By: William Clark
Representing an impressive collection of artists and anthems from throughout this same decade is the newly released, Guitar in the ’80s, tablature book from Hal Leonard.
This textbook-sized release proudly features 37 iconic guitar-driven tracks which any rock listener would be familiar with and any guitarist would appreciate.
The 1980s are widely considered to be one of the pivotal decades for the expansion of the hard rock and heavy metal genres. During this celebrated era of rock, we witnessed the rise of many acclaimed guitarists who left their marks on the industry through a conclave of chord progressions and accelerating solos.
Such names as C.C. Deville, Mick Mars, Randy Rhoads, Ritchie Sambora, Slash and Vito Bratta triumphantly burst out onto the scene with their own respective bands, whereas established virtuosos including Eddie Van Halen only contined to pave their influence into the archives of rock history.
The casual listener may not instantly recognize every artist, however any classic rock fan knows the bands they’re associated with. Bands like Poison, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, White Lion, and (of course!) Van Halen controlled the airwaves with an unforgiving iron grip, but you didn’t hear anyone with developed brain cells and an ear for exceptional guitar work complaining.
Ranging from take-no-prisoners heavy metal to radio-friendly rock, this compilation doesn’t isolate just one specific classification beneath the genre, instead it compiles choice selections from a variety of different catalogs.
First, you have the definitive stadium power ballads such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and Whitesnake’s “Still of the Night,” which are driven by complementary licks and engaging solos.
A broad selection of songs straight off the Sunset Strip also appear throughout the release, including Motley Crue’s “Dr. Feelgood,” Quiet Riot’s “Cum on Feel the Noize,” Skid Row’s “18 and Life,” and “Panama” from Van Halen, with additions from Extreme, Great White, Night Ranger and Winger coming in as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-NshzYK9y0
Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” were two monumental hits during the ’80s, and are transcribed here with note-for-note accuracy. In addition to pieces from icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, we also find a handful of songs from within the southern rock territory, such as ZZ Top’s “Legs” and “Gimmie All Your Lovin’,” as well as Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.”
“Holy Diver” by Dio, Iron Maiden’s “Aces High,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” and “Wake Up Dead” from Megadeth quickly found their way onto countless mix tapes and ultimately found their way onto infinite rotation on the classic rock airwaves, and here represent the era’s somewhat close-minded stance on heavy metal.
In short, the Guitar in the 80s tablature book from Hal Leonard is a warmly recommended release for any rock guitarist, whether you’re a professional musician, a hidden-at-home prodigy or a member of an aspiring tribute band.
Click HERE to Purchase the “Guitar in the 80s” Tablature Book from Hal Leonard
Tracks:
1) Iron Maiden – Aces High
2) Joe Satriani – Always with Me, Always with You
3) Steve Vai – The Attitude Song
4) The Jeff Healy Band – Confidence Man
5) Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
6) Quiet Riot – Cum on Feel the Noize
7) Motley Crue – Dr. Feelgood
8) Journey – Don’t Stop Believin
9) Night Ranger – Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
10) Skid Row – 18 and Life
11) ZZ Top – Gimme All Your Lovin’
12) Pat Benatar – Hit Me with Your Best Shot
13) Dio – Holy Diver
14) Georgia Satellites – Keep Your Hands to Yourself
15) ZZ Top – Legs
16) Judas Priest – Living After Midnight
17) Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer
18) Tesla – Modern Day Cowboy
19) Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
20) Poison – Nothin’ but a Good Time
21) Van Halen – Panama
22) Def Leppard – Photograph
23) Extreme – Play with Me
24) Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – Pride and Joy
25) U2 – Pride (In the Name of Love)
26) Great White – Rock Me
27) Scorpions – Rock You Like a Hurricane
28) Winger – Seventeen
29) Robert Cray – Smoking Gun
30) Whitesnake – Still of the Night
31) King’s X – Summerland
32) Autograph – Turn Up the Radio
33) Dokken – Unchain the Night
34) Megadeth – Wake Up Dead
35) Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
36) White Lion – When the Children Cry
37) Billy Idol – White Wedding
Lastest Hal Leonard Guitar Books News | Kill Your Stutter (10 years ago)
[…] Review – Guitar in the '80s Tablature Book from Hal Leonard Representing an impressive collection of artists and anthems from throughout this same decade is the newly released, Guitar in the '80s, tablature book from Hal Leonard. This textbook-sized release proudly features 37 iconic guitar-driven tracks which … Read more on Guitar International […]