Mr. Brightside Guitar Lesson

In this note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary, you will learn how to play "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, one of the most iconic indie rock songs of the 2000s. Known for its infectious energy and memorable guitar riff, this lesson breaks down every part of the song so you can master the techniques used by the band and become a more versatile guitarist. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up or an intermediate player wanting to nail down the intricacies of this track, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the lesson and the guitar techniques used to bring this song to life. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic 00's hit in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in "Mr. Brightside"

"Mr. Brightside" is driven by an iconic single-note guitar riff and features rhythm work that complements the song's fast-paced, upbeat tempo. Dave Keuning, the guitarist for The Killers, crafted a sound that is both catchy and technically interesting. The song features a blend of indie rock rhythm guitar techniques with a hint of alternative rock’s layered texture. Keuning's playing style in this song emphasises precision and rhythmic accuracy, making it essential for guitarists to focus on timing and clean execution.

Keuning’s guitar work is also characterised by his use of arpeggios, power chords, and palm muting—techniques that give the song its unique drive and energy. Each part of this song offers opportunities to develop and refine your technique, which can then be applied to a wide range of musical styles.

Dave Keuning's Influence and Style

Dave Keuning, the lead guitarist of The Killers, brought a fresh sound to indie rock with his work on "Mr. Brightside." His minimalist yet melodic playing is both accessible and technically engaging, bridging the gap between rhythmic groove and melodic lead lines. Influenced by bands like U2 and Oasis, Keuning’s playing often focuses on atmosphere, utilising subtle effects and tight, arpeggiated chord progressions to create the soundscapes that The Killers are known for. In "Mr. Brightside," his attention to rhythm and dynamic playing becomes a masterclass in how less can be more in rock music.

Keuning’s work on this track has influenced many guitarists, especially those in the indie and alternative rock scene, making this song a must-learn for players looking to tap into that style.

Key Techniques Taught in the Lesson

1. Arpeggios

The main riff of "Mr. Brightside" is built around arpeggios, which involves playing the notes of a chord one at a time instead of strumming them all together. Arpeggios are key to creating the bright, ringing sound that drives the song. Learning to play arpeggios not only helps with this song but also improves finger dexterity and picking accuracy. This is a fundamental skill that can be applied across various genres.

2. Alternate Picking

The song’s fast-paced riff requires the use of alternate picking—where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. Mastering this technique is crucial for maintaining speed and consistency throughout the song. Alternate picking helps develop precision and stamina, which are essential for tackling fast, intricate passages in rock and metal playing.

3. Power Chords

The use of power chords in the song's chorus gives it a punchy, driving sound. Power chords are a staple in rock and punk music and are relatively simple to play. They are often used to create strong, rhythmically-driven sections in a song, making them a great tool for any guitarist's repertoire.

4. Palm Muting

Palm muting is employed to add dynamics and create a more percussive effect on certain rhythm parts. By lightly resting your palm on the strings near the bridge, you can achieve a muted, rhythmic sound that gives your playing more texture. This technique is widely used in rock and metal, and mastering it allows you to control your sound and add contrast between muted and open sections.

5. Chord Progressions

The song’s foundation lies in its simple yet effective chord progressions. Learning these progressions helps you understand song structure and harmony, providing insight into how to construct your own songs and arrangements.

6. Syncopated Rhythms

Throughout the song, there are syncopated rhythms that emphasise off-beats. This technique keeps the track feeling energetic and adds a layer of complexity to the rhythm section. Syncopation can be challenging at first, but once mastered, it helps improve timing, feel, and your overall sense of rhythm.

7. Slides

Keuning uses slides between notes to create smooth transitions and add expressiveness to the riff. Sliding between frets allows for fluid motion across the neck, improving both your lead playing and overall movement on the guitar.

8. Sustain

While not as heavily reliant on distortion as some rock songs, "Mr. Brightside" makes good use of sustain, letting notes ring out to fill space and create a richer sound. Understanding how to control sustain—whether through your guitar, amp, or effects—will greatly improve your ability to control tone and dynamics in any playing style.

9. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic accents that fall off the beat add drive and interest to the song’s rhythmic structure. Mastering these syncopated rhythms helps you improve your overall timing, especially in rock and indie genres where groove and feel are crucial.

Guitar Techniques List

• Arpeggios
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Slides
• Sustain

Learning "Mr. Brightside" provides not just the satisfaction of playing a modern rock classic, but also the opportunity to develop essential guitar techniques that will elevate your playing in many different musical contexts. Dive into this lesson and start mastering these essential skills today!