"Ruby" by Kaiser Chiefs
“Ruby” by the Kaiser Chiefs is an iconic indie rock track, known for its catchy melodies and anthemic energy. Released in 2007 on their second album Yours Truly, Angry Mob, the song became a commercial hit, driven by its infectious chorus and tight instrumentation. This guitar lesson from LickLibrary focuses on breaking down the essential techniques used in “Ruby,” ensuring you can master the song just like the original recording. In this lesson, we will explore the key guitar parts and techniques used throughout the song, providing you with the tools to elevate your guitar playing while learning a modern classic. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
The Guitar Work in "Ruby"
“Ruby” features guitar work that strikes a perfect balance between rhythmic drive and melodic clarity, with simple yet effective parts that any player can enjoy learning. The guitar in this song doesn’t rely on excessive technicality but instead emphasises precision, timing, and expression. Andrew “Whitey” White, the lead guitarist of Kaiser Chiefs, is known for his straightforward and powerful guitar style, which plays a crucial role in defining the band’s sound. Whitey’s influences span from punk rock to post-Britpop, and this blend of energy and melody is apparent in the way he structures his guitar parts in “Ruby.”
Whitey’s guitar playing on this track exemplifies how minimalism can produce powerful results. His tight rhythms and soaring lead lines are rooted in strong foundational techniques, making this song an excellent study for players wanting to enhance their control, timing, and articulation.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
In our "Ruby" guitar lesson, we cover a variety of fundamental techniques. These techniques not only help you play the song note for note but also sharpen your overall guitar skills. Below, we'll break down some of the key techniques used in "Ruby," describing how they’re used in the song and how they benefit your playing.
Power Chords
Power chords are a staple of rock guitar, providing a thick, full sound without too much harmonic complexity. In “Ruby,” the song’s driving rhythm is centreed around power chords, giving the track its punchy feel. Learning power chords helps develop strength and precision in your fretting hand while also improving your ability to lock in with the rhythm section.
Palm Muting
Throughout "Ruby," palm muting is used to create dynamic contrast between the verse and chorus sections. This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while strumming or picking, creating a muted, percussive sound. Palm muting enhances your control over dynamics and articulation, essential for giving a song movement and energy.
String Bending
String bending is used in the melodic sections of "Ruby" to add expression and emotion to lead guitar lines. This technique involves pushing or pulling the string to raise its pitch, mimicking the sound of a human voice. Learning to control your bends with accuracy improves your pitch sense and adds a vocal-like quality to your solos and melodies.
Slides
Slide techniques are used in "Ruby" to create smooth transitions between notes and add a gliding effect to the melody. By sliding between notes, you’ll learn to connect phrases more fluidly, making your playing sound more cohesive and professional.
Syncopated Rhythms
The rhythmic patterns in “Ruby” rely heavily on syncopation, giving the song a lively, off-beat feel. Syncopated rhythms challenge your timing and sense of groove, making this a great opportunity to work on rhythm guitar. Mastering syncopation will improve your ability to play in time with other musicians and add more character to your strumming.
Why These Techniques Matter
The techniques used in "Ruby" are not only essential for playing the song accurately but also provide a strong foundation for any guitarist looking to expand their skillset. Mastering power chords, palm muting, string bending, and syncopated rhythms can significantly improve your overall guitar technique, allowing you to tackle a wide range of songs across different genres. Additionally, working on these techniques sharpens your sense of dynamics, timing, and articulation—key ingredients in becoming a versatile guitarist.
The Guitarist Behind "Ruby": Andrew "Whitey" White
Andrew "Whitey" White is the driving force behind the guitar work of Kaiser Chiefs. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Whitey’s playing is rooted in the simplicity and directness of punk rock, but with an ear for melody that sets him apart. His influences include classic British rock bands and modern indie guitarists, all of which contribute to his dynamic yet accessible playing style. Whitey's ability to blend rhythmic power with memorable, singable lead lines makes him a guitarist worth studying for anyone looking to improve their rock guitar chops.
Guitar Techniques in "Ruby" Lesson
Here’s a list of the key guitar techniques you'll learn while mastering "Ruby." You can explore each technique further through the following internal links to deepen your understanding:
Learning "Ruby" not only allows you to play a fan-favorite song but also helps you build crucial guitar skills that will carry over into other songs and styles. With these techniques at your disposal, you'll have a strong foundation for tackling more advanced guitar playing down the road.
