"Mother, Father" by Journey

Journey’s "Mother, Father," a standout track from their classic Escape album, is a masterpiece of emotive songwriting and sophisticated musicianship. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for this song brings its iconic techniques and unique challenges to your fingertips. Whether you're a Journey fan or a guitarist looking to refine your skills, this lesson offers an enriching experience. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in "Mother, Father"

The guitar parts in "Mother, Father" are driven by Neal Schon’s expressive and technically brilliant playing. As a founding member of Journey, Schon has left an indelible mark on the rock and melodic guitar world. His work in this song exemplifies his ability to blend soulful phrasing with technical mastery, creating both memorable solos and powerful rhythm parts.

Schon’s influence extends far beyond Journey, inspiring countless guitarists with his melodic approach, dynamic control, and versatility. Learning his work on "Mother, Father" offers insights into his creative mind and helps players develop a deeper understanding of emotional expression in music.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our lesson for "Mother, Father" dives into several advanced guitar techniques, breaking them down step by step to make them accessible. Each technique is a valuable skill for any guitarist, and mastering them will not only help you play this song accurately but also enhance your overall playing.

String Bending

Schon’s use of string bending adds a vocal-like quality to his solos. This technique allows you to add emotion and tension to your notes, giving your playing a more expressive feel.

Vibrato

Schon’s tasteful vibrato is essential for achieving his signature sound. Vibrato adds depth and character to sustained notes, making your solos more engaging.

Alternate Picking

The fast, articulate passages in "Mother, Father" rely on precise alternate picking. This technique ensures clarity and speed, essential for executing complex runs.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The rhythm parts feature beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions. This technique involves picking individual notes of a chord in sequence, creating a flowing and harmonious texture.

Legato

Smooth runs in the song make use of legato techniques, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. These add fluidity and efficiency to your playing.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, adding a seamless quality to melodic lines.

Double Stops

Schon incorporates double stops for richer textures and harmonic layering. These are especially effective in creating a fuller sound during solos and riffs.

Unison Bends

Unison bends are employed to heighten the drama and intensity of certain phrases. This technique is a staple in rock guitar, offering a soaring, vocal-like effect.

Chord Progressions

The song's sophisticated chord progressions are central to its emotional depth. Learning these progressions improves your understanding of harmony and song structure.

Sustain

Schon’s mastery of sustain brings out the emotional resonance of each note. This technique teaches control over dynamics and tone.

Pinched Harmonics

The occasional use of pinched harmonics adds an aggressive edge, contrasting with the song's melodic sections.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Expression and Dynamics: Techniques like vibrato, string bending, and sustain help you convey emotion and nuance in your playing.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastering alternate picking, legato, and arpeggiated chord progressions enhances your technical skills.
• Versatility: Incorporating double stops, unison bends, and pinched harmonics broadens your stylistic range.
• Songwriting Insights: Understanding chord progressions and melodic phrasing enriches your compositional abilities.
• Confidence and Fluency: Practicing these techniques builds your confidence and fluency on the guitar.

Techniques Used in "Mother, Father"

Here is a comprehensive list of guitar techniques explored in this lesson:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Legato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Pinched Harmonics

Start your journey into mastering this iconic Journey track today and elevate your playing to new heights!