Slash, the legendary guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, owes a great debt of gratitude to the musicians who have influenced him. It’s possible that he emerged in the late 1980s, a time of significant shifts in music and culture. However, it is worth noting that his sound often evoked a nostalgic vibe from the previous era, reminiscent of the time when numerous guitar virtuosos wielded their Les Paul guitars with mastery. He specialized in old-school rock ‘n’ roll, with its distinctive sound and unique aesthetic. He embodied the essence of the classic rock era, standing as a testament to its enduring legacy.
Combining elements of punk and hard rock, with a hint of glam metal for added flair, Slash truly stood out. He was the most powerful weapon in the Los Angeles band’s formidable arsenal. An exceptional musician, with a remarkable ability to captivate audiences with his powerful performances, he stands as one of the last true guitar legends.
With his impressive technical prowess and an uncanny ability to create unforgettable melodies, Slash owes a great deal to legendary guitarists. These include Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards. It is this deep appreciation for the masters of the classic era that enables him to resonate with a wide audience. He brings rock music back to its bold, blues-infused origins. When it comes to his iconic weapon of choice, the Gibson Les Paul, numerous legendary players have already wielded it with great skill. Undoubtedly, they influenced his unique style. Joe Perry’s musical contributions have greatly influenced Slash’s best work.
Naturally, Perry and Slash exude an ethereal aura on stage, captivating the audience with their intense guitar skills and soulful musical style. Their performances evoke the spirit of legendary musicians like Page and Jimi Hendrix. These pioneers paved the way for their artistic journeys. However, if we listen closely to Aerosmith’s energetic early work on albums like Toys in the Attic and Rocks, it becomes clear. Their intense and distorted interpretation of the blues-influenced Slash’s style emerges prominently. We can hear this influence on iconic tracks such as ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine‘. The guitarist would later admit that Rocks was the album that inspired him to start playing the guitar. Its impact on him was truly significant.
Slash was deeply impacted by a specific Perry riff. This marks the third and ultimate single from Rocks, titled ‘Back in the Saddle‘. Renowned for its status as one of Perry’s greatest accomplishments. This composition has consistently been recognized as one of the most weighty pieces from the Boston group. It was an ideal choice to kick off the record.
It’s worth noting that this track stands out because Perry didn’t use his Les Paul guitar, which is quite significant. On the contrary, Perry took charge of crafting and performing the pulsating lead riff on a Fender Bass VI. This addition added an extra layer of weight to the sound. It showcases one of Tom Hamilton’s most notable bass lines with the group. The song begins with a leisurely introduction that swiftly transitions into the main section.
In 2017, Slash had the opportunity to talk about the greatness of ‘Back in the Saddle’ while appearing on My Favourite Riff with Nikki Sixx, the bassist of Mötley Crüe. He mentioned that the introduction was impressive, but it’s the main collection of notes that truly amazed him, describing it as incredibly powerful. He confessed, “I’m not even sure if I’m playing it correctly since he performed it on a six-string bass. I’m unsure of the exact positions he’s using.”
Slash also expressed his admiration for the song, stating, “The riff is incredibly unique and truly original.” He mentioned that it evokes a similar vibe to The Rolling Stones, with its rich bluesy sound. Despite being in a major key, it incorporates a minor third, creating a captivating atmosphere.
Observing Slash confidently playing what he believes to be the accurate riff for ‘Back in the Saddle’ is quite logical. With its ever-changing character, this blueprint served as a foundation for his musical creations. The unique combination of a major key and a minor third added depth and complexity. Drawing on the rich tones of his Gibson humbuckers, he would put his spin on this iconic Aerosmith classic, a decade after its initial release.
Check out this video of Slash talking about ‘Back in the Saddle’ below.
