Whitesnake – Don't Turn Away

Discover the explosive guitar power behind Whitesnake’s Don’t Turn Away with LickLibrary’s in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson. This masterclass explores the fiery guitar work of one of rock’s most revered bands, focusing on the techniques and phrasing that bring the track to life. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists, this lesson breaks down every lick and riff from the song, ensuring you not only learn to play it but understand the techniques that define its classic hard rock tone and energy. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Work on Don’t Turn Away

Whitesnake’s Don’t Turn Away, though lesser known compared to the band’s massive hits, features intricate guitar work packed with emotion, dynamics, and technical precision. This lesson gives players access to every riff, solo, and nuanced detail in the song, helping you master the stylistic trademarks of Whitesnake's hard rock edge. From expressive bends and melodic phrasing to rhythmic drive and tone control, you’ll gain a deeper insight into how a powerful rock song is constructed on the fretboard.

About the Guitar Players

The guitar work on Don’t Turn Away is typically credited to John Sykes, whose tenure with Whitesnake in the mid-1980s defined the band's signature sound during their most commercially successful era. Sykes' style merges aggressive, bluesy hard rock with technical flash, bringing fire and finesse in equal measure. His influence spans generations of rock and metal guitarists, and his combination of soulful vibrato, razor-sharp alternate picking, and melodic solo construction is foundational for anyone studying 80s guitar.

Learning from a Sykes performance is more than just playing notes — it’s about internalising phrasing, attack, and the tasteful integration of shred techniques into musical storytelling.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is a standout technique in Don’t Turn Away, especially in the lead sections where Sykes adds vocal-like expression to sustained notes. Mastering vibrato helps guitarists inject personality and emotion into their playing, transforming basic notes into powerful musical statements. Learn more about vibrato.

Alternate Picking

Throughout the rhythm and lead parts, alternate picking is essential for precision and speed. This technique provides the rhythmic drive and crisp attack that define the song’s powerful riffs and agile solo passages. Practicing alternate picking boosts picking efficiency and hand coordination. Explore alternate picking.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Sykes’ use of string bending and bluesy bends is critical to his expressive lead style. These bends add drama and emotion, often reaching vocal-like pitches. For guitarists, mastering bending enhances phrasing skills and helps develop ear accuracy for pitch control.

Legato (Hammer-ons and Pull-offs)

Fast melodic passages in the solos rely on smooth legato, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to maintain fluidity. These techniques reduce pick noise and increase speed, particularly in scalar runs and melodic phrasing.

Slides

Slide transitions are used to connect positions smoothly, giving solos a vocal and fluid quality. Practicing slides not only builds expressive control but also enhances fretboard navigation for lead guitar work.

Unison Bends

A powerful technique in rock lead guitar, unison bends create a thick, harmonised sound. These bends are heard during climactic solo moments and are great for improving pitch accuracy and finger strength.

Pinched Harmonics

Whitesnake’s tone wouldn't be complete without the snarling bite of pinched harmonics, especially in the more aggressive lead sections. This technique adds aggression and tonal colour, making your solos cut through with attitude.

Palm Muting

Palm muting gives riffs their percussive punch and tight rhythmic feel. It plays a crucial role in Sykes’ rhythm parts, creating contrast between the chunky verses and open choruses. Learn palm muting here.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

Sykes adds harmonic weight with double stops and expressive double stop bends, creating thicker textures in both rhythm and lead parts. These are invaluable for players wanting to expand their soloing vocabulary with classic rock flavour.

Power Chords

The driving rhythm sections of Don’t Turn Away are built around strong power chords, providing both harmonic backbone and sonic power. Power chords are essential for building tight, heavy rhythm guitar parts in rock and metal.

Summary of Techniques in Don’t Turn Away Guitar Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Power Chords

This guitar lesson is ideal for players wanting to develop expressive lead playing, dynamic rhythm chops, and a deeper understanding of 80s hard rock technique. Whether you're a long-time Whitesnake fan or a guitarist looking to expand your stylistic reach, Don’t Turn Away offers a powerful study in melodic rock guitar. Ready to dive in? Grab your guitar and start mastering the song note-for-note with LickLibrary.