Road To Ruin – Mr. Big

Take your guitar playing to the next level with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson for “Road To Ruin” by Mr. Big. This detailed tutorial breaks down every riff, solo, and nuance of the original recording, helping you capture the unique phrasing and tone that made the track a fan favourite. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist looking to refine your technique or an ambitious learner eager to explore advanced rock playing, this lesson offers a powerful insight into the musical vocabulary of one of the most dynamic bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

“Road To Ruin” showcases Mr. Big’s signature blend of technical prowess, melodic rock sensibility, and tight musicianship. The track perfectly balances aggressive rhythm guitar work with fluid, expressive lead lines. It’s a masterclass in precision, timing, and feel — all essential skills for the modern rock guitarist.

Our LickLibrary lesson meticulously teaches every note, giving you a deep understanding of how to recreate the tone, phrasing, and articulation that define the song. Along the way, you’ll also explore a range of guitar techniques that form the backbone of Paul Gilbert’s distinctive style.

About the Guitar Player

At the heart of Mr. Big’s sound is Paul Gilbert, one of the most respected and technically gifted guitarists in rock history. Renowned for his lightning-fast alternate picking and impeccable phrasing, Gilbert combines the intensity of heavy metal with the melody and feel of classic rock. His playing on “Road To Ruin” exemplifies why he’s considered one of the greatest guitar educators and performers of his generation.

Gilbert’s influence extends far beyond Mr. Big — his work as a solo artist and instructor has inspired countless players to refine their technique and push their creative boundaries. Learning his parts note-for-note offers a rare opportunity to understand how he fuses speed, melody, and precision into one seamless style.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending and Vibrato

Two of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, string bending and vibrato bring emotion and character to your phrasing. In “Road To Ruin,” bends are used to accentuate melodic passages, while a controlled vibrato adds vocal-like expressiveness to sustained notes. Mastering these techniques helps develop pitch control and dynamic expression — essential for achieving a professional-sounding lead tone.

Alternate Picking

Paul Gilbert is famous for his alternate picking efficiency, and this song is no exception. The lesson focuses on building precision and stamina through rapid alternate-picked runs and sequences. Practicing these sections will dramatically improve your synchronisation between both hands and enhance your speed without sacrificing clarity.

Legato and Hammer-Ons/Pull-Offs

Fluid legato passages appear throughout the solo, combining hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth, connected lines. These techniques encourage finger strength, dexterity, and control — allowing you to move effortlessly across scales and arpeggios. The benefit is a more melodic and flowing sound, perfect for creating seamless transitions between phrases.

Slides and Double Stops

“Road To Ruin” also features slides and double stops, adding richness and movement to the lead parts. Slides allow for smooth note transitions that enhance melodic phrasing, while double stops bring harmonic texture and depth. Learning these elements helps players add diversity and interest to their solos and rhythm work.

Pinched Harmonics and Palm Muting

To capture the full aggression of Gilbert’s tone, pinched harmonics and palm muting play a vital role. The harmonics create those signature squeals and overtones that cut through the mix, while palm muting tightens up the rhythm sections, adding percussive attack and clarity. Practicing these techniques helps build right-hand control and tonal variety.

Arpeggios and Chord Progressions

Understanding arpeggios and chord progressions in this song offers valuable insight into Gilbert’s harmonic approach. The lesson explores how melodic lines outline the underlying chords, strengthening your sense of theory and fretboard awareness. This knowledge enhances both improvisation and songwriting skills.

Unison and Double-Stop Bends

A highlight of the solo section is the use of unison bends and double-stop bends. These techniques deliver intensity and tension, creating moments of drama within the solo. They also build strength and accuracy in both hands — an essential foundation for expressive, vocal-like soloing.

Tapped Harmonics and Two-Handed Tapping

In true Paul Gilbert fashion, the lesson also explores advanced elements like tapped harmonics and two-handed tapping. These techniques expand the melodic range of your playing, allowing you to add creative flair and dynamic contrast. They challenge your coordination and open up new possibilities for phrasing and showmanship.

Why Learn “Road To Ruin”?

Learning “Road To Ruin” isn’t just about mastering a single song — it’s a complete study in rock guitar technique. From tight, articulate rhythm parts to fiery, expressive solos, every element teaches you something new about control, tone, and creativity. By working through this lesson, you’ll gain:

• Enhanced picking accuracy and hand coordination
• Improved phrasing and expression through bending and vibrato
• Greater fretboard fluency via legato and arpeggio exercises
• Advanced technical skill in harmonics, tapping, and muting control

Each section is taught note-for-note, ensuring you not only play the right notes but understand how to make them sound authentic and powerful — just like the original recording.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Tapped Harmonics
• Two-Handed Tapping