My Kinda Woman – Mr. Big

Learn how to master “My Kinda Woman” by Mr. Big with Licklibrary’s detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson. This explosive track, taken from the band’s 1991 album Lean Into It, showcases the virtuosic playing of Paul Gilbert and the incredible musicianship that defined Mr. Big’s high-energy hard rock sound. In this comprehensive guitar tutorial, you’ll explore the techniques that make this song a must-learn for any serious guitarist, from blazing alternate picking lines to fluid legato runs, expressive bends, and harmonically rich phrasing. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

“My Kinda Woman” blends hard rock attitude with a sense of melodic sophistication, packed with dynamic guitar work, driving riffs, and memorable solos. Paul Gilbert’s playing here captures both technical brilliance and soulful expression, demonstrating how precision and emotion can coexist perfectly. Every riff and solo section serves as a learning opportunity — whether you’re looking to tighten your rhythm chops or push your lead guitar technique to new heights.

The Guitarist: Paul Gilbert

Few guitarists have influenced modern rock players as profoundly as Paul Gilbert. Known for his lightning-fast picking, immaculate timing, and inventive phrasing, Gilbert has become a benchmark for technical mastery and musical creativity. With roots in both shred guitar and blues-rock phrasing, he combines clean articulation with a sense of fun and melody that makes his playing instantly recognisable.

Learning Paul Gilbert’s parts from “My Kinda Woman” is an education in clarity, control, and musical phrasing. His use of techniques such as string bending, alternate picking, legato, and double-stop bends reveals a refined understanding of the guitar’s expressive power. Studying this track offers guitarists a window into the playing style that has inspired countless modern rock and metal musicians.

Song Breakdown and Techniques

Opening Riff and Main Groove

The main riff of “My Kinda Woman” showcases powerful rhythmic precision, using palm-muting and power chords to create a tight, punchy groove. This section focuses on maintaining consistent right-hand control and a solid sense of timing. Mastering these techniques strengthens rhythm playing, improves muting accuracy, and develops overall synchronisation between both hands — essential for achieving the professional polish found in Gilbert’s rhythm work.

Verse and Pre-Chorus Sections

In the verses, Gilbert’s use of string bending and slides adds a vocal-like expressiveness to the melody lines. These bends require controlled intonation and finger strength, helping players build a better ear for pitch and phrasing. Slides, meanwhile, create smooth transitions between notes, emphasising fluidity and movement across the fretboard. Learning this section trains your left-hand precision and expressive dynamics.

Solo Section

The solo in “My Kinda Woman” is a showcase of Gilbert’s technical and musical range. It features a combination of alternate picking, legato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and two-handed tapping passages.

• Alternate Picking – This technique ensures every note is clearly defined, helping players improve speed, stamina, and rhythmic consistency.
• Legato – Adds fluidity to your playing, allowing smoother transitions and a more vocal tone.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs – Develop finger independence and strength, letting you articulate faster passages effortlessly.
• Two-Handed Tapping – Expands the fretboard’s reach and introduces melodic phrasing that can’t be achieved through standard fretting alone.

This solo also employs pinched harmonics and unison bends for added expression. These techniques create the screaming, singing tones synonymous with Gilbert’s sound, adding flair and emotion to fast, technical runs.

Bridge and Outro

The bridge features arpeggios and double-stop bends, emphasising melodic tension and harmonic colour. Arpeggios build fretboard awareness and chord-tone targeting, improving improvisation skills. Double-stop bends challenge the player’s coordination and ear, teaching you how to bend two notes in tune simultaneously — a hallmark of expressive rock phrasing.

The outro riff brings back the energy with aggressive palm-muted power chords and subtle vibrato, reinforcing control and sustain. These sections demand both technical precision and musical confidence, making them perfect for refining your overall touch and tone.

Why Learn This Lesson

Studying “My Kinda Woman” offers far more than just learning a great song — it’s a masterclass in professional rock guitar technique. You’ll gain greater rhythmic control, cleaner articulation, and enhanced fretboard fluency. Each section reinforces valuable skills that translate to all styles of playing, from blues to progressive metal.

By following this note-for-note lesson, you’ll not only be able to play the song accurately but also understand how each technique contributes to the sound and feel of the music. It’s a complete journey through dynamic phrasing, technical precision, and musical expression — all hallmarks of Paul Gilbert’s iconic style.

Techniques Featured in “My Kinda Woman”

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• Palm-Muting
• Power Chords

This My Kinda Woman guitar lesson captures every nuance of Paul Gilbert’s performance, helping you not only play the song but understand the artistry behind it. Whether you’re refining your technique or chasing that authentic Mr. Big tone, this is the ultimate learning experience for serious guitarists.