"These Days" by Foo Fighters

Overview of "These Days" by Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters’ "These Days" is a dynamic, emotionally charged rock anthem that showcases the band’s ability to blend melodic sensitivity with driving energy. Taken from their acclaimed 2011 album Wasting Light, the song features a rich arrangement of guitar techniques that are both accessible and deeply rewarding for players to master. In this guitar lesson, we break down the song's intricate riffs, harmonised melodies, and rhythmic grooves, providing an in-depth guide to mastering the techniques and making the piece your own.

The primary guitarist on "These Days," Dave Grohl, is joined by Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear to create a layered and harmonious guitar sound. Their combined efforts offer a masterclass in crafting textures and emotive progressions. Grohl’s commanding style, Shiflett’s melodic lead lines, and Smear’s powerful rhythm work are essential elements in the Foo Fighters’ sound. Learning this song gives you a window into their approach to rock guitar and their influence on modern rock music. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Techniques Featured in "These Days"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the rhythm guitar parts in "These Days." These chords are straightforward and perfect for developing your sense of timing and dynamics. By mastering power chords, you'll enhance your ability to create full, powerful sounds that are fundamental to rock guitar.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is crucial for adding rhythmic precision and energy to the verse sections. This technique allows you to control the sustain of your notes, creating a tight, percussive sound. It’s an essential skill for developing clean and dynamic rhythm playing.

Arpeggios

Arpeggiated patterns are used to create a hauntingly beautiful texture in the intro and breakdown sections. Practicing arpeggios improves your finger dexterity and precision while helping you achieve a fluid and melodic playing style.

String Bending

The emotional lead lines in "These Days" often rely on string bending to convey tension and release. This technique enhances expressiveness and helps you develop control over pitch and sustain.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the lead and rhythm parts to transition between notes smoothly and add a fluid, vocal-like quality to the melody. Practicing slides sharpens your finger coordination and helps you connect musical phrases seamlessly.

Alternate Picking

The faster passages in the song benefit from alternate picking, allowing for speed and accuracy. Mastering this technique boosts your picking efficiency and prepares you for complex rock and metal solos.

Chord Progressions

The song's structure relies on well-crafted chord progressions that shift between major and minor tonalities. Studying these progressions provides insight into composing emotionally engaging music.

Benefits of Learning "These Days"

Learning "These Days" is not just about mastering a song; it’s about developing a versatile skill set that will enhance your overall playing. By working through the techniques in this lesson, you’ll gain:

• Improved Rhythmic Control: Palm muting and power chords refine your timing and precision.
• Expressive Playability: Techniques like string bending and slides teach you to inject emotion into your playing.
• Finger Dexterity and Fluidity: Arpeggios and alternate picking sharpen your technical skills.
• Songwriting Insight: Studying the chord progressions and arrangement helps you understand how to craft compelling music.

About the Foo Fighters’ Guitarists

Dave Grohl, known for his incredible energy and songwriting skills, leads the Foo Fighters with a distinctive blend of raw power and melodic sensibility. Chris Shiflett, the band’s lead guitarist, adds a layer of sophistication with his tasteful solos and melodic instincts, while Pat Smear delivers driving rhythm guitar that anchors the band’s sound. Together, they create a three-guitar attack that defines the band’s dynamic style. Learning their parts in "These Days" offers a glimpse into their collaborative approach and the techniques that make their music iconic.

Techniques List with Links

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions

Dive into "These Days" and take your playing to the next level with these essential techniques. Happy learning!