Take A Look Around - Limp Bizkit

"Take A Look Around" by Limp Bizkit is an iconic song that blends heavy guitar riffs, groove-laden rhythms, and a fusion of nu-metal with rap-rock elements. The track, famously featured in the "Mission: Impossible 2" soundtrack, has become a classic, and it showcases a range of dynamic guitar techniques that every aspiring guitarist can benefit from mastering. This guitar lesson from Licklibrary provides a comprehensive, note-for-note breakdown of the song, allowing players to dive deep into each section of the track while improving their technical and rhythmic abilities. Michael Casswell breaks down this nu-metal anthem in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "Take A Look Around"

The guitar work on "Take A Look Around" was performed by Wes Borland, Limp Bizkit's innovative and highly influential guitarist. Known for his experimental approach and the dark, almost industrial tones he brings to the band’s music, Borland has a distinctive style that merges heavy distortion with unconventional tunings and eerie effects. His contributions to the genre helped define the nu-metal movement, blending groove-heavy rhythms with melodic, textural playing. Learning this song allows guitarists to not only understand his playing style but also to appreciate the techniques and thought processes behind it.

Techniques Focused on in This Lesson

Power Chords and Palm Muting

One of the key components of "Take A Look Around" is its use of power chords combined with palm muting. The driving, rhythmic force of the song comes from the tight chugging patterns that rely on these techniques. Power chords are a staple in rock and metal music, providing a thick, full sound, while palm muting helps control the dynamic range, creating tension and release. Mastering these techniques is crucial for developing strong rhythm guitar skills and laying down solid grooves in heavy music.

Pinched Harmonics

Throughout the song, pinched harmonics are used to add a sharp, squealing accent to specific notes. This technique involves a unique way of striking the string with both the pick and thumb to create an overtone. Learning pinched harmonics can give your playing a distinctive edge and increase your control over how you add emphasis to your solos or riffs.

Alternate Picking

The faster sections of the song require precise alternate picking. This technique is essential for maintaining speed and accuracy, as it involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. Mastering alternate picking will allow you to play with greater efficiency, especially during fast riffs or solos, enhancing your overall picking dexterity and timing.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to the sustained notes in the track gives them more expression and emotion. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of the note to give it a “singing” quality. It’s an important tool for any lead guitarist looking to inject more feel into their playing. This lesson focuses on how to apply vibrato effectively to add depth and sustain to specific parts of the song.

Open String Riffs

The opening riff of "Take A Look Around" is built around open string riffs that give the song its recognisable hook. Open string riffs involve playing a combination of fretted notes and open strings, creating a ringing, resonant sound. This technique adds depth to the rhythm and can make riffs sound more complex and full.

Slides and Hammer-ons/Pull-offs

The use of slides and hammer-ons and pull-offs helps transition between notes smoothly and adds fluidity to both the riff and solo sections. Slides allow for seamless movement between different positions on the fretboard, while hammer-ons and pull-offs give speed and grace to your lead playing, minimising the need to pick every note and adding legato phrasing to your technique.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques used in "Take A Look Around" will not only allow you to master this song but will also significantly expand your guitar-playing repertoire. Techniques like power chords and palm muting improve your rhythm playing, allowing you to lock in tight with a band or backing track. Alternate picking and pinched harmonics enhance your picking accuracy and control, essential for fast and articulate playing. Exploring vibrato and slides will increase your ability to express emotion through your guitar. Each technique covered in this lesson will provide you with versatile skills applicable to a wide range of musical genres beyond nu-metal.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pinched Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Open String Riffs
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides

By working through these lessons, you'll not only play "Take A Look Around" note-for-note but also develop a well-rounded foundation of essential guitar techniques.