Here I Go Again by Whitesnake
Here I Go Again was released in 1987 on Whitesnake's self-titled album, commonly referred to as the 1987 Whitesnake. The song actually began life in 1982 on the Come an' Get It album, but the 1987 re-recorded version, driven by John Sykes's guitar work and a bigger, radio-ready production, propelled Whitesnake into global stardom. The single topped charts around the world and became a defining anthem of the 80s rock era, fueling countless sing-alongs and cementing the power ballad formula that blends hard-edged riffing with a memorable, melodic chorus.
In the studio, the re-recorded track benefited from glossy layering: a punchy rhythm guitar bed, a lush keyboard wash, and a soaring lead line that showcases melodic phrasing within a rock framework. Its enduring cultural impact comes from heavy rotation on MTV, arena-friendly energy, and a guitar solo that remains a touchstone for players chasing that iconic 80s tone and expressive bends.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this lesson you’ll learn the signature riff that anchors the song—built on palm-muted power chords—along with the verse-to-chorus transitions and the uplifting chorus progression that drives the melody home. We’ll outline a practical approach to the lead solo, based on the A minor pentatonic scale, with bends, vibrato, and phrasing that evoke the original feel while staying playable. You’ll also get guidance on tone, picking dynamics, and keeping the groove tight with a backing track. Tricky parts to watch for include maintaining consistent groove during tempo shifts, hitting bends in the solo accurately, and timing changes between rhythm and lead sections for that stadium-ready impact.
Intermediate; helpful if you’re comfortable with palm-muted riffing, power chords, basic string bending, and playing with a metronome.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Slow the riffs way down with a metronome, loop the intro and verse sections, then gradually increase tempo until you match the record.
- 💡Use a medium-gain tone and a humbucker-equipped guitar to approximate the 80s Whitesnake audio feel; focus on clean bends and controlled vibrato for expressiveness.
- 💡Practice the solo section by isolating the pitch bends first, then weave in phrasing and dynamics, matching emphasis to the vocal melody for a more authentic feel.
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