Never Say Never – Mr. Big

The “Never Say Never” guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com delivers an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of one of Mr. Big’s most electrifying songs. Known for its fiery guitar work, melodic precision, and technical brilliance, this track captures the signature sound of Paul Gilbert—one of rock’s most revered guitarists. This lesson allows you to master every riff, solo, and lick exactly as heard on the record, while developing the techniques that define Gilbert’s unique approach to rock guitar. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

“Never Say Never,” from the acclaimed Lean Into It album, stands as a showcase of technical mastery, creative arrangement, and hard rock energy. The song features Paul Gilbert, whose playing style has influenced generations of guitarists through his speed, accuracy, and expressive phrasing. Blending high-octane picking with melodic clarity, Gilbert demonstrates how to combine shred-level intensity with refined musicality.

Alongside him is Billy Sheehan, the equally virtuosic bassist whose innovative techniques and harmonic interplay push the boundaries of the traditional rhythm section. Their synchronised guitar and bass work results in a dynamic interplay that defines Mr. Big’s sound—tight, technical, and full of attitude. Learning “Never Say Never” gives players insight into how these two musicians craft music that’s both intricate and unforgettable.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

The “Never Say Never” lesson at LickLibrary breaks down each section of the song—from its powerful rhythm parts to the blazing lead lines—focusing on the techniques that make Paul Gilbert’s style so recognisable and inspiring.

Alternate Picking

The driving force behind Gilbert’s precision, alternate picking ensures every note is clear, sharp, and rhythmically locked in. The lesson guides you through picking patterns that strengthen hand coordination, improve timing, and allow for articulate high-speed playing—vital skills for tackling any advanced rock solo.

Legato and Hammer-Ons/Pull-Offs

The song’s smooth, flowing runs are achieved through effective use of legato phrasing, combining hammer-ons and pull-offs for fluid melodic motion. Learning to blend these techniques helps develop seamless transitions between notes, allowing for effortless speed and improved left-hand dexterity.

String Bending and Vibrato

Expressive string bends and controlled vibrato are key components of Gilbert’s phrasing. These techniques teach players how to bring emotion into their playing, shaping notes with precision and feel. Mastering bends and vibrato not only improves intonation but also gives your solos a vocal-like quality.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

Throughout “Never Say Never,” Gilbert employs double stops and double stop bends to create rich, harmonically complex phrases. Learning these adds thickness and character to your solos and rhythm playing, helping you understand how to blend harmony and melody simultaneously.

Two-Handed Tapping

A hallmark of Gilbert’s lead style, two-handed tapping appears in the song’s high-energy solo sections. This advanced technique expands your reach on the fretboard and enables you to execute wide-interval phrases that would be impossible using one hand alone. It’s also an excellent way to add dynamic flair to your solos.

Slides and Arpeggios

Smooth slides and precise arpeggios form the melodic backbone of many key phrases in “Never Say Never.” They create motion, connect melodic ideas, and improve your ability to visualise chord shapes across the fretboard. Mastering these techniques enhances both your technical control and musical expression.

Palm Muting and Power Chords

The rhythm guitar sections feature tight, articulate palm muting and powerful, driving power chords. These techniques help guitarists refine their timing, develop dynamic control, and build the solid rhythmic foundation necessary for modern rock playing.

Pinched Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

Gilbert injects excitement into his performance with screaming pinched harmonics and expressive whammy bar techniques. Learning to control these adds individuality and aggression to your sound, making your solos stand out with extra intensity and style.

Why This Lesson Matters

Learning “Never Say Never” with LickLibrary’s note-for-note approach is more than just playing along—it’s about understanding the artistry behind Paul Gilbert’s technique and phrasing. Every section teaches balance between speed and melody, precision and emotion. The result is a deeper grasp of how to play with both technical command and musical personality.

This lesson is perfect for guitarists looking to:

• Develop advanced rock and shred techniques.
• Improve articulation and control at higher tempos.
• Build expressive phrasing and dynamic soloing skills.
• Understand the creative chemistry between guitar and bass in a professional rock arrangement.

By mastering the techniques from “Never Say Never,” you’ll not only be learning one of Mr. Big’s standout songs—you’ll be gaining the technical foundation and musical insight to tackle any demanding rock track with confidence.

Techniques Featured in “Never Say Never”

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