Still of the Night – Whitesnake
Learn to master one of hard rock’s most explosive and technically brilliant guitar performances with Still of the Night by Whitesnake, taught note for note at LickLibrary.com. This iconic track, released in 1987 on the self-titled Whitesnake album, stands as a masterclass in rock guitar playing, blending power, precision, and flair. Our in-depth lesson breaks down every riff, solo, and embellishment from this monumental track, guiding guitarists through the key techniques that shaped the song’s unmistakable sound. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitarists
Still of the Night was brought to life by the blistering talents of John Sykes, whose aggressive tone and virtuosic technique defined the band's harder-edged sound in the late '80s. Sykes’ playing on this track is both technically demanding and deeply expressive, blending classical influences with modern shred techniques and bluesy phrasing. His influence extends beyond Whitesnake into the realms of Thin Lizzy and Blue Murder, where his melodic sensibility and high-gain attack continued to inspire countless players.
Song Breakdown and Techniques
Riffing Mastery and Power Chords
The song kicks off with a thunderous and intricate riff built around tight power chords, palm muting, and syncopated rhythms. This kind of rhythmic control not only tightens your playing but enhances your understanding of dynamic contrast — critical in hard rock.
Sliding Into Groove
John Sykes frequently employs slides to add drama and fluidity between chord changes and note transitions. This technique teaches players how to move smoothly across the fretboard while keeping time locked in with the groove.
String Bending and Vibrato
No Whitesnake solo would be complete without expressive string bending and wide vibrato. These techniques are vital for emotional phrasing, giving your solos personality and soul. They also help improve pitch control and finger strength.
Whammy Bar Mayhem and Dive Bombs
Sykes masterfully uses whammy bar tricks and dramatic dive bombs to punctuate riffs and solos with flair. These are great techniques for players wanting to expand their sonic palette and add dramatic effect to their playing.
Pinched Harmonics
A hallmark of this track’s tone is the screaming, squealing pinched harmonics. Mastering this technique helps you inject attitude and edge into your leads and riffs, teaching you how to control pick attack and thumb positioning with precision.
Alternate Picking and Legato Runs
The solo sections of Still of the Night are a playground for alternate picking and legato techniques. These runs enhance both speed and efficiency, helping players build endurance and fluidity across strings.
Double-Stop and Unison Bends
Throughout the solo, Sykes integrates double-stop bends and unison bends, creating thick, vocal-like harmonies that cut through the mix. These are great for improving finger independence and intonation.
Arpeggios and Harmonics
Sweeping arpeggios and strategically placed harmonics offer a neo-classical flair to the solo section. These techniques develop fretboard visualisation and precision.
Dynamic Control and Sustain
The track also teaches players the importance of sustain — holding notes with confidence and tone, letting the amp and hands work in harmony to carry the emotional weight of the performance.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
By studying the guitar work in Still of the Night, you not only enhance your technical ability but also deepen your musical expression. You’ll gain:
- Greater control of your fretting and picking hands
- Broader musical vocabulary in rock and metal genres
- Improved improvisational skills
- The ability to replicate high-level studio guitar tones
- Confidence in live performance settings
This lesson is ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to challenge themselves with one of the most demanding and rewarding tracks in the hard rock canon.
Techniques Covered
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...