Tune each string down half a step: E♭ · A♭ · D♭ · G♭ · B♭ · E♭, from thickest to thinnest. These fret positions sound different in standard tuning.
About this recording
Use Your Illusion I · 1991 · Original album studio recording
Playing level: advanced · Theory level: beginner
Work on the closing section by itself. Use B minor as the sounding-note reference on a guitar tuned down half a step.
The scales at a glance
Compare the notes
Learn these shapes, then see how they help explain each solo below. Some are extra ideas for your own practice.
| Scale | Notes | Intervals | Use in this study |
|---|---|---|---|
| B Minor Pentatonic | B · D · E · F♯ · A | 1 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭7 | Listening guide |
| B Natural Minor | B · C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G · A | 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 | Listening guide |
Solo breakdown
Main solo
Guitar: Slash
Where is this solo?
Slash’s closing electric solo over the heavier ending. The earlier melodic solos belong to different sections.
B Minor Pentatonic
Listening guide
Try B minor pentatonic for the closing section. In E-flat tuning, the low-string B root is at fret 8.
B · D · E · F♯ · A
◎ Outlined dots = B, the home note.
E-flat standard tuning (teaching setup) · frets 8–11 · high string 1 at top · toward nut →
These dots show where the scale notes are. They do not show the order of the solo.
Read the note positions
- String 1, fret 8: B, interval 1, root
- String 1, fret 11: D, interval ♭3
- String 2, fret 8: F♯, interval 5
- String 2, fret 11: A, interval ♭7
- String 3, fret 8: D, interval ♭3
- String 3, fret 10: E, interval 4
- String 4, fret 8: A, interval ♭7
- String 4, fret 10: B, interval 1, root
- String 5, fret 8: E, interval 4
- String 5, fret 10: F♯, interval 5
- String 6, fret 8: B, interval 1, root
- String 6, fret 11: D, interval ♭3
More about these scales
B Minor Pentatonic Listening guide
Try B minor pentatonic for the closing section. In E-flat tuning, the low-string B root is at fret 8.
B · D · E · F♯ · A
B Natural Minor Listening guide
B natural minor adds C♯ and G. Compare those connecting notes without treating the earlier solos as the same key.
B · C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G · A
How the chords shape the solo
Chords and note choices
Listen for the landing note
Listening idea Tuning down half a step changes what a familiar shape sounds like. A C minor shape in standard tuning sounds B minor when every string is lowered by one fret’s worth. The map here names the sounding notes.
Technique tips
Technique and phrasing
- bending: A bend raises a note by pushing the string across the fretboard. Play the target note first, then bend a lower note until it matches. Practice suggestion
Practice ideas
Try the ideas yourself
Original practice suggestions; these are not the recorded solo.
Try this slowly
Find the B notes in the first view. Play a short phrase that ends on one B, then answer it on a B on a thinner string. Keep both endings long and clear.
Check: You can keep a steady pulse and hear the final note clearly.
A simple practice plan
Put the study into practice
- Listen to the chosen solo and identify its beginning and ending.
- Find the root notes: the notes the scale is named after. Say their names, then play them.
- Add one new note, or aim for a note from the chord. Make a short phrase of your own.
- Listen to the solo again. Can you hear where the phrase comes to rest?
Updated 2026-11-10
This analysis may contain errors or inaccuracies.