Learn to Play "Hanging on the Telephone" by Blondie

Introduction

Dive into the world of punk rock with our comprehensive guitar lesson on Blondie's classic track, "Hanging on the Telephone." This high-energy song, originally released in 1978 on Blondie's third studio album, Parallel Lines, captures the essence of late 70s punk with its fast-paced rhythm, driving power chords, and infectious melody. Our note-for-note guitar lesson with Richard Shaw will break down each section of the song, focusing on the techniques used by the band's guitarist to create that iconic sound.

Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an experienced guitarist seeking to refine your punk rock chops, this lesson is perfect for you. You'll not only learn how to play "Hanging on the Telephone" but also improve your overall guitar technique and musicality.

Guitar Techniques in "Hanging on the Telephone"

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of punk rock, and "Hanging on the Telephone" is no exception. This song uses power chords extensively, driving the rhythm and providing that gritty, raw sound characteristic of the genre.

Benefit: Mastering power chords is essential for any guitarist looking to play rock, punk, or metal. They are relatively simple to learn but form the basis of many songs across these genres. Learning them will significantly enhance your ability to play rhythm guitar.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the song to create a tight, percussive sound. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while picking, which mutes the strings and produces a more controlled sound.

Benefit: Palm muting adds dynamics and rhythm to your playing, allowing you to create contrast between different song sections. It is an essential technique for playing rhythm guitar in rock and metal genres.

String Bending

String bending is used in the song to add expression and emphasis to certain notes, particularly during the lead guitar sections. This technique involves pushing or pulling a string across the fretboard to raise the pitch of the note.

Benefit: Learning string bending will improve your finger strength and pitch control, allowing you to add emotional depth and variety to your solos and melodic lines.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking, where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, is essential for playing the fast-paced riffs found in "Hanging on the Telephone." This technique is crucial for maintaining speed and precision throughout the song.

Benefit: Alternate picking is a fundamental technique that will improve your speed, accuracy, and overall picking efficiency. It is vital for playing fast, intricate passages cleanly and confidently.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds subtle variations in pitch to a note, giving it a rich, singing quality. In "Hanging on the Telephone," vibrato is used to add expressiveness to certain notes, particularly in the lead guitar parts.

Benefit: Vibrato is a technique that can transform your playing, adding emotion and character to your notes. Mastering vibrato will help you develop a more personal and expressive playing style.

Slides

Slides are used in the song to transition smoothly between notes, creating a fluid and connected sound. This technique involves dragging your finger along the string from one fret to another without lifting it off the fretboard.

Benefit: Slides are a versatile technique that can be used in many musical styles. They help you connect notes smoothly, making your playing sound more cohesive and professional.

About the Guitarist: Chris Stein

The guitar work on "Hanging on the Telephone" is a testament to Chris Stein's ability to blend punk rock energy with pop sensibilities. As the co-founder and guitarist of Blondie, Stein played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound. His playing is characterised by its raw energy, straightforward approach, and ability to serve the song rather than overshadow it.

Stein's influence extends beyond Blondie, as he helped bridge the gap between punk rock and the emerging new wave scene of the late 70s and early 80s. His playing on tracks like "Hanging on the Telephone" showcases his knack for catchy riffs and tight rhythm work, making him an influential figure in the world of punk and new wave guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Slides

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only be able to play "Hanging on the Telephone" with confidence but also add a wealth of new skills to your guitar playing toolkit. Dive into our lesson and start rocking out today!