How to play guns and roses paradise city on guitar?

How to Play Guns N’ Roses’ Paradise City on Guitar

Guitarists around the world have been entranced by the iconic riff of “Paradise City” for decades, and now it’s your turn to master this epic track! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Guns N’ Roses’ Paradise City on guitar.

Overview of the Song

Released in 1987 on the album "Appetite for Destruction", "Paradise City" is a classic rock staple that showcases Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals and Slash’s unforgettable guitar work. The song is built around a series of catchy guitar riffs, making it a challenging yet rewarding piece to play.

Gear and Tuning

Before diving into the tutorial, make sure you have the following gear and settings:

• Guitar: Electric guitar (e.g., Les Paul or Stratocaster) with humbucker pickups
• Amp: Set your amp to a moderate gain (around 4-5) with a slightly scooped midrange (boost the treble and bass frequencies)
• Tuning: Standard tuning (EADGBE)
• Pedals: Use a compressor pedal to sustain your notes and a reverb pedal to enhance the ambiance (optional)

Riff and Chord Progression

The main riff of "Paradise City" is played in a mix of chords and single-note lines. Break it down into three main sections:

Section 1: Main Riff (0:00 – 0:16)

• Chord progression: E – B7 – E – G
• Main riff: 3rd fret (G) of the 2nd string (B string), followed by 5th fret (E) of the 2nd string (B string)
• Use a down-up-down-up strumming pattern to emphasize the syncopated rhythm
• Focus on playing cleanly and evenly, with a steady tone and minimal muting

Section 2: Lead Solo (0:16 – 1:05)

• Bending notes: 4th fret (D) of the 1st string (E string), 3rd fret (G) of the 2nd string (B string)
• Sliding: From the 3rd fret (G) of the 2nd string (B string) to the 2nd fret (B) of the 2nd string (B string)
• Use a legato playing style to connect the notes, with minimal picks and no pauses between bends and slides

Section 3: Bridge and Outro (1:05 – 2:30)

• Chord progression: A – C – G – D
• Guitar harmonies: Add some doubling (playing two notes at once) in the choruses and add some tasteful bends in the outro

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Chord shapes: Use chord shapes with open strings (e.g., E chord) to avoid muting the notes
• Sustain and compression: Experiment with sustain and compression pedals to maintain a strong, sustained sound
• Listen and feel: Study the rhythm and feel of the original recording and adapt it to your own playing style

Fender and Ibanez Alternatives

If you don’t have a Les Paul or a Stratocaster, you can use alternative guitars that can replicate the tone:

• Fender Telecaster: Brighter, more aggressive tone, ideal for the rhythm section
• Ibanez RG: Sustain-rich, aggressive tone with a more focused midrange, perfect for the lead parts

Conclusion

Playing "Paradise City" by Guns N’ Roses is a challenge that requires patience, practice, and dedication. With the guidance above, you’ll be able to tackle the main riff, solo, and bridge sections, and even incorporate some alternative gear and playing styles to your own liking. Happy playing!

Table of Chords

Bullet Points Summary

• Start with standard tuning and use a moderate gain setting on your amp
• Master the main riff (Section 1) by playing a combination of chords and single-note lines
• Practice the lead solo (Section 2) using legato playing and precise bending
• Focus on sustain and compression to maintain a strong sound
• Experiment with different guitars and settings to find your unique tone
• Study the original recording’s rhythm and feel to improve your own playing style