"Drive" by Incubus
"Drive" by Incubus is an iconic track that showcases the unique blend of alternative rock, acoustic melodies, and intricate guitar techniques. This lesson offers a deep dive into the song’s guitar parts, helping you recreate its intricate yet accessible style. You'll learn not just how to play the song, but also the techniques that define its sound—skills you can carry into your own playing. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
The Guitarist Behind "Drive"
Mike Einziger, Incubus’s lead guitarist, is known for his inventive approach to guitar. His work blends alternative rock with elements of funk, jazz, and classical music, creating a sound that is both unique and accessible. In "Drive," Einziger uses a mix of acoustic strumming, melodic lines, and subtle dynamic shifts to craft a song that feels intimate yet powerful. His influence extends beyond Incubus, inspiring guitarists to explore less conventional sounds and techniques.
Key Techniques Explored in This Lesson
Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
The verse sections of "Drive" feature arpeggiated chord progressions, which involve playing the notes of a chord sequentially rather than all at once. This technique creates a flowing, melodic texture that forms the backbone of the song’s rhythm.
Benefit: Learning arpeggios enhances your picking accuracy and finger independence, allowing you to add a lyrical quality to your chordal playing.
Slides
Slides feature prominently in connecting notes smoothly within the melodic phrases. These subtle movements add expressiveness to the playing, making transitions feel seamless.
Benefit: Incorporating slides into your playing enhances phrasing and creates a more polished, professional sound.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
In several melodic fills, hammer-ons and pull-offs provide a fluid motion between notes, giving the song’s guitar parts a smooth and connected feel.
Benefit: Practicing these techniques builds finger strength and speed, critical for dynamic lead and rhythm playing.
Vibrato
Subtle vibrato is used to add emotion and sustain to select notes in the song’s leads. Vibrato can make your playing more expressive and unique.
Benefit: Developing vibrato control allows you to infuse more personality into your playing.
Chord Progressions
"Drive" is built on a series of memorable chord progressions that shift between major and minor tonalities. Understanding these progressions is key to capturing the essence of the song.
Benefit: Studying chord progressions enhances your songwriting skills and understanding of musical structure.
Learn about chord progressions
Strumming Patterns
The song’s rhythmic strumming patterns provide a dynamic energy that supports the vocal melody. Learning these patterns helps develop your rhythmic precision and timing.
Benefit: Mastering diverse strumming patterns strengthens your rhythm guitar skills, making your playing more versatile.
Syncopated Rhythms
Einziger’s subtle use of syncopation adds interest to the rhythm guitar parts, creating a groove that feels fresh and engaging.
Benefit: Practicing syncopation improves your rhythmic sense and ability to play off-beat grooves.
Learn about syncopated rhythms
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
Here’s a list of the techniques covered in this lesson, with links to learn more:
Embark on your journey to mastering "Drive" by Incubus with this comprehensive guitar lesson. Learn the techniques that make this track a timeless classic and incorporate them into your own playing to elevate your skills to the next level.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Rich Shaw
Richard is most well known as the guitarist and co-songwriter for UK metal band, Cradle of Filth, from 2014 until 2022. In his time with the band, he co-wrote and performed on the albums ‘Hammer of the Witches’ (2015), ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay’ (2017), and ‘Existence is Futile’...