Voodoo Kiss by Mr. Big

The “Voodoo Kiss” guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com offers players a complete, note-for-note breakdown of one of Mr. Big’s most electrifying tracks. Known for their fusion of hard rock, technical proficiency, and melodic craftsmanship, Mr. Big’s “Voodoo Kiss” showcases an array of guitar techniques that challenge, inspire, and refine your playing. This detailed lesson not only helps you master the exact licks and solos played by the legendary Paul Gilbert but also strengthens your overall musicianship, timing, and phrasing. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist aiming to expand your skills or an advanced player seeking to polish your precision, this lesson captures the essence of Gilbert’s high-energy style and the song’s rhythmic bite. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert, the virtuoso behind Mr. Big’s signature guitar sound, is one of the most respected guitarists in rock and metal. Renowned for his incredible speed, precision, and melodic sense, Gilbert first rose to prominence with Racer X before forming Mr. Big in the late 1980s. His approach blends classical-inspired phrasing, bluesy bends, and razor-sharp alternate picking — a combination that made him a staple in the guitar world. In “Voodoo Kiss,” Gilbert’s performance encapsulates his ability to mix catchy, vocal-like melodies with jaw-dropping technical execution. His influence continues to inspire generations of guitarists, from rock shredders to fusion players, all striving to capture the balance of fire and finesse that defines his style.

Song Overview

“Voodoo Kiss” delivers a powerhouse of riffs, groove, and melody. It combines punchy rhythm work with searing leads that highlight Gilbert’s unmatched control and tone. The Licklibrary lesson dissects every nuance of the track — from the aggressive rhythm sections to the expressive soloing — ensuring you grasp the full scope of techniques used in the performance. You’ll learn how to recreate Gilbert’s signature vibrato, his lightning-fast legato runs, and the dynamic phrasing that gives each lick its attitude.

Key Techniques Covered

Alternate Picking

A cornerstone of Paul Gilbert’s playing, alternate picking ensures precision and clarity at high speed. In “Voodoo Kiss,” it’s essential for executing tight riffs and rapid single-note passages. Practicing this technique builds synchronisation between both hands and improves articulation, allowing you to play fast lines with control and definition.

Legato and Hammer-Ons / Pull-Offs

Gilbert often blends picking with legato passages to create fluid, vocal-like lines. These smooth transitions between notes enhance phrasing and reduce tension in the picking hand. Learning legato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs helps you achieve effortless flow in your solos while expanding your dynamic range.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Emotion and expression lie at the heart of “Voodoo Kiss.” Gilbert’s use of bends adds vocal quality to his phrasing. From subtle half-step movements to wide bluesy bends, this lesson teaches you how to control pitch, intonation, and sustain — giving your solos more soul and personality.

Vibrato

A signature Gilbert hallmark, vibrato gives each note its voice. This technique is crucial for developing expressiveness and confidence. In the lesson, you’ll learn how to apply controlled, even vibrato that enhances sustain and makes your melodies sing.

Slides and Double Stops

The rhythm sections and fills in “Voodoo Kiss” feature creative use of slides and double stops to add movement and harmonic depth. Mastering these techniques helps you transition smoothly between positions and create thicker, richer tones — perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.

Palm Muting and Power Chords

Driving the rhythm of “Voodoo Kiss” is a mix of tight palm-muted passages and strong power chord stabs. These techniques are essential for developing control and groove, giving your rhythm playing a punchy, percussive edge that locks perfectly with the drums and bass.

Pinched Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

Gilbert’s dynamic flair often includes squealing pinched harmonics and subtle whammy bar dips. These techniques add excitement and personality to solos, allowing players to inject attitude into their performance. Learning them refines your control over tone and articulation while adding dramatic flair to your playing.

Arpeggios and Sweep Picking

During the solo sections, arpeggios and occasional sweep picking patterns emerge, highlighting Gilbert’s neo-classical influences. Practicing these builds finger independence and hand synchronisation, expanding your melodic vocabulary across the fretboard.

Double Stop Bends and Unison Bends

These techniques bring energy and vocal harmony to lead lines, especially in the chorus and solo sections. They also enhance finger strength and intonation control, vital skills for expressive, professional-level playing.

Why Learn “Voodoo Kiss”

Learning “Voodoo Kiss” through this Licklibrary lesson gives you more than a song breakdown — it’s a gateway to mastering Paul Gilbert’s expressive and powerful playing style. Each technique you practice sharpens a different aspect of your musicianship: control, accuracy, feel, and tone. By studying this piece note for note, you’ll not only replicate one of Mr. Big’s finest performances but also internalise the methods that make Gilbert’s playing timeless.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

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