Guns N’ Roses’ iconic song “Think About You” has been a fan favorite since its release in 1987. Famous for its bluesy melodies, powerful guitar licks, and passionate refrain, this classic has been a staple of rock concerts and radio airwaves for over three decades. But what exactly does it take to play this classic song? There are a few key elements that will help any aspiring rock star master “Think About You” and headbang away like a pro.
Choose Your Guitar
For this song, it helps to have a guitar with single coils, which are guitars with a bright, snappy, and twangy sound. These characterize a classic rock sound, which is what “Think About You” emulates. Single coil guitars will help you recreate that classic Guns N’ Roses tone. If you don’t have a single coil guitar, don’t worry. You can still get a good sound out of a humbucking guitar.
Tuning and Capo
To play “Think About You” most accurately, you’ll want to tune your guitar to standard E tuning (E4, A4, D4, G3, B3, E2). This will get your guitar tuned to the right frequencies for the bluesy and rock sound of the song. Additionally, you’ll want to use a capo at the 7th fret so that your guitar is in the same key as the song.
Chords & Strumming
Once you have your guitar tuned and set up, you’ll need to start incorporating chords and strumming into your practice. The main chords you’ll need to know to play “Think About You” are E, A, B7, D, and F#. It helps to visualize the chord shape using the 1, 4, 5 pattern. You’ll want to focus on getting the overall feel of the song down as well. To do this, you’ll want to practice strumming on all six of the strings. The song has a steady and patient sound, so you’ll want to emphasize that as much as possible.
Lead Guitar Parts
The lead guitar parts in “Think About You” are iconic and help make the song one of Guns N’ Roses’ greatest hits. The simplest way to play the lead guitar parts is to use pentatonic scales. Start by learning each of the five pentatonic boxes at the 7-frret and then practice connecting them together. For the most accurate sound, you’ll want to use the notes from the G major pentatonic scale (G, B, C, D, and E). Once you’re comfortable navigating up and down these boxes, you’ll be ready to jam out to the lead guitar parts of “Think About You”.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
To really make the lead guitar parts sound like those in the original, you’ll need to practice hammer-ons and pull-offs. You can practice these techniques by playing two notes consecutively without picking. This will create a smooth, flowing sound that will make your guitar sound as if it is singing. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential techniques for recreating the lead guitar parts of “Think About You.”
Fret Hand Mutes
In addition to hammer-ons and pull-offs, you’ll also need to incorporate fret hand mutes into your playing. This is essentially where you lay your fret hand lightly across the strings to mute them and create different textures. This technique is often used to create “Ghost Notes” which is when muted strings are used to create a percussive effect. This effect helps give “Think About You” its signature blend of rock riffs and soulful bluesy melodies.
Bends & Vibratos
Finally, you’ll want to add in some string bending and vibrato to really make your guitar playing sound like it was ripped from the original version of “Think About You.”To do so, use your fretting finger to bend the string up to a certain note and then release it. This will create an expressively intense sound which really adds to the zealous spirit of the song. To practice vibrato, you’ll want to lightly move your fretting finger forward and backward while holding the note. This will create a wiggly and sincere sound that will make your guitar playing sound straight out of the 80s.
Practice and Nail the Solo
Once you have all these techniques down, it’s time to piece together the entire song and practice until you can play it flawlessly. It helps to practice and memorize the song in chunks so that you can remember the parts easier. Once you have the entire song down, its time to reach the ultimate goal: playing the iconic solo. This is a multi-faceted solo that requires all the techniques mentioned previously. When executed perfectly, it sounds amazing and can actually be used as an extended solo in the song.
Rocking Out With Friends
Once you’ve mastered “Think About You,” its time to take it out into the world. Pick out the best guitar, grab some friends, and start a band. This will be a great way to have some fun, become a better musician, and experience the incomparable rush of performing. Playing “Think About You” in a rock show will bring any Guns N’ Roses fan to tears of joy, so don’t forget to add it into your setlist.
Teach the Next Generation of Players
The final way to pay homage to G’n’R’s classic is by teaching the next generation. If you’re an experienced guitarist, it’s important to pay it forward by passing down your knowledge to other musicians. Not only is teaching a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it also helps to keep rock n’ roll alive and vibrant. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a complete stranger, make sure to teach the timeless art of “Think About You.”
Stay True to the Original
When playing “Think About You,” it’s important to stay true to the original. While it’s fun to add your own touches and flair to the song, don’t try to reinvent it. This could take away from the magic of G’n’R’s classic and stunt the emotional impact of the song. When retained in its original state, “Think About You” still packs an unforgettable punch and this is what makes it one of the most memorable rock songs of all time.
Have Fun With It
Playing “Think About You” can be a daunting task. With all the different dynamics, techniques, and chords, it can be overwhelming for any guitarist. This is why practice and patience are so important. It also helps to have fun with it. Remember that the goal of playing music is to create beauty, and that there are no wrong choices when it comes to adding your own style. With practice and dedication, you’ll be playing this timeless classic like a pro in no time.
