Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy – Mr. Big

The “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy” guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com is a masterclass in advanced rock guitar technique. This note-for-note breakdown of Mr. Big’s explosive 1991 track offers an in-depth exploration of the lightning-fast playing, intricate phrasing, and high-energy performance that defines both the song and the legendary guitarist Paul Gilbert. This lesson doesn’t just teach you how to play the song — it equips you with a toolkit of professional guitar skills that can transform your entire playing approach. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

Released on Mr. Big’s acclaimed album Lean Into It, “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy” (also known as The Electric Drill Song) showcases Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan in top form. Gilbert’s fiery precision, combined with Sheehan’s fretboard gymnastics, makes the track a technical marvel of late ’80s and early ’90s rock.

Paul Gilbert, known for his blistering speed, clarity, and melodic sensibility, has long been a hero to guitarists worldwide. His influence extends across rock, metal, and shred genres — inspiring players to develop clean, articulate technique even at high tempos. In this song, Gilbert uses an actual electric drill fitted with guitar picks to create machine-gun-style riffs — a stunt that has become one of the most iconic moments in rock guitar history.

Breakdown of Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

One of the standout elements of this track is Gilbert’s alternate picking precision. This technique involves alternating down and up strokes to achieve both speed and control. In this lesson, students will learn to master fast-picked runs that remain clean and articulate even at high tempos. Developing this technique enhances accuracy, stamina, and synchronisation between both hands.

String Bending and Vibrato

Expressive string bending and vibrato are key to capturing Gilbert’s signature tone. These techniques allow players to inject emotion and personality into their solos. The lesson demonstrates how to execute precise bends to pitch and use controlled vibrato to make sustained notes sing with life and energy — essential skills for all lead guitarists.

Legato and Hammer-Ons/Pull-Offs

Gilbert’s solos blend legato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs seamlessly. These fluid phrasing techniques help players achieve smooth, flowing lines without excessive picking. Learning these movements builds strength, dexterity, and control, creating effortless transitions between notes and improving overall fluidity in solos.

Two-Handed Tapping

A highlight of the solo section is Gilbert’s signature two-handed tapping. This advanced technique extends the range of the fretboard and produces rapid-fire arpeggios that would be nearly impossible to play conventionally. The lesson breaks down the mechanics of cleanly tapping and muting strings, helping students develop coordination and timing to integrate this impressive sound into their own solos.

Arpeggios and Sweep Picking

The song’s solo features dazzling arpeggio patterns, sometimes combined with sweep picking for lightning-fast transitions. This lesson explores the shape and fingering of these arpeggios, teaching students how to apply the sweeping motion effectively. Mastering arpeggios improves fretboard visualisation and enhances the ability to outline chord changes melodically.

Pinched Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

Adding attitude and flair, pinched harmonics and whammy bar tricks appear throughout Gilbert’s playing. These techniques create squealing overtones and expressive pitch modulation that make solos leap out of the mix. The lesson shows how to find harmonic “sweet spots” and control vibrato arm movement for maximum impact — perfect for developing expressive, dynamic lead work.

Palm Muting and Power Chords

The song’s driving rhythm is powered by tight palm muting and crunchy power chords. This combination gives the riffs their punch and groove. By learning Gilbert’s approach to muting, students strengthen their rhythmic control and gain a deeper understanding of tone shaping and dynamics in rock rhythm guitar.

Slides, Double Stops, and Unison Bends

Throughout the solo and fills, Gilbert uses slides, double stops, and unison bends to add melodic texture and power. These techniques build articulation and phrasing ability — essential for turning fast licks into musical statements. Practicing these will improve fretboard familiarity and enhance expressiveness across styles.

Benefits of Learning This Lesson

Working through this LickLibrary lesson gives guitarists not only the ability to play an iconic rock anthem but also the technical foundation to tackle advanced material with confidence. Each exercise strengthens coordination, timing, and musicality, preparing players for any modern rock or metal challenge. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to level up your chops or an advanced player refining technique, this lesson offers immense value in both skill and inspiration.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Arpeggios
• Sweep Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends