Crying In The Rain – Whitesnake

Whitesnake’s Crying In The Rain is a powerful hard rock anthem, showcasing an emotive blend of blues-influenced phrasing and technical rock guitar mastery. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson on Crying In The Rain breaks down every lick, riff, and solo, allowing players to dig deep into the style and nuances of this iconic track. From searing bends to expressive vibrato and harmonically rich solos, this lesson is perfect for guitarists looking to expand their musical vocabulary and elevate their technique. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Work and Players

The original version of Crying In The Rain appeared on Whitesnake's 1982 album Saints & Sinners, featuring Bernie Marsden on guitar. However, it was the 1987 re-recorded version from the band’s self-titled album that took the song to new heights, featuring the virtuosic John Sykes. Sykes brought a modern, aggressive tone to the track, infusing it with blistering solos, precise rhythm work, and a more metallic edge while still maintaining a bluesy core. His fusion of melodic phrasing with technical prowess has inspired countless rock and metal guitarists, and studying his playing offers invaluable insights into balancing soul and speed on the fretboard.

Key Techniques Taught in This Lesson

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

One of the hallmarks of Sykes' soloing style is his use of expressive string bending, especially the bluesy bends that give phrases emotional depth and character. In Crying In The Rain, these bends are integral to conveying the song's intense mood.

Benefit to the player: Mastering string bending and bluesy bends enhances a player’s ability to express emotion through their playing, making solos sound more vocal and soulful.

Vibrato

Sykes employs a wide, controlled vibrato throughout his solos. This adds a singing quality to sustained notes and makes each phrase feel alive and dynamic.

Benefit to the player: Learning to control vibrato is essential for adding expression and personal flair to solos.

Alternate Picking

Fast, articulate runs in this track demand tight alternate picking, especially during quicker passages and scalar sequences.

Benefit to the player: Practicing alternate picking improves speed and accuracy, essential for clean and rapid note execution.

Legato

Legato phrasing, involving smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs, appears in various licks and transitions between notes fluidly without re-picking.

Benefit to the player: Developing legato technique enables more fluid playing and adds a smooth, flowing quality to solos.

Pinched Harmonics

Sykes uses pinched harmonics to add bite and excitement to individual notes, creating that signature high-pitched squeal.

Benefit to the player: Learning pinched harmonics allows players to accentuate notes with character and aggression.

Double-Stop Bends

Throughout the track, Sykes employs double-stop bends to create thicker, harmonically rich sounds that leap out of the mix.

Benefit to the player: This technique builds finger strength and enhances harmonic understanding, crucial for blues and rock soloing.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The driving rhythm of Crying In The Rain is built around chunky power chords and precise palm muting, contributing to the song’s aggressive sonic palette.

Benefit to the player: These foundational rhythm techniques help solidify timing and tightness in rock and metal playing.

Slides and Trills

Tasteful slides and fast trills are used throughout the solo sections, showcasing articulation and flair.

Benefit to the player: These techniques improve control over phrasing and help add detail and nuance to lead playing.

Arpeggios and Chord Progressions

Some solos in Crying In The Rain outline arpeggios that trace the underlying chord tones, while the rhythm sections follow powerful chord progressions that support the vocal melody.

Benefit to the player: Understanding how to solo over chord changes improves improvisational ability and musical awareness.

Why Learn “Crying In The Rain”?

This song serves as a masterclass in rock guitar. Whether you're working on expressive lead techniques or tightening up your rhythm chops, learning Crying In The Rain gives you access to a broad range of skills. It’s an excellent workout in tone control, technique, timing, and emotional expression—making it a must-learn for any serious guitarist. Our detailed video lesson walks you through every section slowly and clearly, ensuring that nothing is missed and you gain full confidence in replicating John Sykes’ powerhouse performance.

Techniques Covered in this Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Trills
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Bluesy Bends
• String Bending