Give Me All Your Love – Whitesnake
Licklibrary’s “Give Me All Your Love” by Whitesnake is a masterclass in classic hard rock guitar technique. This song is a showcase of high-energy riffing, melodic solos, and the kind of expressive guitar work that defines the late ‘80s arena rock era. In this in-depth note-for-note guitar lesson, we break down every riff and solo in meticulous detail, teaching you the exact phrasing and techniques used by the original artists. Whether you're looking to tighten your rhythm playing or unleash more expressive lead guitar lines, this lesson delivers the tools you need. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitar Players
“Give Me All Your Love” features the powerhouse duo of John Sykes and later Adrian Vandenberg in live and re-recorded versions. Sykes, who originally co-wrote and recorded the track, brought a sharp-edged precision to his playing, blending metal intensity with blues-influenced phrasing. His style is aggressive yet melodic, making him a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. Adrian Vandenberg added his own flair to the re-released versions of the track, known for his fluid, emotive solos and technical prowess. Both guitarists have left an indelible mark on the world of rock guitar and provide an inspiring framework for any player studying this track.
Riff Breakdown and Technique Focus
Driving Rock Rhythms
At its core, the main riff of “Give Me All Your Love” is a prime example of tight, palm-muted power chord work and syncopated rhythms. The opening guitar riff uses crisp, aggressive palm-muting to drive the rhythm forward with a percussive bite.
Benefit: Learning this technique helps players develop precision in their picking hand, essential for maintaining clarity during high-gain rhythm playing.
Sliding Power Chords
Throughout the verse and pre-chorus, slides between power chords add a dynamic, fluid movement to the rhythm parts, giving the progression a grooving momentum that’s unmistakably Whitesnake.
Benefit: Mastering slides improves fretboard navigation and helps develop smoother chord transitions.
Unison Bends in the Solo
The lead break features expressive unison bends, a staple of Sykes’ lead vocabulary. These bends give a vocal, singing quality to the solo and are performed with pinpoint accuracy.
Benefit: Practicing unison bends enhances string bending control and intonation, both critical for expressive lead playing.
Legato Runs and Pull-offs
Rapid legato phrases—featuring flowing pull-offs and hammer-ons—appear in the solos and fills. These are used to create a smooth, fast-paced flurry of notes without relying solely on picking.
Benefit: These techniques develop left-hand strength and speed, allowing guitarists to play faster with less effort.
Pinched Harmonics and Vibrato
Characteristic pinched harmonics punctuate the solos, often followed by wide vibrato that gives each note a searing, expressive edge.
Benefit: These techniques bring individuality to your tone and improve your ability to add personality and drama to solos.
Double Stop Bends and Bluesy Elements
The solo is peppered with expressive double-stop bends and bluesy bends, blending aggressive rock phrasing with the emotional depth of blues.
Benefit: Learning this combination enhances your expressive vocabulary and strengthens finger control for more nuanced soloing.
Why This Lesson is Essential
Learning “Give Me All Your Love” not only teaches you how to replicate a classic rock anthem, but it also introduces essential techniques used by some of the most respected players in the genre. By mastering these elements, you’ll be equipped with skills applicable across a wide range of rock, blues, and metal styles.
From foundational rhythm techniques to high-impact lead playing, this lesson delivers a comprehensive package for intermediate to advanced players looking to push their skills to the next level. The detailed breakdown allows you to internalize phrasing, timing, and articulation—keys to playing with the authority and flair of players like John Sykes and Adrian Vandenberg.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...