muting to create a percussive, chugging sound. This technique is crucial for adding dynamics and articulation to your rhythm playing, especially in heavier genres. You'll learn how to control your muting for precision and power.

Slides and String Bending

Throughout both rhythm and lead sections, you’ll find expressive slides and string bending. These techniques add emotion and fluidity to your solos and are foundational in developing a lead guitar voice that sings.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The solos incorporate fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fast, flowing phrases. These techniques allow you to play notes more smoothly and increase your speed and articulation without relying solely on picking.

Vibrato

Slash's signature vibrato technique is on full display in “My Michelle”. Learning this will teach you how to give your notes more character and sustain. Controlled vibrato separates great players from good ones, and our lesson shows you how to master it.

Double Stops and Bluesy Bends

The solo work also features double stops and expressive bluesy bends—two techniques that are staples of Slash’s style. These elements add depth to your solos and enable you to play with more soul and attitude.

Alternate Picking

Fast runs in the solo sections rely on alternate picking to maintain speed and precision. Learning this technique will drastically improve your picking efficiency and allow you to tackle more advanced lead lines with clarity.

Benefits of Learning “My Michelle”

Learning this song provides a comprehensive workout for both hands. You'll improve your rhythmic precision, develop lead guitar finesse, and gain deeper insight into how Slash and Izzy create memorable rock guitar parts. The lesson not only teaches you how to play each part accurately, but also explains the why behind the choices, enhancing your understanding of songwriting and arrangement in a two-guitar band setup.

Each section is broken down slowly and clearly, making it easier to absorb and apply these techniques to your own playing. Whether you're jamming in a band or crafting your own solos, mastering “My Michelle” will elevate your overall musicianship.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops

Ready to dive into the gritty, soulful playing of Guns N’ Roses? Visit LickLibrary.com to access the full lesson for “My Michelle” and start mastering these essential rock guitar techniques today.