"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M

Discover the intricate guitar work behind one of R.E.M.'s most iconic songs, "Losing My Religion," with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson. This lesson provides detailed instruction on the song’s techniques, making it accessible for players of all levels while preserving the magic of the original. Along the way, you’ll enhance your technical skills and musicality by focusing on the unique techniques and elements that define this classic track. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Players

"Losing My Religion," released in 1991, became an instant classic, showcasing R.E.M.'s ability to blend introspective lyrics with compelling musical arrangements. The driving force behind the song's distinct sound is Peter Buck, the band’s lead guitarist. His innovative approach to the mandolin—a surprising choice for a rock track—creates the song’s hypnotic riff. Buck’s dedication to creating emotive and atmospheric melodies has influenced countless guitarists and musicians around the world, cementing his place as a pioneer in alternative rock.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Arpeggiated chord progressions are at the heart of "Losing My Religion," with Peter Buck's mandolin-style picking forming the song's signature riff. By learning these patterns, guitarists improve their finger independence and precision, gaining the ability to create textured, flowing soundscapes that add depth to any composition.

Finger-Picking

The song’s intricate patterns heavily rely on finger-picking, a technique that fosters a strong connection between the player and their instrument. This lesson emphasizes mastering finger-picking accuracy, a skill that unlocks the ability to play complex melodies and rhythms simultaneously.

Slides

Slides feature prominently in the embellishments throughout the song. Practicing slides enhances your ability to transition smoothly between notes and frets, adding an expressive, vocal-like quality to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques add dynamic flair to Buck's mandolin-inspired lines. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs develops finger strength and dexterity, enabling players to perform fluid and fast passages with ease.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song’s chord progression not only helps in mastering "Losing My Religion" but also enhances your broader knowledge of song structure and harmony. This lesson breaks down the chords used, enabling players to recognise similar patterns in other songs.

Capo Usage

Peter Buck famously used a capo to achieve the distinct tonal character of this track. This lesson explores how and why to use a capo, empowering players to experiment with altered tuning options and achieve the specific mood of the song.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic intricacy of "Losing My Religion" is a testament to Buck’s musical sensibilities. By practicing syncopated rhythms, you’ll develop a better sense of timing and groove, essential skills for any genre.

Benefits of Learning "Losing My Religion"

1. Expand Your Repertoire: Add a timeless piece to your skillset that resonates with audiences across generations.
2. Enhance Your Techniques: Each lesson segment focuses on essential skills, from finger-picking to rhythmic precision.
3. Build Confidence: Mastering this song helps boost your overall confidence in tackling complex pieces.
4. Embrace Musical Expression: Understand how subtle details in technique contribute to emotional storytelling in music.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of techniques explored in the "Losing My Religion" guitar lesson, along with links to detailed explanations to deepen your understanding:

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Capo
• Syncopated Rhythms

Dive into this lesson to not only learn a classic song but also develop a suite of skills that will elevate your guitar playing to new heights.