Nita Strauss Lesson: How to Play Alice Cooper's "I'm Eighteen"

By Damian Fanelli
published

In the video below, former Iron Maidens guitarist Nita Strauss, now a member of the Alice Cooper Band, shows you how to play Cooper's late-1970 hit, "I'm Eighteen" (also commonly known as "Eighteen").

As Strauss points out in the video, Cooper's original studio version of the song doesn't offer much in terms of a "solo" section.

As a result, Strauss wrote her own parts and solo section for the tune; essentially, this is what she plays when Cooper and the band perform it live.

Strauss' lovely and talented guest stars in the pro-shot video are courtesy of Ibanez and Blackstar.

We've also included a fan-filmed 2014 clip of Strauss performing "I'm Eighteen" with Cooper at the Hollywood Bowl.

For more information about Strauss, including more videos, news and other Strauss-isms, visit nitastrauss.com and follow her on Facebook and/or Twitter. As always, enjoy!

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Damian Fanelli
Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.