Slither – Velvet Revolver

Unleash your inner rock guitarist with our note-for-note guitar lesson of "Slither" by Velvet Revolver at Licklibrary.com. This hard-hitting track is a powerhouse of gritty rock guitar playing, filled with expressive phrasing, rhythmic tightness, and aggressive tone — all wrapped into one unforgettable riff-driven anthem. Our in-depth lesson breaks down every section of the song in meticulous detail, helping you master the exact techniques used by guitar legend Slash.

Whether you’re a fan of Velvet Revolver or simply want to take your playing to the next level, this lesson is packed with techniques and insights that will sharpen your skills and enhance your expressive range. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Slash

The main guitar work in "Slither" is delivered by none other than Slash, the iconic guitarist known for his work with Guns N' Roses, Slash’s Snakepit, and Velvet Revolver. His signature style blends bluesy phrasing with aggressive rock riffs, fluid solos, and a distinctively raw tone. Slash is celebrated for his emotive bends, effortless vibrato, and melodic lead work — all of which are prominently showcased in "Slither." His influence stretches far beyond hard rock, inspiring generations of players across genres thanks to his ability to inject soul into every note.

Rhythmic Riffing and Groove

At the core of "Slither" is a driving, syncopated riff that sets the foundation for the song’s relentless energy. Learning to play this rhythm tight and confidently helps build your timing, right-hand coordination, and riff construction skills. This is a fantastic opportunity to lock into a groove and feel how guitar parts interlock with drums and bass to drive a track forward.

Benefit: Developing tight rhythm chops will greatly improve your timing and ability to play with a band or backing track.

Slides and Vibrato for Expressiveness

Throughout the track, Slash uses tasteful slides to connect phrases smoothly, along with his signature vibrato for added expressiveness. These techniques breathe life into solos and make even simple phrases sound vocal and emotionally charged.

Benefit: Mastering these techniques enhances your phrasing and helps you develop your own expressive voice on the instrument.

String Bending and Bluesy Licks

One of the hallmarks of Slash’s soloing is his emotive string bending and tasteful use of bluesy bends. In "Slither," he uses bends not just for pitch changes but to add tension and release in the melody lines, bringing a blues influence into a modern rock setting.

Benefit: Learning these bends builds finger strength and control, while teaching you how to play melodically with emotion.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs for Fluidity

The solo also features hammer-ons and pull-offs — essential components of legato playing. These help you play faster, smoother phrases without picking every note, giving your solos more fluidity and finesse.

Benefit: Incorporating these legato techniques improves your speed and agility while adding stylistic flair.

Alternate Picking and Palm Muting for Precision

Tight, controlled alternate picking is key to executing the fast riffing in the verse sections. Combined with strategic use of palm muting, the result is a percussive, punchy rhythm part that cuts through the mix.

Benefit: These techniques boost your picking accuracy and rhythmic control, vital for clean playing at higher speeds.

Power Chords and Open-String Riffs

Much of the song’s punch comes from its heavy use of power chords and open-string riffs. This combination delivers a thick, aggressive tone with a wide sonic footprint — perfect for rock and metal.

Benefit: You'll learn to balance clarity and heaviness in your rhythm playing, improving your tone and energy.

Double Stop Bends for Rock Attitude

The solo makes use of classic double stop bends, giving it that raw, aggressive edge. These two-note bends are a staple in rock and blues, allowing you to add harmony and punch to your licks.

Benefit: Adds harmonic depth and aggressive bite to your solos, expanding your expressive capabilities.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Slither"

Here's a breakdown of the guitar techniques used in our "Slither" guitar lesson. Each one includes a link to its dedicated glossary page so you can dive deeper:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• String Bending
• Double Stop Bends
• Open-String Riffs

Learn "Slither" note for note and take your playing into the realm of modern rock guitar mastery with this killer Velvet Revolver track. Whether you’re aiming to tighten your rhythm, develop expressive solos, or just want to play a riff that commands attention — this lesson delivers.