Time for Changes by Mötley Crüe

LickLibrary proudly presents an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson on Mötley Crüe’s iconic power ballad, Time for Changes. Known for its emotional dynamics, melodic phrasing, and memorable guitar work, this track provides guitarists with a treasure trove of expressive techniques that bridge the worlds of classic hard rock and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re looking to enhance your expressive lead playing or build confidence in your phrasing and tone, this lesson has it all. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitar Legacy

Released in 1985 on the Theatre of Pain album, Time for Changes is one of Mötley Crüe’s most anthemic tracks. While the band is more often associated with glam metal excess and high-octane riffs, this song showcases their ability to strip it back and connect emotionally with their audience. The guitar work is soaring and lyrical, mixing tasteful soloing with expressive techniques that elevate the overall feel of the song.

The Guitarist Behind the Music

The track features the legendary Mick Mars on guitar, whose tone, phrasing, and emotive playing have influenced generations of guitarists. Despite being less flashy than some of his peers, Mars is renowned for his ability to craft memorable solos that serve the song rather than overshadow it. His signature style blends bluesy bends, tasteful vibrato, and melodic contour, making him one of the most underrated yet impactful guitarists in the glam metal era.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending plays a central role in Time for Changes, offering emotional nuance and vocal-like phrasing to both solos and melodic lines. Learning proper string bending technique helps players improve pitch control and add emotional depth to their lead work.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used frequently throughout the song to sustain and colour notes, particularly at the end of bends or long phrases. Developing vibrato enhances your ability to express dynamics and bring life to sustained notes.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the track to seamlessly connect phrases and add a fluid motion to both rhythm and lead sections. Practising slides improves fretboard navigation and phrasing cohesion.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Lead passages feature flowing hammer-ons and pull-offs, helping to maintain a legato feel in the solos. Mastering these techniques allows players to perform faster licks with less picking, increasing speed and smoothness.

Power Chords

Throughout the chorus and main sections, the track relies on gritty power chords to maintain its rock edge. Learning power chords is essential for rhythm guitarists seeking to deliver punchy, high-energy riffs.

Palm Muting

Subtle palm muting is used in the rhythm guitar to create dynamics and percussive texture. Developing this technique refines your control over attack and tone, especially in mid-tempo ballads.

Arpeggios

The intro and verse sections make use of beautiful arpeggios, allowing the chords to ring out individually. Practising arpeggios enhances finger independence and improves picking accuracy.

Double Stop Bends

The solo features expressive double stop bends that add harmonic richness and dramatic flair. These are essential for players aiming to create a more vocal, harmonised lead sound.

Sustain

Time for Changes makes great use of sustain, allowing notes to resonate and breathe within the track. Controlling sustain helps guitarists learn phrasing and tone shaping.

Bluesy Bends

Many of Mars’ phrases feature soulful bluesy bends, which give the solo a deeply expressive, emotional feel. These bends are key for developing touch and vibrato synergy.

Why Learn This Song?

Time for Changes is ideal for intermediate guitarists looking to explore expressive lead techniques and dynamic rhythm work in a rock ballad context. By studying this lesson, you’ll not only learn how to play a classic song note-for-note but also build a solid vocabulary of techniques that will elevate your overall musicianship.

From refining pitch control through bending to enhancing melodic phrasing with vibrato and slides, this lesson is a masterclass in playing with emotion and intent. Every phrase you learn is an opportunity to develop your own voice on the instrument.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Double Stop Bends
• Sustain
• Bluesy Bends

This LickLibrary lesson gives you a deep dive into the essential melodic techniques that define the emotional impact of Time for Changes. Perfect your phrasing, control, and tone—this is more than just learning a song; it’s about becoming a more expressive guitarist.