Duff McKagan Reveals Slash’s Unconventional Intent Behind “Sweet Child o’ Mine” Intro

Guns N’ Roses, renowned for their gritty blend of blues-infused hard rock, achieved commercial heights with the melodic ballad “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” their only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the iconic opening arpeggio guitar riff by Slash, considered a stroke of genius, apparently had a surprising origin. Bassist Duff McKagan recently disclosed on the Songcraft podcast that Slash crafted the intro with the intention of sabotaging the ballad.

McKagan provided insights into the songwriting process for “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and the unexpected origins of the eventual hit. He explained that guitarist Izzy Stradlin presented three chords, leaving the band wondering how to transform them into a compelling song. Axl Rose, the lead vocalist, expressed his liking for the chords, prompting the band to explore their potential.

According to McKagan, Slash wasn’t fond of the tune. The bassist revealed that Slash disapproved of the three-chord progression in the intro and even suggested, “We’ve got to get rid of this song somehow.” In an attempt to thwart the track, Slash crafted what McKagan described as a “twisted, just atonal thing” for the intro.

Surprisingly, Slash’s unconventional approach to derail the song ended up creating an incredible intro that elevated the ballad. Reflecting on this, McKagan noted, “And of course that part to try to get rid of the song, totally worked. It was this amazing intro to the song, and suddenly we had this ballad. … It just goes to show that everything was clicking with that band at that point.”

McKagan’s recollections align with Slash’s earlier comments about the challenging process of writing and rehearsing “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” In a 2005 interview, Slash admitted to initially hating the song, describing it as a “very sappy ballad.” However, the guitarist acknowledged the song’s unique ability to evoke strong reactions, leading him to eventually appreciate its impact.

Guns N’ Roses concluded a highly successful tour in 2023. Meanwhile, Slash has been treating fans to the GN’R deep cut “Don’t Damn Me” during his current international tour with Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. As the band’s legacy continues to resonate, the revelation behind the creation of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” adds an intriguing layer to its iconic status.