Children Of The Night – Whitesnake

Whitesnake’s Children Of The Night stands as a definitive track from the band’s celebrated 1987 self-titled album—a high-octane blend of hard rock riffing and virtuosic guitar playing. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dives deep into every nuance of this iconic track, giving you the tools to play it just like the pros. This lesson is tailored for intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to explore the high-energy technique and tone of 1980s arena rock. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Children Of The Night showcases the raw power and precision of Whitesnake’s dual-guitar attack, driven by relentless riffs, melodic solos, and dazzling technical displays. The arrangement is tight and dynamic, shifting between palm-muted rhythm work and soaring lead lines with an intensity that mirrors the band's signature style. Our guitar lesson captures every moment, ensuring learners pick up the authentic techniques used throughout the track.

Guitar Techniques Covered

String Bending

This track is filled with expressive string bending that brings melodic lines to life. Mastering this technique adds emotional weight and vocal-like phrasing to your lead playing. You'll learn both subtle and aggressive bends that emulate the blues-influenced hard rock sound Whitesnake is known for.

Vibrato

Used extensively to add character to bends and sustained notes, vibrato is crucial for expressive lead guitar. This lesson focuses on achieving controlled, even vibrato to ensure your solos sing with attitude and finesse.

Alternate Picking

Many of the faster passages in this song require precise alternate picking, especially in the rhythm sections and lead fills. Practicing this technique boosts your speed and accuracy, and it’s essential for executing tight, punchy riffs at tempo.

Legato

The fluid lead lines make extensive use of legato playing. You’ll focus on clean, articulate hammer-ons and pull-offs to ensure smooth transitions between notes, which is key for emulating the effortless feel of the original solos.

Pinched Harmonics

Children Of The Night features aggressive pinched harmonics, especially in the solo and bridge sections. These high-pitched squeals add excitement and flair, and you'll learn exactly how to execute them with control and consistency.

Palm Muting

Tight, chunky rhythms demand strong palm muting. This lesson teaches the importance of muting for dynamic control and percussive clarity—vital for making riffs groove and punch.

Slides

Lead lines and riffs make effective use of slides, allowing you to connect notes seamlessly and add movement to your phrases. Learning this helps in creating a more fluid and professional sound.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

You’ll encounter gritty double stops and expressive double stop bends, which are staples of the blues-rock vocabulary. They provide harmonic richness and are perfect for reinforcing melodic ideas with power.

Unison Bends

Signature unison bends are a highlight of the solos, producing that classic screaming tone associated with 80s rock. You'll develop both intonation and bending control by mastering this expressive technique.

Dive Bombs and Whammy Bar Tricks

To capture the full energy of the track, dive bombs and whammy bar tricks are essential. These effects add wild, dramatic flair to your performance, mimicking the unpredictability and swagger of the original recording.

About the Guitarists

The dual guitar work on Children Of The Night was helmed by the legendary duo of John Sykes and Adrian Vandenberg. Sykes, known for his ferocious tone and aggressive lead work, brought a metal edge to Whitesnake’s sound during this era. His vibrato and melodic phrasing remain a masterclass in expressive rock soloing. Vandenberg, meanwhile, offered tasteful melodic ideas and solid rhythm playing, complementing Sykes’ fireworks with dynamic contrast. Their chemistry helped define the sound of late 80s hard rock and continues to influence guitarists today.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning Children Of The Night offers a complete workout in rock guitar techniques. Whether you’re refining your string bending, improving vibrato control, or diving into advanced tricks like pinched harmonics and dive bombs, this lesson delivers massive value. Beyond technique, the lesson helps you internalise phrasing, dynamics, and timing—all essential for performing in a band or recording context.

With LickLibrary’s step-by-step guidance, you won’t just play the notes—you’ll master the feel, tone, and attitude that made this song a classic. It’s more than a lesson—it’s a deep dive into one of rock’s most iconic eras.

Guitar Techniques Used in Children Of The Night

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks