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Bon Jovi – ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’

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This song was a huge worldwide hit for Bon Jovi when it was released in October 1986. Although the bass chair in the band was occupied by Alec John Such at the time, session bassist Hugh McDonald was drafted in to play on this tune and was responsible for coming up with the song’s signature bass groove. The Chorus is also notable for Hugh’s melodic bass work during the Chorus and indeed, the whole line is an education in supportive but effective studio playing. In more recent years Hugh McDonald has joined the band as their touring bassist, following the departure of Alec john Such.

Be sure to hit the Download Resources button above to download the PDF transcription for this piece (available to subscribers only). The transcription is available WITH TAB and WITHOUT. Please note that a backing track is NOT included with this course.

This course contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

1. ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ Play-Through

In this video I will be playing through the song using a Fender Custom Shop ’67 Precision bass, strung with Rotosound roundwound strings.

2. Course Overview

In this video I’ll be giving a brief overview of the song and its bassline. I’ll also be giving you some advice on how you can find an appropriate tone for the piece.

3. Intro Section

In this video we’ll be talking through the song’s long Intro section, which features bassist Hugh McDonald’s immediately recognisable bass part.

4. Verse Sections

This video covers the two Verse sections, which are both based on the bass groove from the Intro. There are just a couple of simple fills to learn here.

5. Bridge Sections

In this lesson I’ll be talking through the Bridge section, which features a simple line with some simple but effective touches.

6. Chorus Sections

This video covers the Chorus, which has a melodic line that perfectly connects the chords. This is a great line that will reveal many creative ways in which to craft memorable bass parts.

7. Guitar Solo Section

This video breaks down the Guitar Solo section, which is based on the Chorus. The bassline features some subtle variations here, all of which are worth learning.

8. Final Chorus Section

This video covers the final Chorus of the song, which is now played in a new key, G minor. The bassline remains largely the same, although there are many variations to get your teeth into here.