'To Be With You' by Mr. Big
"To Be With You" by Mr. Big is a timeless ballad that perfectly blends intricate guitar work with soulful vocals. Released in 1991, this song remains one of Mr. Big’s most iconic hits, featuring a delicate acoustic intro that builds to a catchy and heartfelt chorus. At Licklibrary, our guitar lesson for this track will help you master every note and nuance, enabling you to recreate the magic of Paul Gilbert's stunning guitar work. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, this lesson focuses on the core techniques found in the song and explains how each one can elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this iconic acoustic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Paul Gilbert: A Guitarist’s Guitarist
Paul Gilbert is renowned for his exceptional speed, precision, and versatility on the guitar. His work with Mr. Big showcases his ability to shift between technical wizardry and melodic simplicity, particularly in tracks like "To Be With You." Despite being known for his fast, aggressive playing in other contexts, Gilbert demonstrates a softer, more emotional side in this ballad. His influence on modern guitarists is vast, particularly in the realms of shred guitar, but "To Be With You" stands out as a song where Gilbert's melodic sensibilities take centre stage. Learning this song is a great way to explore the full range of his skills.
Breakdown of Guitar Techniques
Finger-picking
The song starts with a delicate acoustic finger-picking pattern. Finger-picking allows for a softer, more intimate sound, which is crucial for recreating the tender feel of the intro. By learning finger-picking, guitarists can develop more independence between the thumb and fingers, making it easier to play complex chord shapes while maintaining a fluid rhythm.
Arpeggios
Arpeggios are a core part of the verse sections. Paul Gilbert smoothly breaks up chords into individual notes, allowing the melody to shine through each note of the chord. Practicing arpeggios helps you to improve your accuracy and finger coordination, making it easier to play intricate melodies while holding chord shapes.
Slides
Slides are used throughout the song to connect chords and add a smoother transition between different sections. By incorporating slides into your playing, you create a more fluid and connected sound, which is essential for capturing the song’s mellow vibe. Learning to slide accurately can also improve your overall fretboard control.
String Bending
In the bridge and chorus sections, string bending adds a soulful touch to the melody. String bending, especially in ballads like this one, allows you to express emotion through your playing by altering the pitch of notes subtly. Mastering this technique gives your playing a more vocal-like quality, perfect for emotional solos.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are subtle but important techniques used in "To Be With You" to add speed and fluidity to certain phrases. These techniques allow for smooth note transitions without re-picking, creating a legato sound that’s pleasing to the ear. Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your playing can greatly improve your finger strength and dexterity.
Double Stops
In some of the chorus sections, double stops are used to thicken the melody by playing two notes simultaneously. This technique adds richness to the harmonic structure of the song. Learning double stops will enhance your ability to play fuller sounding parts and make your melodies more dynamic.
Vibrato
Throughout the song, vibrato is used to add sustain and expressiveness to individual notes. By mastering vibrato, you can give your notes a singing quality, which is crucial for emotive songs like "To Be With You." Vibrato also helps develop finger strength and control, which are vital for all aspects of lead guitar playing.
Why Learning These Techniques Is Beneficial
Mastering the techniques found in "To Be With You" offers a range of benefits for any guitarist. For beginners, these techniques provide an accessible entry point to more advanced guitar playing. Finger-picking and arpeggios help build precision, while techniques like string bending, vibrato, and double stops enhance expressiveness and emotional depth. Each technique can be applied to a wide range of musical styles, making this lesson not only a way to learn a classic song but also a toolkit for broader musical exploration.
By learning these techniques, you'll improve your ability to switch between rhythm and lead playing seamlessly, making you a more versatile guitarist. Whether you're playing acoustic ballads or high-energy rock, the skills you acquire from "To Be With You" will serve you in a variety of musical contexts.
List of Guitar Techniques Covered
By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to playing "To Be With You" note-for-note and enhancing your overall guitar prowess. Join us at Licklibrary for the full lesson and take your guitar playing to the next level!
