Out ta Get Me – Guns N' Roses

Take your rock guitar playing to the next level with LickLibrary’s note-for-note breakdown of “Out ta Get Me” by Guns N' Roses. This aggressive, attitude-laden track from the iconic Appetite for Destruction album is a masterclass in gritty tone, explosive technique, and raw rock energy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or aiming to sharpen your skills, this lesson dives deep into the techniques that defined Slash and Izzy Stradlin’s powerhouse playing on this track. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Learn to Play “Out ta Get Me”

“Out ta Get Me” is a song that captures Guns N' Roses at their most rebellious. The guitar work is unrelenting—blistering riffs, dynamic solos, and fierce rhythmic power combine to create a track that demands attention. Our lesson covers every note, riff, and lick, breaking down both the rhythm and lead guitar parts, giving you a full picture of the track’s guitar composition.

From the moment the track kicks off, players are thrown into a high-energy, riff-driven ride. You'll learn how to lock into tight rhythm sections and attack lead phrases with confidence and precision. The main riff alone provides a great workout in both right-hand control and left-hand fretboard knowledge.

Meet the Guitarists: Slash and Izzy Stradlin

At the heart of “Out ta Get Me” are Slash and Izzy Stradlin—two players with contrasting yet perfectly complementary styles. Slash’s lead work is fluid, bluesy, and often unpredictable, blending classic rock influences with fiery pentatonic runs and expressive bends. Izzy, on the other hand, provides rock-solid rhythm with a punk-infused edge and understated finesse.

Together, they crafted a sound that became synonymous with raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll. Their interplay on this track is a perfect example of dual-guitar harmony and tight arrangement. Slash’s expressive solos and Izzy’s locked-in rhythm work offer invaluable insight for any guitarist wanting to improve both feel and technique.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

This lesson covers a wide range of techniques that are essential for any rock guitarist. Here's a closer look at the key skills you'll develop and how they’ll benefit your overall playing:

String Bending

This track features heavy use of string bending, a signature component of Slash’s style. From wide, expressive bends in solos to subtle inflections within licks, mastering this technique boosts your ability to phrase like a pro.

Vibrato

Adding character and emotion to every note, vibrato is used throughout Slash’s lead parts. It gives your playing a vocal-like quality and enhances sustain and note definition.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The solos make extensive use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, essential components of legato playing. These techniques allow for smooth, fluid lead lines that flow effortlessly across the fretboard.

Slides

Slides are used to connect notes with a seamless glide, adding flavour to riffs and transitions. This technique enhances expression and gives your solos a slick, blues-influenced vibe.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm sections use palm muting to build intensity and contrast. Learning this will tighten your rhythm playing and give your riffs more dynamic punch.

Power Chords

A staple of rock guitar, power chords form the backbone of the rhythm guitar parts. They offer a thick, aggressive sound that’s crucial for driving rock songs.

Double Stops

Used for fills and mini-riffs, double stops add harmonic richness and bite. They’re perfect for enhancing solo sections and rhythm embellishments.

Unison Bends

Unison bends provide intensity and tension, especially during solo climaxes. This technique helps build emotional weight and dramatic flair in your lead work.

Alternate Picking

Fast riffs in the verses and solos require alternate picking for speed and accuracy. This foundational technique is key to mastering quick passages with control.

Rakes

Slash’s signature lead tone often includes rakes before hitting target notes, giving his solos a snarling, percussive edge. This technique adds aggression and flair to your phrasing.

Why Learn “Out ta Get Me”?

Learning this song provides a practical, hands-on approach to mastering several crucial rock techniques. It’s not just about memorising a solo—it's about understanding how to build phrasing, attack riffs with conviction, and play with style and feel.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play the song accurately, but you'll also have added a whole toolkit of expressive and technical skills to your playing arsenal.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Rakes