To Be With You – Mr. Big

Learn to play “To Be With You” by Mr. Big with this detailed note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This acoustic-driven rock ballad, released in 1991, showcases the perfect blend of melodic sensitivity, intricate technique, and expressive phrasing that defines the guitar style of Paul Gilbert and Eric Martin. In this lesson, you’ll discover how to capture every nuance of Gilbert’s performance — from the soft acoustic textures to the articulate solo phrasing — while mastering essential guitar techniques that improve both your accuracy and musicality. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitar Work

“To Be With You” is one of Mr. Big’s most iconic tracks, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing the band’s reputation for blending virtuosic musicianship with pop-rock sensibility. Unlike their heavier material, this song features a stripped-back, acoustic arrangement that relies heavily on dynamics, tone control, and expressive phrasing.

Paul Gilbert’s acoustic playing here is deceptively simple; behind the catchy melody lies a range of advanced techniques and a deep sense of groove and feel. This lesson teaches you how to recreate that blend of precision and emotion while developing a stronger connection to your instrument.

The Guitarists – Paul Gilbert and Eric Martin

Paul Gilbert is known worldwide as one of the most technically accomplished rock guitarists, with a career spanning from Racer X to Mr. Big and an extensive solo catalog. His approach combines jaw-dropping speed with clarity, melody, and a refined sense of touch. In “To Be With You,” Gilbert shows a different side of his playing — one focused on acoustic tone, dynamics, and tasteful expression rather than sheer speed.

Eric Martin, the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, brings warmth and emotion to the acoustic foundation of the song. His playing complements Gilbert’s melodic phrasing beautifully, creating the dual-guitar texture that defines Mr. Big’s sound. Together, they balance technical excellence with heartfelt performance, offering a masterclass in musical chemistry.

Key Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Finger-Picking

The main rhythm part of “To Be With You” uses delicate finger-picking patterns that create a rolling, percussive feel. Learning this technique helps you develop independence between the thumb and fingers, giving you greater control over dynamics and tone. It’s a vital skill for any acoustic player aiming for expressive and fluid accompaniment.

Chord Progressions and Barre Chords

The song’s structure revolves around a sequence of classic chord progressions, often incorporating barre chords for rich harmonic textures. Understanding these shapes enhances your fretboard knowledge, helping you navigate between chords smoothly while maintaining proper intonation and sustain.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

Throughout the verse and intro embellishments, Gilbert uses subtle slides and hammer-ons to connect chord tones smoothly. These techniques add legato flow and vocal-like phrasing to your playing, improving your articulation and musical expression.

String Bending and Vibrato

The acoustic solo section introduces string bending and vibrato to emulate the emotion of a vocal line. Mastering these techniques teaches you control and precision, allowing your notes to “sing” with personality and emotion — a hallmark of Paul Gilbert’s playing style.

Pull-Offs and Trills

Gilbert’s solo work includes tasteful pull-offs and trills, providing fluid transitions and embellishments that enhance melodic phrasing. Practicing these improves left-hand dexterity and strengthens finger independence, essential for clean, articulate lead lines.

Double Stops and Unison Bends

Some of the harmonised lines make use of double stops and unison bends, creating a rich, layered tone reminiscent of classic rock harmony. Learning these will strengthen your ear for pitch matching and improve your coordination between both hands.

Arpeggios

The arpeggiated intro chords and breakdown sections demonstrate how arpeggios can bring harmonic clarity and depth to a simple progression. This technique is excellent for developing picking accuracy and refining note separation within chords.

Slides and Sustain

Gilbert’s phrasing is enhanced by expressive slides and controlled sustain, giving his playing a smooth, flowing character. Focusing on these aspects teaches the importance of timing, tone control, and maintaining consistency in your sound.

Why This Lesson Is Essential

Learning “To Be With You” is not only about mastering one of the greatest acoustic ballads in rock history — it’s also about developing core musicianship skills. The lesson challenges your timing, phrasing, and sense of dynamics while reinforcing key technical foundations. By studying Gilbert’s and Martin’s parts in detail, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for musical interaction between rhythm and lead guitar and learn how to make your playing more expressive and emotionally engaging.

Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to refine your technique or an advanced player exploring acoustic phrasing, this LickLibrary lesson provides the perfect balance of challenge and inspiration.

Techniques Covered

• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Trills
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Arpeggios
• Sustain