Ok, so pretty much every rock player wants to play like Slash, or at least be somewhat like him, right? Well, from what I've noticed; the answer is almost always yes. So, here's the dealio: this isn't a one way gig. Everyone contributes, I know a few things about Slash's stylistic foundings and whatnot. But, (and that's a big but) I don't know everything. If I did I would be out on the circuit making money, of course. So, here are what licks I have that might show a little bit of his foundations and trademarks, but this is more of a community thing; if you know anything that someone hasn't already got posted up, then put it. Because we all want to be as good as Slash. I'll start at obvious and easy, and then get harder and more in depth from there. I'm probably gonna keep updating this, so look for new licks on here every once and awhile. Right, here we go...
A1. Slash tends to use a lot of bends that sound just bloody awesome. Example: a very distinct part from Civil War
It isn't to hard either, but makes for a good rhythm foundation. Try and alternate pick it if you don't naturally. (tab thanks to the same guy)
3.He has one heck of a legato style, second to Holdsworth only. Or that's my opinion. Anyway, his legato not only consists of his picking technique, but his very fluid and liberal use of hammer-ons a pull-offs. This example is the intro to Ain't it Fun.
And we'll stop there, but listen to the song and try to play it as close to him as possible. His technique comes from a lot of practicing, so don't forget those basic excercises! Not only does this sound freaking great, but it is a very good warm up and practice excercise that is actually fun to play.(tab thanks to DemonRiffs) If the tabs didn't transfer correctly and seem out of place, just look them up.
B. Influences. Everyone has influences, obviously.If you want to play like him or have his sensibility and approach to guitar, you should check out who he tried to emulate. Some of his main influences were; AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Hanoi Rocks, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Jeff Beck, Joe Perry (of Aerosmith fame), Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. Think about your influences, write them on a piece of paper like a checklist, and check off what you have in common. If there is something he's been influenced by but, not you; check it out. You may even find a new favorite band. On a side-note: he has many other influences which should be easy enough to find. His book: Slash is an excellent source for people that influenced him. As well as a great book.
C.Soloing Style. He has a very well respected soloing style (in case you hadn't noticed) that immediately let's you know it's him. This is mainly because he has very little musical training and knows little to none about scales, so he does Blood Solos, or solos that aren't quite in a specific key and are basically improv. His main aspect that makes him sound so unique is Outside Playing, or the action of playing out of normal scale tones but finding your way back into a rooted landing. He does almost all of this by ear, so try to develop yours! The second huge aspect is his emotive quality when playing guitar. One thing that is quite helpful in doing both of these is playing a slow to mid-tempo blues for however many bars you'd like and experimenting. But, don't be afraid to tear it up, slow songs have fast solos as well. While you play, think about how you're feeling or how you feel from the progression, or the highest aspect; what the listener is feeling from your playing. Try to have them feel the same way as yourself. Another wonderful tool is Guitar Player Magazine/GuitarPlayerTV.com. Here's a vid from GPTV about outside playing. It's quite wonderful. http://guitarplayertv.com/?channel=secretsauce& ;videofile=secretsauce/brs1v2 I'd suggest watching all of the Secret Sauce videos.
Alright, well I'll leave it at that for now. Work on those points until it just oozes of his sweet abilities. If you have any comments or whatever else email me at abalentine43@hotmail.com Thanks for reading my article thing, and keep on rockin' guys!
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