"We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister's classic anthem "We're Not Gonna Take It" is a powerful piece that showcases rock guitar techniques and iconic riffs that are perfect for aspiring guitarists to master. In this detailed lesson, we break down the essential techniques used in the song, guiding you through each element that gives it its punchy, rebellious sound. Whether you’re looking to improve your technical skills or capture the spirit of 1980s rock, this song offers a fantastic range of techniques that are both challenging and rewarding to learn. Danny Gill breaks down this 80s classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist and Their Influence

Twisted Sister’s signature sound owes much to guitarist Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda. Their combined skill in crafting memorable riffs and catchy hooks has influenced countless rock and metal guitarists over the years. Known for their tight, anthemic rhythms and catchy guitar licks, French and Ojeda helped define the glam metal sound that Twisted Sister became famous for. Their styles blend aggressive picking with dynamic power chord progressions, making their sound both distinct and instantly recognisable. Learning their techniques can benefit guitarists by building a solid foundation in classic rock and metal guitar playing, essential for anyone looking to master this genre.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of "We’re Not Gonna Take It," providing the song with its driving rhythm and powerful sound. Power chords use just two or three notes, often creating a fuller, more aggressive tone. This lesson covers the correct finger placement and strumming patterns, helping you achieve a precise, punchy sound. Mastering power chords is essential for rock and metal guitarists, as they form the foundation of many riffs and progressions in these genres.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds rhythmic depth to the song’s verses, creating contrast between the quieter, controlled parts and the explosive chorus. By slightly muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand, you can add a percussive quality to each strum. This technique is invaluable for controlling dynamics and maintaining tightness in your playing, especially in high-energy rock and metal songs.

String Bending

Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda often use string bending to add expression and intensity to their riffs. String bending allows for smooth transitions between notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the guitar line. Our lesson will guide you through executing bends with precision to hit each pitch accurately. This technique is essential for rock guitarists, as it adds depth and emotion to your solos and melodies.

Vibrato

Vibrato, used effectively in this song, involves subtly oscillating a bent note to give it a rich, expressive quality. Vibrato can add a distinct feel to your playing, transforming static notes into dynamic sounds. This technique is especially beneficial for adding personality to solos and sustained notes, a skill every rock guitarist should master to enhance musical expression.

Alternate Picking

The song features fast, alternate picking patterns, especially in the main riff and during the chorus sections. By alternating between down and upstrokes, alternate picking can help you play fast, complex riffs with precision and control. Developing alternate picking is crucial for speed and accuracy in many genres, including rock and metal.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to add fluidity to the song’s riffs, allowing the guitarist to move between notes quickly and smoothly. This technique helps to create a more connected and flowing sound, making it perfect for achieving the classic, effortless feel of rock solos. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs can improve finger strength and speed, essential for advanced guitar playing.

Slides

Slides are used in several parts of the song to seamlessly transition between notes, adding a smooth and fluid quality to the riff. Practicing slides can help with finger control and positioning, as well as improve the expressiveness of your playing. This technique is especially useful in rock and metal solos where you want to move between notes with ease.

Pick Slides

One of the defining moments of this song’s guitar style is the use of pick slides, which add a gritty, aggressive sound that amplifies the song’s rebellious attitude. Pick slides involve dragging the pick along the string to produce a distinctive scratching sound, perfect for high-energy rock tracks. Learning pick slides is a fun way to add unique sound effects to your playing and can be an engaging addition to your performance style.

List of Guitar Techniques in "We're Not Gonna Take It"

1. Power Chords
2. Palm Muting
3. String Bending
4. Vibrato
5. Alternate Picking
6. Hammer-Ons
7. Pull-Offs
8. Slides
9. Pick Slides

This in-depth lesson on "We’re Not Gonna Take It" is a perfect introduction to classic rock guitar techniques. Each section is designed to enhance your understanding of rock guitar fundamentals, offering you the tools to play along with the song and apply these skills to your own guitar journey.