Killing In The Name Tab: Master The Riff!

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn that iconic Killing in the Name riff on guitar? You know, the one that just screams rebellion and gets everyone headbanging? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will break down the tablature for this legendary Rage Against the Machine track, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels. We'll cover everything from the main riff to the more nuanced parts, ensuring you can nail this song and impress your friends. Let's dive in and unleash your inner Tom Morello!

Understanding Tablature

Before we jump into the Killing in the Name tab, let's quickly recap what tablature actually is. For those who are new to it, tablature (or tab) is a form of musical notation that tells you where to put your fingers on the fretboard, rather than using traditional musical notes. It's a visual representation of the guitar neck, with each line representing a string and each number indicating which fret to play on that string. It's a super intuitive way to learn guitar, especially for rock and metal where complex chords and riffs are common. Once you get the hang of reading tab, a whole world of guitar music opens up. You’ll be able to learn songs much faster than trying to decipher standard notation. Tablature is your friend, embrace it!

Reading tablature is pretty straightforward. The six lines represent the six strings of a guitar, with the top line being the high E string (the thinnest string) and the bottom line being the low E string (the thickest string). The numbers on the lines indicate the fret you need to press down on that string. A "0" means you play the open string (no fret pressed). For example, if you see a "3" on the second line from the top, it means you should press down on the 3rd fret of the B string. When you see numbers stacked on top of each other, it means you play those notes at the same time, forming a chord. Riffs are typically a sequence of single notes played one after another. Understanding these basics will make learning Killing in the Name a breeze. Don't worry if it seems confusing at first; with a little practice, you'll be reading tabs like a pro. Now, let’s get started with the riffs.

The Main Riff: Breakdown and Tab

Okay, let's get to the meat of the matter: the main riff of Killing in the Name. This riff is what makes the song so recognizable and powerful. It's based around a simple but effective series of power chords and a distinctive rhythmic pattern. The key to nailing this riff is not just hitting the right notes but also getting the timing and attack just right. Tom Morello's playing is all about aggression and precision, so you need to channel that energy. Pay close attention to the downstrokes and upstrokes, and don't be afraid to really dig into the strings. This riff is meant to be played loud and with conviction!

Here's the tab for the main riff:

e|----------------------------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------------------------|
D|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-------------------------------|
A|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-------------------------------|
E|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-1-1-1-1-------------------------------|

Let's break this down. The riff is played on the low E, A, and D strings. The numbers indicate the frets you need to press down. So, you'll be playing the 0th fret (open string) on the low E, the 2nd fret on the A string, and the 2nd fret on the D string. This forms an E5 power chord. Then, you move to the 3rd fret on the low E, the 5th fret on the A string, and the 5th fret on the D string, forming a G5 power chord. Finally, you move to the 1st fret on the low E, the 3rd fret on the A string, and the 3rd fret on the D string, forming an F5 power chord. The key is to repeat this sequence with a steady, aggressive rhythm. Practice slowly at first, focusing on getting the chord changes clean and the timing precise. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the speed until you're rocking out at full tempo. Remember, it’s all about the energy and the feel!

Variations and Fills

Okay, so you've mastered the main riff. Awesome! But Killing in the Name is more than just that one riff. Tom Morello is a master of sonic textures and uses a variety of techniques to keep the song interesting. Let's explore some of the variations and fills that add depth and complexity to the track. These elements are what truly make the song stand out and showcase Morello's innovative guitar playing. Don't be intimidated by these variations; with a little practice, you'll be able to incorporate them into your playing and add your own personal flair.

One of the most recognizable variations is the use of octave effects and whammy bar dives. Morello often uses a DigiTech Whammy pedal to create those crazy pitch-shifting sounds. While you might not have a Whammy pedal, you can still get a similar effect by using the whammy bar on your guitar (if you have one) or by using a pitch-shifting plugin in your DAW. Another common technique is the use of killswitch effects, where Morello rapidly toggles the pickup selector switch to create a stuttering, glitchy sound. This is a relatively simple technique to learn, but it adds a lot of character to your playing. Experiment with different variations and fills to find what works best for you and to put your own stamp on the song.

Here's a tab example of a variation:

e|----------------------------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------------------------|
D|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5\\\\-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------------------|
A|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5\\\\-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------------------|
E|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3\\\\-3-3-1-1-1-1----------------------------|

Notice the \\\\ in the tab above. These are slides. You hit the note on the 5th fret and slide down the neck. Experiment with sliding down to different frets. Also, try incorporating different effects to create your own sound.

Gear and Tone

Alright, let's talk about gear and tone. While your playing technique is crucial, having the right equipment can also help you get closer to that Killing in the Name sound. Tom Morello is known for using a heavily modified Fender Stratocaster with a Gibson humbucker in the bridge position. He also uses a variety of effects pedals, including the aforementioned DigiTech Whammy, as well as distortion, delay, and wah pedals. However, you don't need to have the exact same gear to get a similar sound.

The most important thing is to have a guitar with a good, solid tone. A humbucker in the bridge position will definitely help you get that aggressive, crunchy sound. As for amplification, a high-gain amp is essential. If you don't have a dedicated amp, you can use amp modeling software or plugins to simulate the sound of a high-gain amp. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot. As for effects, a distortion pedal is a must-have. A wah pedal can also be useful for adding some expressive flair to your playing. And of course, if you want to nail those whammy bar dives, you'll need a guitar with a whammy bar (or a DigiTech Whammy pedal). Ultimately, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your own sound. Remember, Tom Morello is all about innovation and experimentation!

Practice Tips and Techniques

So, you've got the tab, you've got the gear, now it's time to practice. Learning Killing in the Name takes time and dedication, so it's important to approach it with a strategic plan. Here are some tips and techniques to help you master this iconic song:

  • Start Slow: Don't try to play the riff at full speed right away. Begin by practicing slowly, focusing on accuracy and timing. Use a metronome to keep yourself in time. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
  • Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section, break it down into smaller parts. Practice each part separately until you can play it flawlessly. Then, gradually piece the parts together.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the original recording. Listen for the nuances in Tom Morello's playing, such as his attack, phrasing, and dynamics. Try to emulate these elements in your own playing.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the riff and listen back critically. This will help you identify areas where you can improve. Be honest with yourself and don't be afraid to critique your own playing.
  • Practice Consistently: The key to mastering any skill is consistent practice. Set aside some time each day to practice Killing in the Name. Even just 15-20 minutes of focused practice can make a big difference over time.
  • Have Fun: Learning guitar should be enjoyable! Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and have fun with it. Remember, the goal is to express yourself and to rock out!

Conclusion

Alright guys, that's it! You now have all the tools you need to learn the Killing in the Name tab. Remember to take your time, practice consistently, and most importantly, have fun! This song is a blast to play, and with a little dedication, you'll be rocking out to it in no time. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and unleash your inner Tom Morello. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep rocking! You've got this!