Nothing Ever Happens by Del Amitri

If you're looking to master the heartfelt and introspective track "Nothing Ever Happens" by Del Amitri, our note-for-note guitar lesson is the perfect guide to get you there. Known for its melancholic melody and thoughtful lyrics, this classic tune features beautifully intricate guitar work that highlights essential guitar techniques any player will benefit from. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your skillset or a beginner eager to learn new techniques, our lesson focuses on the distinct methods that define the song’s sound. Michael Casswell breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

"Nothing Ever Happens" was released in 1989 as part of Del Amitri’s second album, Waking Hours. The song's emotional core is deeply enhanced by the guitar work of lead guitarist Iain Harvie, whose playing is characterised by melodic precision and expressive techniques. Harvie's ability to convey emotion through nuanced playing has inspired many, and his influence is heard across the band's catalog. His delicate use of chord progressions, finger-picking, and string-bending techniques give the song its unique texture. Harvie, along with frontman Justin Currie, crafted a sound that resonates with both casual listeners and guitar aficionados alike, blending folk-rock with pop sensibilities.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Chord Progressions

"Nothing Ever Happens" revolves around sophisticated chord progressions that are essential for conveying the song's melancholic tone. The lesson delves into these progressions, helping guitarists understand how different chord voicings can shape the emotional context of a song. By mastering these chord progressions, you'll enhance your overall musicality and develop the ability to apply similar progressions to your own playing.

Finger-Picking

One of the most prominent techniques in this song is finger-picking, which gives the track its soft and flowing texture. Finger-picking is essential for players who want to add depth and complexity to their playing, especially in acoustic or folk-style songs. By learning the specific finger-picking pattern used in "Nothing Ever Happens," you'll improve your dexterity, finger independence, and control over dynamics.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the song, subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to add articulation and movement to the melody. These techniques help smooth out transitions between notes and create a more fluid sound. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs not only increases your finger strength but also introduces a level of finesse to your playing that can be applied across various musical styles.

Slides

Slides are another key technique that Harvie employs in this track. The graceful use of slides between chords and individual notes contributes to the song's smooth, continuous feel. By incorporating slides into your repertoire, you'll gain the ability to move seamlessly between positions on the fretboard, improving both your lead and rhythm playing.

String Bending

String bending is used sparingly but effectively in "Nothing Ever Happens" to add an emotional quality to key notes. Learning to control string bends allows you to add an expressive touch to your playing, evoking emotion and intensity. In this lesson, we break down how to execute string bends accurately while maintaining pitch and tonal control, a valuable skill for any lead guitarist.

Barre Chords

Barre chords play a significant role in the rhythm sections of the song. Mastering barre chords is essential for any guitarist looking to expand their versatility, as these chords allow you to play across the entire fretboard with full control of the harmonic range. By practicing the barre chords in this song, you'll not only strengthen your fretting hand but also improve your understanding of chord theory and positioning.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song also features syncopated rhythms that provide a more dynamic and off-beat feel. Syncopation is a great way to add variety and interest to your playing, challenging you to break out of predictable rhythm patterns. Mastering syncopated rhythms will improve your timing and sense of rhythm, making your playing more engaging and less predictable.

Open String Riffs

Open string riffs are another core element of the song, adding a ringing, resonant quality to the chord transitions. Open strings help fill out the sound and create a fuller texture without needing additional instrumentation. Incorporating open string riffs into your playing will enhance your ability to create a bigger sound, particularly in acoustic settings.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are used in the song’s intro and instrumental sections to add melodic structure. This technique is crucial for players who want to add intricacy to their rhythm playing while still maintaining musicality. Arpeggios allow you to highlight individual notes in a chord, creating a more dynamic and expressive performance.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds a final touch of expression to certain notes, giving them a longer sustain and a richer, more emotive quality. This technique is invaluable for anyone wanting to elevate their lead playing and develop a more personal sound. The lesson will show you how to control vibrato to achieve the perfect amount of expression, avoiding excessive or overly subtle usage.

List of Techniques in the Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Arpeggios
• Vibrato

By mastering the techniques covered in this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play "Nothing Ever Happens" with precision but also enhance your overall guitar playing ability, providing you with the tools to tackle a wide variety of songs and styles.