I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness

"I Believe In A Thing Called Love" by The Darkness is a modern rock masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the '80s rock revival. With its soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and dazzling solos, this song is a celebration of over-the-top musicality and showmanship. LickLibrary.com’s guitar lesson for this iconic track provides an in-depth exploration of the techniques that define its sound, ensuring you’ll master every nuance with precision. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

The primary guitarist of The Darkness, Dan Hawkins, is renowned for his ability to blend classic rock influences with a modern twist. His playing is heavily inspired by legendary bands like Queen, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy, which is evident in his use of flamboyant riffs and dual-guitar harmonies. Meanwhile, the band’s lead vocalist and occasional guitarist, Justin Hawkins, adds his flair with stunning guitar solos that are as dynamic and expressive as his vocal performances. Their combined prowess has made The Darkness a standout act in the rock world, and "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" is a prime example of their skill and creativity.

Key Techniques in the Song

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song’s energetic rhythm guitar relies heavily on power chords and palm muting to create a driving and punchy sound. These techniques provide a solid foundation for the song's upbeat and infectious groove. Learning them will not only help you play this track but also improve your rhythm playing and dynamic control.

String Bending and Vibrato

The lead sections feature expressive string bending and vibrato techniques, which add emotion and character to the solos. Practicing these will enhance your ability to convey musical feeling, making your playing more engaging and nuanced.

Unison Bends and Double-Stop Bends

The solos include impressive unison bends and double-stop bends that create a harmonically rich and impactful sound. These techniques are essential for achieving that classic rock vibe and for developing greater finger strength and accuracy.

Legato and Hammer-Ons

Fluid passages in the solos utilise legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques are crucial for playing fast and smooth runs while maintaining clarity and articulation.

Tapped Harmonics and Two-Handed Tapping

One of the standout moments in the song involves the use of tapped harmonics and two-handed tapping. These flashy techniques are not only visually impressive but also add a unique tonal texture to the music, perfect for replicating the song’s captivating lead sections.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

The Darkness’s signature sound often involves dual guitar harmonies, and this song is no exception. Learning these harmonized lines will improve your ear for melody and your ability to lock in with other players in a band setting.

Slides and Sustain

The lead guitar lines are punctuated with slides and long, resonant notes showcasing sustain. These techniques highlight the importance of phrasing and dynamics in creating memorable solos.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Mastering the techniques featured in "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" will not only enable you to play this song authentically but also build foundational skills for various rock and metal styles. Each technique is carefully broken down in our lesson, ensuring you can integrate them seamlessly into your playing repertoire.

List of Techniques Covered

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Unison Bends
• Double-Stop Bends
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Tapped Harmonics
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Slides
• Sustain

Dive into the lesson for "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" today and bring the electrifying energy of The Darkness to your guitar playing!