Is This Love? by Whitesnake (solo by John Sykes)

In addition to having about the sexiest vibrato in the business, John Sykes really knows how to 'tell a story' with a solo. Notice how he targets a note to begin each phrase, higher than the previous one, which gives the solo a great sense of drama. He also strategically employs wider and faster vibratos at different times. I always felt this solo was a huge part of this song being so successful.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Is This Love?
• Whitesnake
• Is This Love solo
• John Sykes
• Adam Flint

[JoeLynnTurnerRocks]

I was watching Doug Aldrich play this solo on another you tube video and for me, it strays from whats true about the solo. the notes and the feeling with which they are played go in order. I really enjoyed this video here because you were spot on. perhaps check this other one out and see what you like /didnt like about it and comment, im no musician but i can hear when its right or not. ( Whitesnake -Is This Love- (Doug Aldrich's solo) Live In Osijek 2008 )

[AdamFlintGuitar]

@JoeLynnTurnerRocks - Thanks!!

I have the DVD/CD Live In the Still of the Night, and Doug is fantastic on that! I agree that he does deviate a tad from the original, but I think he's just trying to put a bit of his own flavor on it. Personally, I agree, this is a solo that fits the song so well that perhaps it shouldn't be changed at all. I think the video you suggested is actually closer to the original than what is on the DVD!

[AdamFlintGuitar]

I agree! I don't remember why Sykes was fired, but he was the PERFECT fit for Whitesnake!

[AussieBrutality]

Hey mate. What kind of telecaster is that?Looks like a custom Jackson or ESP, anyways its a beautiful guitar.

[AdamFlintGuitar]

Thanks! It is a Robin Tedley (?) I believe. They make them here in Houston. Just my opinion, they are nice but WAY overpriced.

[sinfonian39]

This is the most stylistically accurate I've seen so far. I love your program notes...pointing out the note selection. I feel a little naive for not having thought of it that way, but your pointing it out to me makes it all perfectly clear now. Excellent work.

[AdamFlintGuitar]

Thanks SO much for the kind words! And yes, that's what I love about this particular solo.

[dalisdilema]

Perfect !!!

[risingwarem]

nice cover and you have a high taste ^^'' is this love solo is the sexiest guitar solo that i've ever heard ''

[kl1172]

Perfect execution of a perfect solo!

[CiIv100]

Muy bueno!!!

[nicovasquez91]

NICE GUITAR AND PERFECT SOLO!

[LRangepro]

You did a great job on that solo but its an Adrian Vandenberg solo. Sykes wrote the song with Coverdale but was fired before the song was recorded. Sykes plays on every track of the '87 album both lead and rthym except "Is this love"....its Vandenberg.

[717021]

Is this tawny Kitean? Bravo solo. Now go find yourself a razor.

[nicedog1]

Nice! Very close to the original.

[1K4MIL1]

good good but your knee is awesome :P

[Ricardo72]

Finally, someone playing it correctly.

[anthraxmikeydoolin]

Great solo choice.

[juampy69]

You are absolutely right. John Sykes was blurred by the Coverdale frenzy. Every note is a poem. And the vibratto is so intense, so pinching, so sweetly tuned. This solo is definitely one of the best solos ever. And you have been able to capture that daintiness, brittleness and strength, at the same time. Congratulations. Greetings from Spain.