Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

Journey’s iconic anthem, "Don't Stop Believin'," is one of the most enduring and inspiring rock songs ever created. At Licklibrary.com, we offer an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson that captures every nuance of this legendary track. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced player aiming to master Journey’s style, this lesson provides the tools to elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind the Song: Neal Schon

The guitar work in "Don't Stop Believin'" is helmed by Neal Schon, one of rock music’s most celebrated guitarists. A prodigious talent, Schon started his career as a teenager in Santana before co-founding Journey. Known for his melodic sensibility, soaring solos, and impeccable technique, Schon’s playing in this track exemplifies his ability to blend technical mastery with emotional depth. His influence extends far beyond Journey, inspiring countless guitarists worldwide with his signature tone and phrasing.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

1. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

"Don't Stop Believin'" opens with one of the most memorable arpeggiated chord progressions in rock history. This technique involves picking individual notes of a chord in sequence rather than strumming them all at once. Practicing arpeggios improves finger independence and precision, essential skills for clean and articulate playing.

2. String Bending

Schon’s expressive use of string bending adds a vocal-like quality to his solos. This technique is perfect for developing control and enhancing musical phrasing, allowing players to add emotion to their playing by bending notes to reach specific pitches.

3. Vibrato

A hallmark of Neal Schon’s style, vibrato enriches the sustain of bent and fretted notes. Vibrato adds character and depth to your playing, helping to convey emotion and make your solos stand out.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Schon incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid legato runs, a key element in the melodic lines of the song. These techniques help improve finger strength and speed, allowing you to transition seamlessly between notes.

5. Slides

The use of slides in the melody enhances the smooth, flowing quality of Schon’s guitar lines. Practicing slides develops finger coordination and helps in creating dynamic, connected phrases.

6. Power Chords

The rhythm sections of the song prominently feature power chords, a staple of rock guitar playing. Mastering power chords is vital for building a strong rhythmic foundation and adding punch to your playing.

7. Double Stops

Schon’s tasteful use of double stops creates harmonically rich phrases that add texture to the solos. Learning double stops improves your ability to play two-note harmonies and enhances your knowledge of intervals.

8. Alternate Picking

Precision is key in Journey’s intricate guitar parts, and alternate picking ensures clean and consistent execution. Practicing this technique boosts speed and accuracy across single-note passages and melodies.

9. Sustain

Schon’s use of sustain allows his notes to sing out, creating a dramatic and emotional impact. Mastering sustain helps you develop better control over note duration and dynamics.

10. Chord Progressions

The song’s rich harmonic foundation lies in its chord progressions, which are both accessible and rewarding to play. Practicing these progressions sharpens your rhythm guitar skills and deepens your understanding of song structure.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques in this lesson, players not only recreate the magic of "Don't Stop Believin'," but also gain valuable tools applicable to many other styles of music. These techniques enhance dexterity, timing, and musicality, equipping guitarists with the confidence to tackle any song.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Sustain

Dive into this incredible lesson and discover how to bring the timeless magic of "Don't Stop Believin'" into your own playing!