Pretty Tied Up by Guns N’ Roses – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Learn to play “Pretty Tied Up” by Guns N’ Roses with this detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. A deep cut from the Use Your Illusion II album, “Pretty Tied Up” is an eclectic and groove-driven track that perfectly captures the fusion of sleaze, swagger, and technical finesse that defines Guns N’ Roses’ sound. With its unique Eastern-influenced intro, gritty riffing, and fiery solos, this track offers a wealth of learning material for intermediate to advanced players. Our comprehensive guitar lesson focuses on the essential techniques found throughout the song: power chords, altered tunings, string bending, and barre chords. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Power Chords

Power chords are a cornerstone of the rhythm parts in “Pretty Tied Up,” laying the groundwork for the song’s driving attitude. These chords appear throughout the main riff and chorus sections, delivering the punchy and aggressive rock tone that defines the band’s rhythm guitar style. Practicing power chords sharpens your ability to play cleanly, improves palm muting control, and helps develop a strong rhythmic sense—key ingredients for any guitarist playing in a rock or hard rock setting.

Altered Tunings

The song is played in altered tunings—specifically, the guitars are tuned down a half-step. This tuning is a signature of Guns N’ Roses’ heavier material and provides a slightly darker, more aggressive tonal character. Learning songs in altered tunings expands your versatility, helps you understand the fretboard in new ways, and opens creative opportunities for writing and improvisation. This lesson gives you a great opportunity to get comfortable with tuning variations while learning iconic riffs and solos.

String Bending

String bending is used extensively throughout Slash’s solo work in “Pretty Tied Up.” From emotional whole-step bends to aggressive squeals, bending adds expression and personality to the lead lines. Our lesson breaks down these moments in detail, helping you improve pitch accuracy, finger strength, and control. Developing precise bending technique is essential for creating expressive, vocal-like phrasing, and is a hallmark of Slash’s distinctive lead style.

Barre Chords

Barre chords make up much of the rhythm guitar backbone in this track, especially in the verse and pre-chorus sections. Learning to execute barre chords cleanly and efficiently is crucial for any rhythm guitarist. They not only expand your chord vocabulary but also help build finger strength and fretboard awareness. In “Pretty Tied Up,” these shapes are used to add color and variation, particularly when shifting between dynamic sections of the song.

Why Learn “Pretty Tied Up”?

“Pretty Tied Up” is a prime example of Guns N’ Roses’ ability to blend attitude with technicality. It provides a great balance of challenging rhythm and lead elements, making it a rewarding study for any rock guitarist. The combination of funky grooves, exotic textures, and soaring solos makes this track a valuable addition to any player’s repertoire.

By learning this song through our note-for-note lesson, you’ll gain greater confidence in rhythm and lead roles, develop your technical ability, and understand how to balance complexity with feel. It’s an excellent track for working on expressive techniques while also exploring interesting rhythmic patterns and alternative voicings.

About the Guitarists: Slash & Izzy Stradlin

“Pretty Tied Up” showcases the iconic guitar duo of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, whose contrasting approaches created one of rock’s most dynamic partnerships. Slash brings melodic flair and a bluesy, expressive lead style to the table, while Izzy provides the raw, tight rhythm foundation that anchors the band’s sound. Together, their playing defines the track’s gritty charm and tight grooves. Slash’s solos in this track demonstrate his fluid bending, melodic phrasing, and a sense of controlled chaos that every aspiring guitarist can learn from. Izzy’s rhythm work, meanwhile, reinforces the importance of timing, groove, and simplicity.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Altered Tunings
• String Bending
• Barre Chords

Plug in and get locked into the groove with “Pretty Tied Up.” This is a deep-cut gem from Guns N’ Roses that offers powerful rhythm work and expressive lead guitar playing—perfect for players who want to bring more depth, skill, and style to their playing. With our step-by-step breakdown, you’ll be able to master every riff, chord, and solo with confidence.