The Final Countdown - Europe

Europe's 1986 mega-hit “The Final Countdown” is not only a timeless anthem but also a showcase of classic rock guitar techniques that have inspired generations of guitarists. With its unforgettable synth riff, powerful rhythm guitar, and soaring solos, this song provides a perfect learning platform for guitarists aiming to master essential rock techniques. In this note-for-note lesson, you’ll break down each aspect of “The Final Countdown,” exploring both rhythm and lead guitar techniques that will enhance your playing and develop your technical versatility. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Europe’s Guitar Mastery and Influence

The original recording of “The Final Countdown” features the guitar work of John Norum, Europe’s lead guitarist, whose style is both technical and expressive. Known for his heavy rock and melodic style, Norum incorporates a blend of techniques ranging from precise string bending to aggressive palm muting. His guitar work in this song exemplifies the ‘80s rock guitar sound, marked by rich harmonies, high-energy riffs, and dramatic solos that demand dynamic expression and control. Norum’s playing has been a significant influence on rock guitarists worldwide, inspiring them to balance technical ability with melodic phrasing, creating memorable and impactful solos.

Technique Breakdown in "The Final Countdown"

Power Chords and Palm Muting

One of the essential techniques in “The Final Countdown” is power chords combined with palm muting. These elements drive the rhythm section, giving it that powerful, tight sound that cuts through the mix. Power chords are foundational for rock guitarists, providing a solid, aggressive base that keeps the energy high throughout the song. Palm muting, meanwhile, adds rhythmic precision and control, allowing you to vary dynamics and create contrast within the verse and chorus sections.

String Bending and Vibrato

String bending is critical in capturing the expressive tone of Norum’s lead guitar work. By bending strings, you can mimic the vocal-like quality that makes guitar solos memorable. Combined with vibrato, bending adds a unique flavour, sustaining notes in a way that adds emotion and depth. Practicing these techniques will help you develop greater control over pitch and dynamics, allowing you to make each note resonate with impact.

Unison Bends

Unison bends are another staple of the lead guitar in “The Final Countdown.” Unison bends create a powerful effect by doubling the note with a bend, producing a thick, intense sound that grabs the listener’s attention. This technique adds strength to solos, making them more dramatic and emotionally engaging. For guitarists, mastering unison bends is valuable for adding layers and complexity to your leads.

Slides and Legato

Slides and legato techniques help to create the fluidity and speed essential in the song’s solo sections. By sliding between notes, you can connect phrases seamlessly, creating a sense of motion and flow. Legato (a technique involving hammer-ons and pull-offs) allows for rapid note transitions without the interruption of picking each note, enhancing your speed and smoothness. Learning these techniques will enable you to play with greater agility and finesse, making your solos sound polished and effortless.

Tapped Harmonics

In the final breakdown, tapped harmonics make an appearance, adding a futuristic sound that echoes the song’s sci-fi-inspired theme. Tapped harmonics involve lightly tapping the string at specific fret intervals, producing bell-like tones that stand out in any mix. This technique is excellent for adding texture and creating an ethereal sound in your playing. Mastering tapped harmonics gives you more creative options for adding unique sounds to your solos.

Alternate Picking

The faster runs in “The Final Countdown” require alternate picking for precision and speed. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, ensuring each note is clearly articulated. Alternate picking is essential for maintaining accuracy, especially during quick scale runs and melodic phrases. Practicing alternate picking helps improve your timing and consistency, two qualities that are crucial for clean, fast playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add an aggressive, piercing quality to certain notes, making them scream and stand out. This technique is achieved by striking the string with both the pick and the edge of your thumb, producing a harmonic overtone. In “The Final Countdown,” pinched harmonics add a raw, biting edge to Norum’s solo sections, giving them an extra layer of intensity. Learning pinched harmonics will help you develop greater tonal variety and add an expressive, punchy element to your playing.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, creating harmonised intervals that enrich the overall sound. In this song, they add depth to the main riffs and bring a thicker texture to the guitar parts. Double stops are useful for building harmonies and adding fullness to your rhythm and lead playing. They’re also valuable in solo contexts, as they allow you to introduce mini harmonies that fill out your sound.

Dive Bombs

The use of dive bombs with a whammy bar brings a dramatic flair to the ending solo. By pushing the whammy bar down after striking a note, you can lower its pitch drastically, creating an intense, swooping sound. Dive bombs are great for adding dramatic moments in solos and can make your playing more dynamic and expressive.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique in “The Final Countdown” contributes to developing essential skills for rock guitarists. From alternate picking for speed to power chords for rhythm playing, these elements will not only help you master this classic song but will also expand your abilities for other genres. By incorporating these techniques into your practice routine, you’ll build a versatile skill set that will serve you across various styles of rock and metal guitar. Techniques like vibrato, string bending, and legato will enhance your ability to play expressively, while double stops and palm muting will give you a solid rhythmic foundation.

Guitar Techniques in "The Final Countdown"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Dive Bombs
• String Bending
• Double Stops

With this comprehensive breakdown, you’ll gain the skills needed to master not only “The Final Countdown” but a variety of rock classics. Dive into this lesson and take your guitar playing to the next level!