How to Play 80s Rock Guitar

Ah, the 80s rock guitar sound—a blend of soaring solos, crunchy riffs, and enough swagger to fill an arena. If you've ever found yourself air-guitaring to Van Halen or singing along to Bon Jovi, you're in the right place. We're about to unpack what makes that iconic 80s rock guitar style tick and how you can bring some of that magic into your own playing.

The Rhythm of the 80s: Power Chords and Beyond

First up, let's talk about the backbone of 80s rock guitar: the power chord. Simple in structure, yet mighty in sound, these chords are the foundation of many rock anthems. The classic power chord is a two-note chord consisting of the root and the fifth. You can add an octave for more girth, but the core remains the same.

Here's a quick breakdown of how to nail them:

• Positioning: Place your index finger on the root note and your ring finger (or pinky for smaller hands) on the fifth. If adding an octave, place your pinky two frets up from the fifth.
• Muting: Use the fleshy part of your palm to lightly mute the strings you’re not playing. This keeps your sound tight and focused.
• Strumming: Aim for a punchy, staccato strum. Hit the strings with purpose but let them ring out just enough to capture that rock vibe.

And it wasn’t just power chords. Bands like AC/DC and Def Leppard often employed open chords mixed with power chords to add dynamic and texture to their songs. Experiment with combining open chords and power chords to see how they transform your sound.

Lead Guitar: The Shred Zone

You can’t talk about 80s rock guitar without mentioning the solos. This was the era where guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and Slash turned solos into showstoppers. Whether it was a blistering flurry of notes or a melodic passage, solos were all about making a statement.

To get started with your own shredding:

• Scales: Familiarize yourself with the pentatonic and minor scales. These were the go-to scales for most rock solos of the time.
• Techniques: Work on bends, slides, and hammer-ons/pull-offs. These techniques give your solos expression and flair.
• Speed: Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed. Remember, clarity is key, so don't sacrifice accuracy for speed.

If you’re itching to learn from the greats, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists that can help you refine your technique. It's a fantastic way to see how the pros do it and apply those insights to your own playing.

The Art of Tapping: Adding Flair to Your Solos

When Eddie Van Halen introduced tapping to the world, it was like opening Pandora’s box of guitar possibilities. Tapping involves using your picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard, allowing you to play rapid sequences that would be difficult with just your fretting hand.

Here’s how to get started with tapping:

• Choose a Note: Start with a note on the high E string. Use your fretting hand to hold down a note, say the 5th fret.
• Tap: With your picking hand, tap a higher fret, like the 12th, using your middle finger. Quickly pull off to let the first note ring.
• Practice: Work on the coordination between your hands. Start slow, then gradually speed up.

Tapping adds a dramatic flair to solos and can be a signature move in your playing arsenal. If you want to learn more about refining your tapping and other lead techniques, Riffhard is a treasure trove of lessons from guitar legends.

The Perfect Tone: Gear and Effects

Let's talk gear. The 80s rock tone is unmistakable—think bright, saturated, and full of sustain. Achieving this sound involves the right combination of guitar, amp, and effects.

Here are some tips for nailing that 80s tone:

• Guitar: A guitar with humbucker pickups is ideal, as they offer the thick sound needed for 80s rock.
• Amp: Look for an amp that can produce a good amount of gain without getting too muddy. Many players used Marshall amps for their punchy sound.
• Effects: Reverb and delay were commonly used to add depth. An overdrive pedal can also help you push your amp into that sweet spot of saturation.

While gear is important, remember that your fingers are the ultimate tone shapers. Focus on your playing technique as much as the gear itself to truly capture that 80s sound.

Exploring Whammy Bar Madness

Ah, the whammy bar—a tool for adding vibrato, dive bombs, and all sorts of crazy sound effects. Guitarists like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani turned the whammy bar into an extension of their playing style, using it to add drama and excitement to their solos.

Here’s how to get the most out of your whammy bar:

• Setup: Make sure your guitar’s bridge is set up properly. A floating bridge allows for both upward and downward pitch changes.
• Dive Bombs: Push the bar down quickly to drop the pitch. This creates a dramatic effect often used to end solos.
• Subtle Vibrato: For a gentle touch, use the bar to add slight vibrato to sustained notes. This adds a vocal-like quality to your playing.

Using a whammy bar effectively requires a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it can become a signature part of your sound. And if you want to learn tricks from the masters, Riffhard offers insights from the world's best guitarists who have perfected this art.

The Role of Acoustic Guitar

While the electric guitar often steals the spotlight in 80s rock, the acoustic guitar played a crucial role in many ballads and softer tracks. Bands like Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi used acoustic guitars to add depth and emotion to their music.

Here’s how to incorporate acoustic guitar into your 80s rock repertoire:

• Fingerpicking: Learn basic fingerpicking patterns to add texture to your playing. This technique is perfect for intros and softer sections.
• Strumming Patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what suits the song. Try alternating between soft and hard strums for dynamic contrast.
• Open Chords: Use open chords to fill out the sound. They resonate beautifully on an acoustic guitar, adding richness to your tracks.

Balancing the electric and acoustic guitar in your playing can add a whole new dimension to your sound. It’s worth exploring how these two elements can complement each other in your music.

Songwriting: Crafting the 80s Rock Anthem

Beyond the riffs and solos, songwriting is what truly defines the 80s rock genre. The songs were anthemic, with sing-along choruses and memorable hooks. Crafting your own rock anthem involves a mix of catchy melodies and engaging lyrics.

Here are some tips for writing your own 80s rock song:

• Start with a Riff: Many great rock songs begin with a killer riff. Experiment with different chord progressions and rhythms to find something that grabs attention.
• Write a Catchy Chorus: The chorus is the heart of the song. Aim for a melody that’s easy to sing along to and lyrics that resonate with listeners.
• Build Dynamics: Use quiet verses and explosive choruses to create contrast and keep the listener engaged. Dynamics are key to building excitement in a song.

Songwriting is a deeply personal process, but there’s no harm in drawing inspiration from the greats. Listening to various 80s bands can provide a wealth of ideas for your own compositions.

Building Stage Presence: The Art of Performance

Finally, let's not forget the performance aspect of 80s rock. The era was known for its larger-than-life stage presence, with guitarists strutting across the stage and engaging the audience. Whether you're performing on a small stage or just jamming with friends, stage presence can elevate your playing.

Here’s how to bring some 80s flair to your performances:

• Confidence: Own the stage. Confidence in your playing and movements will draw the audience in.
• Interaction: Engage with the audience. Make eye contact, and don’t be afraid to move around the stage.
• Visuals: Consider your look. The 80s were all about flashy outfits and big hair, so don’t shy away from making a visual statement.

Performance is as much about attitude as it is about skill. Watching live performances from 80s concerts can be a great way to pick up tips on stage presence and performance style.

Final Thoughts

The world of 80s rock guitar is vast and exciting, filled with techniques and styles that continue to inspire musicians today. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful rhythms, electrifying solos, or the art of performance, there’s always something new to learn and explore. And if you're looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons that dive deep into modern metal techniques, taught by some of the best guitarists out there. Happy shredding!