Cheap Trick - The Flame - Guitar Lesson

Lap Of Luxury

1988 5:40

Listen on Spotify

About The Flame

"The Flame" is a slow-burning power ballad from Cheap Trick's 1988 album Lap Of Luxury, and it rewards guitarists who pay close attention to feel and restraint. At 120 BPM in G major, the tempo is comfortable, but the challenge is not speed. It is sustain, clean tone, and making every note breathe. The chord voicings are straightforward open and barre shapes, yet the song demands that you hit them with consistent dynamics so the emotional arc holds together. The lead lines are sparse and melodic, sitting right in the pocket of the arrangement rather than pulling focus. Getting that understated quality right takes more discipline than you might expect. For the transitions between the verse and chorus where the harmonic tension builds, use the Practice Toolbar to loop those sections slowed down until the chord changes feel completely automatic. This is a strong piece for developing your sense of phrasing and touch in a pop rock context.

• Played in E Standard tuning and G major, the song suits both electric and acoustic guitar with straightforward open and barre chord shapes.
• The real challenge is tonal control and consistent picking dynamics, not technical speed, making it excellent for practising expressive, restrained playing.
• Melodic lead fills are sparse and should sit quietly under the vocal, so practise keeping your volume and attack subtle throughout.