Lay It Down by Ratt, from Dancing Undercover (1986), features guitar work from Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby that is a perfect example of polished 80s hard rock lead guitar. The solo combines melody with technical confidence and the kind of cool attitude that defined the LA rock scene.
About This Lesson
Ratt’s guitar work on this track sits at the intersection of melody and speed — the phrases are musical and constructed, never just random shredding. DeMartini in particular was one of the most technically accomplished guitarists of the 80s glam metal era, and this solo shows why.
What You Will Work On
- 80s glam metal phrasing — melodic, cool, and technically confident
- Pentatonic rock vocabulary — classic Ratt-style licks and patterns
- String bends with style — expressive bending in a melodic rock context
- Fast runs with musical direction — speed that sounds intentional
- LA rock guitar feel — the cool, polished attitude of 80s Hollywood rock
Tips for Learning
- Listen to Ratt’s Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy for more context.
- Focus on the melodic construction — this solo has shape and direction.
- Work on alternate picking in pentatonic patterns to build the foundation.
- Match the relaxed confidence — DeMartini always sounds cool, never stressed.
WANT TO MASTER THIS SOLO PROPERLY?
Private Rock Guitar Lessons via Zoom — Diego Fonseca
Rock & metal specialist with 20+ years of teaching. Students across the US and Canada. I will build a lesson plan around the music you actually want to play — solos, technique, theory.
✔ Free 30-min trial lesson ✔ US & Canada timezones ✔ $240/month · 4 lessons
Fill out the form and Diego will reply within 12 hours.