Bombtrack by Rage Against The Machine

"Bombtrack" by Rage Against The Machine is an explosive track that combines raw energy with complex guitar techniques. In our note-for-note guitar lesson, we break down every riff, lick, and solo, giving you an in-depth understanding of Tom Morello's unique style and approach. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a beginner looking to take your skills to the next level, this lesson is packed with essential techniques that will broaden your guitar vocabulary and improve your overall playing ability. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Influence of Tom Morello

Tom Morello, the guitarist of Rage Against The Machine, is renowned for his innovative and unorthodox playing style. Combining elements of classic rock, heavy metal, funk, and hip-hop, Morello's playing on "Bombtrack" epitomises his revolutionary approach to guitar. He uses a variety of unique techniques that range from creating scratching noises with his pick to manipulating feedback and effects to emulate turntables. His influence on modern guitarists is profound, particularly in how he encourages players to experiment with their instruments and break traditional boundaries.

Guitar Techniques in "Bombtrack"

Power Chords

The driving force behind many of the riffs in "Bombtrack" is the use of power chords. These simple, yet powerful chord shapes allow Morello to create a thick, aggressive sound, perfect for the raw energy of the song. Power chords are essential for any guitarist looking to play rock or metal as they provide the backbone for most rhythm guitar parts.

Benefits: Learning power chords will help you build strength and precision in your fretting hand, allowing you to play more complex riffs and progressions in rock and metal genres.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a key feature in the rhythm sections of "Bombtrack." Morello uses this technique to add percussive, staccato accents to the riffs, tightening the overall sound. This creates dynamic contrast, adding a sense of intensity and groove to the track.

Benefits: Mastering palm muting will improve your ability to control dynamics and rhythm, making your playing more expressive and controlled.

Alternate Picking

Throughout "Bombtrack," Morello employs alternate picking, especially during the fast riff sections. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing you to play notes rapidly and efficiently.

Benefits: Alternate picking enhances your speed and accuracy, making it a vital skill for playing fast, intricate riffs or solos.

Slides

Guitar slides are another important technique in "Bombtrack." Morello uses slides to transition between notes smoothly, adding a fluid, almost vocal quality to the riffs. This technique is prominently heard in the main riff, where the movement between frets adds to the song's groove.

Benefits: Incorporating slides into your playing will make your phrasing smoother and more dynamic, adding a professional touch to your sound.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

In "Bombtrack," you'll find plenty of hammer-ons and pull-offs, particularly in the lead guitar sections. These techniques are used to play legato phrases that sound fast and smooth, without the need to pick every note.

Benefits: Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve your finger strength and dexterity, helping you play faster and more fluidly across the fretboard.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add a sharp, squealing sound to your playing, and Morello utilises this technique to give certain notes extra bite. It’s a technique that requires precise picking hand control and is often used in hard rock and metal to create piercing overtones.

Benefits: Mastering pinched harmonics will give you more tonal options and help you stand out when playing lead guitar parts.

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the defining features of Rage Against The Machine's sound is the use of syncopation, where the emphasis is placed on off-beats. In "Bombtrack," syncopated rhythms create a sense of groove and urgency, giving the song its signature pulse.

Benefits: Learning syncopation will improve your timing and rhythm skills, making your playing more dynamic and versatile, particularly in funk, metal, and alternative rock.

Open String Riffs

Morello often integrates open-string riffs into his playing, and "Bombtrack" is no exception. By incorporating open strings, he creates a fuller, resonant sound, which contrasts well with the muted, palm-muted sections.

Benefits: Utilizing open-string riffs will give your playing a richer, more resonant sound, and allow for creative phrasing possibilities.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Morello is known for his extensive use of the whammy bar, and while "Bombtrack" doesn't feature the extreme use of this tool as in other tracks, understanding how Morello incorporates subtle whammy techniques is key. Small dips and raises of the pitch can add texture and a unique sonic signature to your playing.

Benefits: Learning whammy bar tricks can expand your creative toolkit, allowing you to manipulate pitch and create effects that give your playing a distinct flair.

Conclusion

Learning to play "Bombtrack" will not only improve your guitar skills but also give you a deeper understanding of Tom Morello's groundbreaking style. From power chords and alternate picking to syncopated rhythms and pinched harmonics, the techniques found in this song are fundamental for any guitarist looking to push their boundaries and develop a more dynamic and aggressive playing style.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Bombtrack" and Links to Learn More:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Whammy Bar Tricks