"I'll Supply the Love" by Toto

"I'll Supply the Love" by Toto is a brilliant blend of rock, funk, and pop elements, driven by the iconic guitar work that has come to define the band’s sound. This guitar lesson from Licklibrary is designed to take players through the techniques and intricacies of this classic track, helping you achieve an authentic recreation of the song while sharpening essential guitar skills. From powerful riffs to expressive techniques, this lesson offers a comprehensive breakdown of how to bring this song to life, giving guitarists a deep dive into the style and finesse of Toto’s music. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player in "I'll Supply the Love"

The legendary Steve Lukather, one of Toto’s founding members, is the guitarist behind "I'll Supply the Love." Lukather's playing is renowned for its mix of technical prowess and soulful expression, effortlessly blending complex riffs with catchy hooks. His influence extends across multiple genres, as he has worked with numerous artists and mastered a style that combines jazz, rock, blues, and pop. His work on this track showcases his ability to make each note count, making it an excellent study for guitarists looking to blend technical skills with musicality.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in "I'll Supply the Love"

Power Chords

Power chords play a pivotal role in the rhythm guitar sections of "I'll Supply the Love," adding a driving force and edge to the song’s structure. These chords are foundational in rock music, offering a dynamic way to fill out the sound without the complexity of full chords. Practicing power chords will enhance your ability to keep a steady, strong rhythm, essential for playing along with other instruments in a band setting.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used in the main riff and verse sections to create a tight, rhythmic sound that contrasts with the more open, ringing tones in the chorus. By muting the strings with your picking hand, you add texture and rhythmic interest to the song. This technique is especially beneficial for adding articulation and controlling the dynamics within a piece, allowing you to move smoothly between muted and open sounds.

String Bending

String bending is integral to the solo and some melodic fills throughout the song, giving each note a soulful, vocal-like quality. Practicing string bends helps improve finger strength and pitch control, enabling players to add expressive nuances to their playing. Learning this technique in the context of Lukather’s style will help you master controlled, subtle bends as well as more dramatic ones, contributing to a more versatile skill set.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the track, Lukather uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid and fast-moving melodic lines. These techniques allow for smooth transitions between notes, especially in fast, legato-style phrases. Focusing on these techniques will help you develop speed and fluidity, making your lead playing sound effortless and connected.

Slides

Sliding between notes and chords is a significant aspect of the song’s melodic expression. Lukather’s use of slides gives certain lines a smooth, connected feel, making transitions sound polished and musical. Practicing slides will improve your accuracy when moving up and down the neck, helping you to maintain control over timing and intonation.

Vibrato

Steve Lukather’s tasteful use of vibrato throughout his solo adds a unique touch to each sustained note, making them stand out. Vibrato is a core component of expressive guitar playing, allowing guitarists to add their personal touch to notes. By practicing vibrato, you’ll enhance your ability to sustain notes with emotional depth, giving your playing a voice-like quality.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is used in fast passages to ensure smooth and efficient picking, essential for maintaining tempo in the song’s more intricate parts. This technique, which alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes, allows for greater speed and accuracy. Developing alternate picking skills will also enable you to tackle complex riffs and solos with confidence.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios appear in some of the more intricate chordal sections, providing harmonic depth while emphasising individual notes within a chord. Lukather’s use of arpeggios in this song adds texture and sophistication to the rhythm. Practicing arpeggios will strengthen your finger independence and provide a greater understanding of chord structures, making it easier to navigate complex harmonies.

Unison Bends

In select melodic lines, unison bends create a rich, harmonised effect that brings out the full tonal quality of the guitar. Unison bends are when two notes bend to meet the same pitch, creating a powerful, harmonious sound. This technique is excellent for building strength and coordination in both hands, enhancing your ability to create thick, resonant textures.

Double Stops

Lukather’s use of double stops in "I'll Supply the Love" contributes to the song’s layered sound, adding complexity to the guitar lines. Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, creating harmony within a single phrase. Practicing double stops will not only improve finger strength but also enhance your understanding of harmony and melody on the guitar.

Guitar Techniques List

1. Power Chords
2. Palm Muting
3. String Bending
4. Hammer-Ons
5. Pull-Offs
6. Slides
7. Vibrato
8. Alternate Picking
9. Arpeggios
10. Unison Bends
11. Double Stops

This breakdown provides you with a complete guide to mastering "I'll Supply the Love" and understanding the essential techniques that shape its sound. Each technique you practice will enrich your skill set, bringing you closer to emulating Lukather’s powerful, polished style while enhancing your own guitar abilities.