Night Ranger Don't Tell Me You Love Me Part 2 - Jeff Watson Guitar Solo Lesson

[@ajlsoundwave]

Full Cover Version of this track found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DYlXxpmr1qfa8

[@gneric85]

I bought the actual sheet music when this song came out. Been "trying" to play JWs part ever since. I can do BGs part great. Thank you for posting this.

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on JWs part is demanding and seems impossible at full tempo... i looked at published sheet music years ago, which was transcribed incorrectly... i needed therapy after that😝. Glad this helped.

[@gneric85]

Bad part is...JW solo parts aren't in the sheet music I have. Printed by Cherry Lane Music Co. Inc way back when. Even the intro is just transcribed as notes. No slide up/down like Gillis actually does. The B E D# B A E C A (for 5 measures) is just the actual notes.

[@TazmilyGum]

Where did you get the sheetmusic

[@jdmaynash2]

Fantastic job! I've learned to play so many other seemingly difficult solos over the last 2 years, but this one surprisingly is in a league of its own. Glad to know it isn't just me that finds it nearly impossible to play!

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on - and the mind bender is think of it being the early 1980's where these guys were at the front of the line relative to the shred scene... and this track is still RELEVANT today as far as difficulty to play... well, if you learn this one and can get it close, you've accomplished the equivalent of climbing mt Everest! kudos and thx for the listen/ watch and comment. Cheers. Alan

[@KoolKatDave]

I did this in a cover band years ago, and playing Jeff's solo nearly killed me, LOL! I don't have large hands, so those stretches are tough. A smaller scaled guitar would be the ticket!

[@ajlsoundwave]

There are days I think a mandolin is the right scale length! It's a very demanding solo and for 1982 when this was created, really showcases how good of a player JW is! Thanks for the listen and feedback @@KoolKatDave

[@KoolKatDave]

All good, my man! Did you ever see the Star Licks "tape" with Jeff? It's on You Tube and very cool. He played a magical 1956 Les Paul, and that of course helped!@@ajlsoundwave

[@davegto67]

I had just watched this video recently when I was working on this song with one of my students. I used to have to play Jeff's solo in a cover band years ago. Your vid helped me correct a few things I was playing incorrectly!

[@ajlsoundwave]

Hey Dave - so double check my playing in the "instructional" vs the cover version (link below) as I think I may have a few of the JW runs that might be a little sketchy in the instructional vid... and I played this live for years incorrectly... finally one day I decided to do a deep dive and found quite a bit of my playing was so far off the mark... btw - I'm a left handed person who picked up the guitar right handed... so it's really cool to watch you play. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DYlXxpmr1qfa8

[@davegto67]

Sure thing, Alan. I'll give them both a listen tonight and give you my thoughts. Unfortunately, for Jeff's solo, there are a lot of inaccurate transcriptions out there.@@ajlsoundwave

[@davegto67]

@@ajlsoundwave And yes, I'm a proud left handed guitar player! Thanks!

[@ajlsoundwave]

right on - you are a great player too!!!@@davegto67

[@ajlsoundwave]

I will post a link of Joel Hoekstra that is pretty dead nuts on - although the quality is pretty bad@@davegto67

[@donnyswanson6186]

Nice job of showing everyone how to play it most of all you told them to play it slow until they have it right than after some work can ramp up the speed when you're ready!!!! Great job!!!! I played this back in the mid 80's worked my fingers off getting this right!!!!!!! Job well done

[@ajlsoundwave]

Hi Donny - thx for the listen / watch and comment. For years, I was playing this incorrectly and even in the instruction vid, I think I still have a few questionable spots... however, I recently did a cover of this track with a friend of mine and think this version is pretty spot on now... take a look and tell me what you think... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DYlXxpmr1qfa8

[@teadoaxel]

Hey.... Great lesson! It took a week to learn But got it nailed. Great tune and solo Thanks again for the articulate instruction .

[@ajlsoundwave]

Hi TJ - fantastic, I'm glad this helped you. This is one of those songs that yeah, first gotta learn the parts... then 2nd, gotta put in the practice in order to play it! Cheers.... Alan

[@ianmacneil556]

LOL! I have been trying to nail this since 1983!! Thanks for your help!! :)

[@ajlsoundwave]

I know the feeling...but I'm not certain this version is as ACCURATE as I did on the cover version (see pinned post) where I think some of the runs at the end are more accurate... cheers!

[@ianmacneil556]

@@ajlsoundwave Ok, on the first sequence, at the end of the first bar, when you descend, the note choice that I have used is slightly different than yours. I will try your note choice, and see if that helps.....it is SO hard to get this!

[@ajlsoundwave]

@@ianmacneil556 now, if you REALLY want to challenge yourself... start the picking sequence using UPSTROKES!!! it took me years to get it with starting on downstrokes, but another comment here under this video claims the sequence really starts using upstrokes... so I decided to try it... I recco practicing it as it will actually make the downstrokes better.

[@ianmacneil556]

@@ajlsoundwave Ok great! I will try this too! I'm sure there is a "trick" here that I haven't figured out....after all, it's R&R! :)

[@ajlsoundwave]

@@ianmacneil556 the trick is getting a "cadence" between the L and R hands so it flows like a rhythm... but to do this, I'd start at half speed using a metronome... then start to increase the speed... patience wins in the end and it might take a few weeks for it to feel "natural". From what I've been told, JW actually created this lick as an exercise to improve picking... good luck!

[@johntriglia1689]

Nice, Alan! Keep them coming.

[@ajlsoundwave]

You got it! any requests?

[@jujub2772]

Amazing, you killed it...I love this song❤️‍🔥

[@ajlsoundwave]

Hi Beth, thx for comment... Jeff's solo has stood the test of time and agree, love this track!!! cheers 🙏😁

[@guitarzen7080]

Liked and subbed. Amazing job buddy

[@ajlsoundwave]

THX!!! appreciate the feedback and you taking the time to watch. Alan

[@TomdeSabla]

Yeah that's what I thought it was at first but Jeff Watson plays it differently. Of course the first part is right but the last four is 4217, not 4327.

[@jakemf1]

No oddball both of these are tough to play- keep up the good work

[@ajlsoundwave]

right on - the JW solo is incredible and to think he was shredd'n like this in the early 80's.... Thx for the comment! Cheers...

[@schecter5035]

Ive been playing for 5 years and have learnt some difficult solos. This has been my biggest challenge. 1st half of this solo is easy. But I just cant get this to full speed accurately. Well atleast for now. Gonna keep practicing it

[@ajlsoundwave]

100% my friend! I completely agree as months after shooting this vid, I am able to play it better or smoother... then more months pass by and I've started to practice the entire solo starting with an UPSTROKE vs. DOWNSTROKE... and I highly recommend trying that too - as frustrating as it might seem, practicing licks like this using the opposite RH picking sequence makes it all better in the long run... I plan on shooting soon another video showing both upstrokes and downstrokes this... but your comment is 100% accurate... good luck to you!!! Alan

[@johnvandenheuvel6952]

This just in, where possible leave the 1st finger down across string 1 & 2. It's weird at first but...just fewer things to focus on. This "flatted first finger" trick will work on subsequent sections in most of the solo, where feasible. 173 BPM here we come !!!

[@ajlsoundwave]

I have been reverse picking this since your comment. I now walk backwards, so thank you! ha... actually, learning this solo with reverse picking has helped me tackle other things with heavy alternative picking.... I don't play this track all that much anymore since I'm out of the cover band scene, but it's always good to find something new to practice. Thanks again.

[@ireliaismyheroine5366]

This just in, the original guitarist also does not bar his finger for this section of the solo. I also do not when I play it and feel that barring feels highly unnatural for this arpeggio section. Barring in rising force, highly recommended, here not so much.

[@scorpio1155]

Dang, that strobe, old timey video effect SUCKED! After my headache passed, I really enjoyed the remainder of your instruction! Nice work!

[@schrammguitars]

FYI Jeff doesn't alternate pick this. He uses Up Up Down- Up Up Down-Down Up Down-Up Up Down

[@Brent-tn1yn]

You nailed it cool beans man😊

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on - thx for the watch / listen and comment!

[@PupsMcDougal]

Great stuff man, you got a new sub! Keep ‘em coming!

[@ajlsoundwave]

Hi DAN, thank you and glad you stopped by to watch and comment! cheers :)

[@spicy321]

I have a video of Jeff demonstrating the opening lick and he does a downward sweep of the top 2 strings. I've tried it and I'm not sure it makes it easier to play.

[@ajlsoundwave]

sweeping can sometimes make things difficult but then again, its already pretty tough to play so its worth a try! thx for idea / help 🙏😁

[@johnvandenheuvel6952]

With all due respect Maestro, please try "reverse" alternate picking for these phrases throughout. I tilt the pick slightly (edgewise) so the point doesn't get caught in the "trap" zone. Applying circular picking helps as well. All the notes are totally correct. You'll hit 173 in no time at all.

[@ajlsoundwave]

right on. good for practice in to opp direction. thx!!

[@MichaelGonzalez-tx7xt]

Yeah right on badass ....you got it

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on! Thanks for view and comment... although I do think I made both solo's a bit more fluid in the playthrough video (pinned comment) Playing the JW solo is still one of the toughest solo's to cover... Cheers, Alan

[@freddiemercury2568]

Great .

[@ajlsoundwave]

Awesome Freddie! thanks 😁🙏

[@Diggerdog2nd]

I've tried a few times to get this down since Jeff's 1986 instructional video came out where he broke most of this solo down but I have always given up trying to get the speed down. I can play it clean just about half speed though. So far I think I'm not built for that speed. You're doing great in your interpretation of it, but I would respectfully say check out Jeff's video it's here on you tube because you have most right with exception of just a few notes. Even the amazing Joel Hoekstra plays a couple notes different than Jeff & Brad was sitting right next to him when he demonstrated it.

[@ajlsoundwave]

You are correct - at the time of releasing this video, I had the JW solo pretty close... but by the time we did this video, I think you'll see this is a much closer representation... take a listen and tell me what you think! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DYlXxpmr1qfa8

[@FIGGY65]

And Jeff has giant hands and was very adept at the unconventional techniques which he had developed as a teenager….he is still beastly !

[@kickasolo]

Nice🔥🔥🔥

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on Alex! 🙏😎

[@jl-zz9zs]

Watching Jeff in his star licks video and slowing it down it sounds like he himself is even sloppy and on the 9th note of the sequence. It sounds like he's flubbing that note not really hitting it to quickly get into the second part of the sequence. I tried all my life to get this and finally getting close just pulling off to the six note starting at the beginning and the 4th note of the second part of that first sequence. It keeps me from getting picked trapped as much and having mechanical issues. Also on the third arpeggio I don't think he ever goes to that a note on the b string from what I see in his demonstration. Maybe I'm wrong though.

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on. I do try to be as authentic as I can knowing that there might be slight differences in how I hear things and how its' actually done. My goal is to help at least hit the high points of this and the listener such as yourself can take it the rest of the way especially if I've missed anything. Definitely can agree this is a sheer mechanical exercise where getting the pick stuck is actually the NORM vs. having it like butter. Although there are days I can play this flawlessly vs. other days my DAW throws up an image of a tennis racket. What I try to keep in perspective is Jeff played this solo back in 1982 I think - back then , shredding like this was just starting to ramp up. Cheers and thanks for the great feedback!

[@jl-zz9zs]

I believe you were right with that note change and I was wrong. Anyway Ill keep working on it. Hopefully to get it as good as you do. It sounds great.

[@ajlsoundwave]

@@jl-zz9zs post up your vid and let me know when you have it down - def. a really cool technique to learn and I think it's more important to learn the solo as best as you can with how you can play it, then incorporate into what you do on your own in the long run which means it's all not that critical if you change a few notes here and there... If you need anything broken down further, slowed down, just let me know and I'll shoot a vid of it. PRACTICE - CHEERS!

[@donaldhopper8197]

Why didn't you play It up to s

[@ajlsoundwave]

I think you'll find in this version, I'm up to speed! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DYlXxpmr1qfa8

[@joeaxe]

Just saw Jeff say in a video he used a stainless steel pick v=i2EmPPyFt6A 5:18

[@ajlsoundwave]

right on. I always wondered what type of pick he uses... thx for info !!

[@litahsr.8226]

wish i could do that

[@ajlsoundwave]

well, i am certain if you practice with patience and positive attitude, anything is possible. when i heard this solo back in 1983, i was not able to play this either and wished i could... now 40 years later i can. thx for the listen and feedback!! 🙏😎

[@SDesWriter]

People don't realize Jeff totally cheats in that solo. He uses a thin metal pick (.009 that plays like a fender heavy) and turns it straight sideways to make it easier to alternate pick on two strings. It's sloppy as hell but he makes it sound flawless. I've seen Aldrich talk about how hard it is to cover that so you know it's no pushover. Nice job.

[@ajlsoundwave]

Thx man! I had been practicing this lick for a few weeks wanting to make sure I could play it up to tempo... that's what I found to be the most difficult part - if the tempo was a few clicks faster or slower, I had it like butter... but for whatever the reason, that tempo caused me to have moments where I locked, and then lost lock! Regardless, I remember when this track first came out and I was blown away at both solo's by these guys... now some years later after I take my shot of geritol and read an AARP newsletter, I got my old fingers to move a bit 😀! Again, thx for the visit and comment. Cheers!

[@SDesWriter]

@@ajlsoundwave One thing that might make it a little easier is on the four note descending after you go through the six note pattern he actually plays E7-B9-B7-B5. I'm not sure if it's because I've been playing it so long (usually really really sloppy) or just the way my guitar logic works but that was always easier for me to play and if you watch his star licks video it's how he does it. I feel your pain with the old age. I'm 56 with arthritis in my index finger of my playing hand plus in the wrist of my picking hand and I chose now to have a midlife crisis where I am trying to learn all the ridiculously difficult songs of the '80s I could never do before. It keeps me busy and helps me not spend too much money on my hobby, but wow is there a difference in just about everything I try to play. I don't know how the shredder guys my age continue to tour night after night.

[@jakemf1]

@@SDesWriter lol

[@gscash]

I'm sure you already know Jeff doesn't alternate pick all the notes. Watch his right hand in his video. Sweep/economy picking on some of it, only alternate picking on some of the notes. I know most other people wanna play it the more challenging way by alternate picking all of it.

[@NickGurr.]

The last lick is brutal. I can only play it legato

[@ajlsoundwave]

Agreed... its definitely a demanding solo with a sprint at the end. Although the legato thing could be really cool too. 🙏😁

[@harryman5747]

Nice fucking job brother

[@ajlsoundwave]

RIGH ON HARRY!!! thx for the visit and most of all, the comment!!! 🙏😎

[@AntiTrustNJ]

not bad man!

[@ajlsoundwave]

Right on. Although today I play it much closer, at the time, it's the best I had with my attempt. Thx for watching!