Master "Alive and Kickin'" by Mr. Big with Licklibrary

Learn to master the dynamic and powerful song "Alive and Kickin'" by Mr. Big with our comprehensive Licklibrary guitar lesson. This track is packed with advanced guitar techniques that showcase the unique blend of hard rock and virtuosic musicianship characteristic of Mr. Big. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson will enhance your technical prowess and inject new energy into your guitar playing. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Alive and Kickin'"

String Bending

String bending is a critical technique in "Alive and Kickin'," used to express emotion and add intensity to guitar solos. By bending the strings, you can reach pitches not available on the fretboard, adding a vocal-like quality to your play. This technique is vital for any lead guitarist as it allows for more expressive phrasing and soloing.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for the fast-paced riffs and solos in this song. This technique, which involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, allows for efficient and rapid picking across the strings. Mastering alternate picking will increase your speed and precision, making it easier to tackle complex solos and improve your overall dexterity.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, adding a layer of richness and harmony to guitar parts. In "Alive and Kickin'," double stops are used to thicken the texture of the riffs and provide a melodic counterpoint in solos. This technique is a fantastic way to enhance the harmonic depth of your playing and add a fuller sound to your guitar work.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are featured throughout "Alive and Kickin'" to smoothly connect notes with a legato effect. This technique allows for quicker note transitions and is essential for playing faster passages without picking each note. Hammer-ons are indispensable for creating fluid, connected lines that are both melodically appealing and technically impressive.

The Guitarists of Mr. Big

Paul Gilbert, the guitarist for Mr. Big, is renowned for his incredible speed and precision. His ability to blend classical influences with hard rock techniques has made him a pivotal figure in the rock guitar community. Gilbert’s playing on "Alive and Kickin'" exemplifies his technical skill and creative approach to guitar solos and riffs, making him a significant influence on aspiring rock guitarists worldwide.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

These guitar techniques are foundational for any rock guitarist looking to advance their skill set:

  • String Bending adds emotional depth and expressiveness.
  • Alternate Picking increases your playing speed and precision.
  • Double Stops enrich your musical texture.
  • Hammer-Ons facilitate smooth and rapid note transitions.

Learning these techniques will not only help you play "Alive and Kickin'" accurately but also equip you with versatile skills applicable across many musical genres, enhancing both live performance and studio playing.


List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

Enroll in our guitar lesson for "Alive and Kickin'" by Mr. Big at Licklibrary today to explore the high-energy rock techniques that define the unique sound of one of rock's most revered bands. This lesson offers not just note-for-note instruction but also deep insight into the style and flair that make Paul Gilbert's guitar work stand out. Expand your guitar horizons with the guidance of our expert instructors and bring new vitality to your playing.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Sam Bell

Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...

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