"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" by Deftones

Deftones' "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" is a standout track from their 1997 album Around the Fur, blending atmospheric post-metal with alternative rock. This song offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of guitar techniques that perfectly encapsulate the signature sound of Deftones' guitarist, Stephen Carpenter. Our note-for-note guitar lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of each riff and chord progression, helping you capture the emotional and sonic intensity of this classic track.

In this lesson, you'll learn how to master the atmospheric textures, dynamic riffing, and rhythmic syncopation that define Deftones' sound. Below, we'll explore the specific guitar techniques you'll encounter, along with a look at how these techniques will benefit your overall playing style. Sam Bell breaks down this modern metal classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Stephen Carpenter's Influence on the Track

Stephen Carpenter is the driving force behind Deftones' heavy, yet spacious guitar sound. Known for his innovative use of extended range guitars, Carpenter plays with a unique combination of aggressive power and ambient subtlety. His riffing often blends heavy, down-tuned rhythms with haunting melodic lines, which has influenced a wide array of modern metal and alternative rock guitarists.

In "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)," Carpenter uses layers of overdriven tones, open-string riffs, and simple, yet effective, chord progressions to create a soundscape that feels both emotionally raw and heavy. His playing is not just about technical mastery, but about evoking a mood and atmosphere, making his influence on guitarists worldwide truly significant.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

1. Open String Riffs

One of the key features of "Be Quiet and Drive" is the heavy use of open string riffs. This technique allows the guitar's lower strings to ring out freely while combining them with fretted notes, creating a full and resonant sound. Learning open-string riffs will help improve your rhythmic control and ability to maintain clarity in complex, layered chord progressions.

2. Power Chords

Power chords are essential to the driving, heavy sound of this track. The lesson focuses on how to execute power chords with precision and how to use them in syncopated rhythms, giving your playing a tighter, more dynamic feel. Mastering power chords will allow you to lay a solid foundation for rock and metal rhythm guitar.

3. Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the song to create a punchy, percussive sound, especially in the heavier sections. In this lesson, you'll learn how to effectively mute the strings with your picking hand to create a tighter, more aggressive tone. Palm muting is a crucial technique for achieving control over your dynamics, particularly in rock and metal genres.

4. Slides

The sliding transitions between notes and chords in "Be Quiet and Drive" add a fluid, smooth quality to the playing. By practicing slides, you will develop the ability to move between positions more efficiently, which improves your overall fretboard navigation and adds expressiveness to your playing.

5. Syncopated Rhythms

A defining element of this song is its rhythmic complexity. The syncopated rhythms found in the verses create a hypnotic groove that drives the song forward. This lesson will help you understand how to play off the beat and master rhythmic intricacies, which can enhance your ability to play more complex rhythms in other songs.

6. Sustain

The emotional weight of "Be Quiet and Drive" is enhanced by the long, ringing notes that Carpenter uses throughout the track. Learning how to control sustain will give you more expressive power in your playing. In this lesson, you'll explore how to use sustain effectively to maintain clarity and resonance, even during quieter sections.

7. Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is used in various sections of the song to maintain a consistent rhythm while moving between different notes. This technique is crucial for speed and efficiency in your picking hand. By practicing alternate picking, you'll improve your speed, accuracy, and stamina in both lead and rhythm playing.

8. Chord Progressions

The song's main progression is both simple and atmospheric, using down-tuned, open-string chords to create a dark and expansive mood. In this lesson, you'll break down these chord progressions to understand how to structure your own compositions for a more immersive sound.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Open String Riffs: Mastering this technique enhances your ability to create a fuller, richer sound, and is essential for modern rock and metal riffing.
• Power Chords: Strengthen your rhythm playing and provide a foundation for heavy guitar styles.
• Palm Muting: Develop control over your dynamics, allowing for tighter, more aggressive playing.
• Slides: Improve your fretboard navigation and add fluidity to your transitions.
• Syncopated Rhythms: Boost your rhythmic accuracy and versatility, crucial for playing more complex music.
• Sustain: Enhance your expressive playing by holding notes with clarity and resonance.
• Alternate Picking: Increase speed and precision, essential for fast-paced riffs and solos.
• Chord Progressions: Expand your understanding of song structure, helping you craft your own emotionally resonant compositions.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Open String Riffs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Sustain
• Alternate Picking
• Chord Progressions

By mastering these techniques in our detailed lesson for "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)," you'll not only be able to play the song with precision, but you'll also gain essential skills that will elevate your overall guitar playing to new heights.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

Here is a comprehensive list of guitar techniques covered in our lessons. For more details on each technique, feel free to explore the links provided:

• Octaves
• Slides
• String Bending
• Harmonics

LickLibrary is committed to providing the most thorough and engaging guitar lessons online. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player aiming to refine your technique, our lessons are crafted to help you achieve your musical aspirations.