Classic Albums – Appetite For Destruction (Guns N’ Roses)

A Guitarist’s Study of ‘Appetite for Destruction’ by Guns N’ Roses
Appetite for Destruction, the debut studio album from Guns N’ Roses, is a tour de force of rock guitar playing, thanks to lead guitarist Slash. From the hard-rocking riffs to the soaring solos, Slash’s guitar work is as essential to the album’s success as Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals.
From the aggressive punch of opener Welcome to the Jungle to the soaring leads on Rocket Queen, Slash managed to show the world that it’s possible to have a record that’s flawless from start to finish. In this Guns N Roses guitar lesson course you’ll learn the highlights from each and every song, one note at a time with LickLibrary veteran Danny Gill. This is a unique opportunity to be able to go out and play these songs live, fast.

Guitar Lessons in this Course
• Welcome to the Jungle
• It’s So Easy
• Nightrain
• Out ta Get Me
• Mr. Brownstone
• Paradise City
• My Michelle
• Think About You
• Sweet Child O’ Mine
• You’re Crazy
• Anything Goes
• Rocket Queen

Guitar Lesson 1: “Welcome to the Jungle”
Opening with a haunting, delay-soaked riff, “Welcome to the Jungle” quickly transitions into a driving rhythm part that is full of syncopated rhythms and palm muting, giving the song a heavy yet groovy feel. The solo is predominantly in the B minor pentatonic scale, featuring a mix of rapid alternate picking runs, bluesy bends, and expressive vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 2: “It’s So Easy”
“It’s So Easy” features a sleazy main riff that relies heavily on power chords and octave melodies. The solo, performed in the D minor scale, showcases Slash’s use of double stops, pinch harmonics, and his unique, wide vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 3: “Nightrain”
“Nightrain” is a hard-rocking number with a powerful riff built around power chords and palm muting. The solo employs the B minor pentatonic scale, with plenty of bluesy bends and rapid alternate picking.

Guitar Lesson 4: “Out Ta Get Me”
“Out Ta Get Me” features a frantic main riff based on the E minor scale. The solo is a whirlwind of alternate picking, legato runs, and string bending, demonstrating Slash’s technical prowess and sense of melody.

Guitar Lesson 5: “Mr. Brownstone”
“Mr. Brownstone” has a syncopated, almost funky main riff that combines power chords and double stops. The solo is an exhibition of Slash’s blues influence, with lots of minor pentatonic licks, bluesy bends, and expressive vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 6: “Paradise City”
“Paradise City” is perhaps best known for its anthemic chorus, which is built around a simple yet effective power chord progression. The solo is filled with melodic phrases and rapid alternate picking runs in the key of G major.

Guitar Lesson 7: “My Michelle”
“My Michelle” is a darker, heavier track, with a main riff that relies heavily on palm muting and power chords. The solo is full of rapid alternate picking, string bending, and the use of the minor pentatonic scale.

Guitar Lesson 8: “Think About You”
“Think About You” has a jangly main riff that combines power chords with open-string riffs. The solo is a showcase of Slash’s melodic sense, with lots of string bending, vibrato, and legato phrases.

Guitar Lesson 9: “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
Perhaps the most famous track on the album, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” features one of rock’s most iconic riffs. The song is an exercise in arpeggiated chord progressions, with the main riff combining open strings and fretted notes to create a chiming, bell-like sound. The solo is a masterclass in melodic rock lead playing, with lots of string bending, vibrato, and legato runs.

Guitar Lesson 10: “You’re Crazy”
“You’re Crazy” is a high-energy rock n’ roll number with a main riff that combines power chords and double stops. The solo is filled with rapid alternate picking, string bending, and Slash’s trademark wide vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 11: “Anything Goes”
“Anything Goes” is a sleazy rocker with a main riff based around power chords and palm muting. The solo is a showcase of Slash’s blues influences, with lots of string bending, bluesy licks, and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 12: “Rocket Queen”
Closing out the album, “Rocket Queen” is a sprawling epic with a main riff that combines power chords and syncopated rhythms. The solo is filled with melodic phrases, rapid alternate picking, and string bending.

Slash’s Contribution to ‘Appetite for Destruction’
Slash’s guitar work on ‘Appetite for Destruction’ is a testament to his immense skill and unique style. He combines elements of hard rock, blues, and punk into a distinctive sound that has made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. From his tasteful use of vibrato and string bending to his rapid-fire alternate picking and legato runs, Slash’s playing is a masterclass in rock guitar.

Techniques used in ‘Appetite for Destruction’
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions