Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’ – Steel Panther

If you’re looking to elevate your playing with a hard-rocking, tongue-in-cheek anthem packed with shredding solos, aggressive riffs, and pure ‘80s flair, then Steel Panther’s “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’” is the perfect choice. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com dives deep into the song’s flashy licks, outrageous solos, and groove-laden riffs, breaking it all down for guitarists of all levels to master. Whether you're a glam metal enthusiast or simply looking to expand your lead and rhythm guitar skills, this lesson delivers a full-on education in rock guitar bravado. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Style

“Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’” captures the essence of Steel Panther’s satirical yet seriously skilled take on glam metal. With its driving rhythm, playful lyrics, and explosive guitar work, it’s a standout track for both fans and musicians alike. The guitar work is rich in technique and musicality, blending sleazy swagger with high-level playing that channels the best of Van Halen, Motley Crüe, and Skid Row.

Our expert tutor dissects each section—from the opening riffs to the incendiary solo—focusing on the specific techniques used and explaining not only how to play them but why they matter to your development as a guitarist.

Guitarist Spotlight: Satchel

At the core of Steel Panther’s sound is guitarist Satchel (Russ Parrish), a virtuoso whose tone, phrasing, and theatrical flair make him one of the most entertaining guitarists in modern rock. A former student of Paul Gilbert and a seasoned session player, Satchel brings an incredible combination of technical precision and comedic timing to every solo. His playing is rooted in classic metal but filtered through a lens of high-energy performance and over-the-top style. Learning his parts is not only fun but also incredibly valuable for guitarists looking to build stage presence, timing, and expressive playing.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Alternate Picking

This technique is fundamental in delivering the fast, articulate runs found in the intro and solo sections. Mastering alternate picking helps build speed, accuracy, and endurance, making it easier to tackle complex licks and maintain tight rhythm playing.

Legato

The solo incorporates plenty of smooth legato passages that rely on hammer-ons and pull-offs. These fluid, connected notes are essential for creating seamless melodic runs and improving finger independence.

Two-Handed Tapping

A flash of two-handed tapping during the solo adds a virtuosic flair. This technique expands your expressive range and can make your solos stand out by introducing rapid-fire notes that can’t be picked conventionally.

Pinched Harmonics

Used for both flair and aggression, pinched harmonics add a squealing intensity to lead lines. They teach control over pick and thumb positioning, and offer more dynamics and personality in your phrasing.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

From subtle bends to wild wails, string bending and bluesy bends are a crucial part of the expressive toolkit in this song. They help you emulate vocal-like phrasing and add emotion to solos.

Vibrato

Satchel’s use of vibrato is prominent and purposeful, giving notes extra life and dimension. Practicing this technique enhances sustain and helps develop your unique voice on the instrument.

Dive Bombs & Whammy Bar Tricks

Using the Floyd Rose tremolo system, the lesson showcases how to execute dive bombs and whammy bar tricks for dramatic effects that define the glam metal sound.

Power Chords & Palm Muting

The main riffs are built around tight power chords and crisp palm muting, key to building chunky, aggressive rhythms. These techniques also strengthen hand coordination and timing.

Slides

Satchel frequently uses slides to transition between notes and riffs, creating a smooth, connected sound. This technique helps improve finger control and makes your playing sound more fluid and professional.

Why Learn “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’”?

This song is a goldmine of essential rock and metal guitar techniques. Not only will you expand your toolbox, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of phrasing, rhythm, and showmanship. The mix of melody, speed, and technical demand offers something for every guitarist to grow from. Plus, it's just a blast to play.

Techniques Used in “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’”

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides

Ready to crank it up? Dive into this note-for-note breakdown and bring the over-the-top glory of Steel Panther to your own playing.