About Livin' on a Prayer

Livin' on a Prayer tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a working-class couple struggling to make ends meet. The song almost didn't make the album — Jon Bon Jovi initially disliked it until producer Bruce Fairbairn convinced him of its potential. Its iconic talk box intro, anthemic chorus, and key change near the end made it one of the defining rock songs of the 1980s and a karaoke staple worldwide.

Tips for Playing Livin' on a Prayer

• The intro uses Em with a talk box effect — on guitar, play Em arpeggios

• The verse follows Em-C-D-Em with driving eighth-note power chords

• The chorus uses C-D-Em-C-D with full, open strumming

• The key change at the final chorus goes up to Gm — practice that transition

• The talk box riff can be approximated with a wah pedal

Fun Facts About Livin' on a Prayer

• Jon Bon Jovi originally rejected the song and didn't want it on the album

• The talk box used in the intro became Richie Sambora's signature sound

• The key change near the end is one of the most famous modulations in rock

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