FOLLOW US ON:
0 Cart £0.00

Bon Jovi – ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’

< BACK Subscribe Now Subscriber Login

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.

When learning this piece, you might find the following courses (all included in the monthly subscription cost) useful:

A transcription (with TAB and without) is available for this course. To download it, please visit the Free Stuff page.

This course is 37 MINUTES long and contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

1. ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’

This video is a demonstration of the song performed on a Fender Custom Shop ’62 Precision Bass strung with stainless steel Rotosound strings.

2. Course Overview

This video contains an overview of the song and the challenges it presents, as well as offering some advice on choosing the right instrument and tone for a piece like this.

3. Intro Section

This lesson will show you how to play 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

This lesson will show you how to play the bridge section, which features a simple line with some simple but effective touches.

6. Chorus Sections

The chorus is supported by a melodic bassline that perfectly connects the chords. This line 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 some variations.