Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

The iconic riff of "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is one of the most recognisable guitar lines in rock music. This song, powered by Jack White's gritty tone and minimalist style, has captivated guitarists worldwide. In our guitar lesson at LickLibrary, you’ll get a comprehensive breakdown of this unforgettable track, covering the essential techniques used by White. These techniques will expand your skill set and add character to your own playing. This lesson is ideal for beginners and seasoned guitarists alike, providing insights into rhythm, technique, and tone that will enhance your mastery of rock guitar fundamentals. Danny Gill breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Jack White and The White Stripes' Influence

Jack White, the guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter of The White Stripes, is celebrated for his raw, stripped-down style and his unique approach to the guitar. White's influence on modern rock music is immense, as he redefined what could be done with a guitar, an amp, and minimal effects. His focus on simplicity and creativity inspired a wave of guitarists to explore alternative tunings and inventive techniques. Known for his dedication to authenticity and emotional expression, White uses his instrument to communicate in ways that resonate deeply with listeners and players alike.

In "Seven Nation Army," White employs an unconventional guitar setup, using a pitch shifter to achieve a bass-like tone, creating a sound that's both powerful and memorable. His technique and approach encourage guitarists to think outside the box, pushing boundaries to achieve unique sounds with simple setups.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are foundational to rock music, and they form the backbone of the main riff in "Seven Nation Army." A power chord provides a deep, punchy sound by focusing on the root and fifth notes. Learning to use power chords effectively allows you to create powerful, driving rhythms that form the basis of countless rock songs. Mastering this technique will also improve your hand strength and accuracy, helping you play cleanly and confidently.

Alternate Picking

This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes to achieve a smooth, even sound. Alternate picking is used in "Seven Nation Army" to maintain the driving rhythm of the main riff. Practicing this technique increases your picking speed and control, which is crucial for keeping up with faster tempos and more complex patterns. It also allows for more dynamic playing, giving you control over the intensity and feel of each note.

Slides

Slides are used in "Seven Nation Army" to move seamlessly between notes, creating a fluid, connected sound that enhances the riff's melodic flow. This technique involves moving your finger up or down the fretboard without lifting it, which helps create a more expressive, vocal-like quality in your playing. Learning slides adds versatility to your technique, enabling you to transition smoothly between notes and infuse your playing with character and emotion.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is employed subtly throughout "Seven Nation Army" to add texture and control over the guitar’s tone. By lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can achieve a dampened, percussive effect. This technique allows for rhythmic precision and dynamic variation, making it invaluable for rock and metal genres. Practicing palm muting helps you develop timing and rhythmic accuracy, as well as control over your guitar’s sound.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques used to play legato notes, giving your playing a smooth, connected sound. In "Seven Nation Army," hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to add subtle variation to the riff, creating a rhythmic feel that complements the song’s intensity. Practicing these techniques strengthens your fretting hand and enhances your ability to play fast, fluid passages without picking every note, which is essential for achieving a more expressive playing style.

Octave Melodies

The main riff in "Seven Nation Army" is a melody that stays largely within a single octave, but White uses variations to create an octave effect, giving the riff a larger, more powerful sound. Playing octave melodies involves playing the same note in two octaves simultaneously, which can make a simple melody sound fuller. This technique improves your ability to control intonation and finger placement, and it’s a valuable tool for creating rich, layered sounds without complex harmonies.

Open-String Riffs

The use of open strings in "Seven Nation Army" adds resonance to the riff, giving it a strong, grounded tone. Open-string riffs allow notes to ring out freely, providing a fuller, more sustained sound that enhances the song’s driving rhythm. Mastering open-string riffs develops your accuracy and timing, especially when transitioning between fretted notes and open strings.

List of Guitar Techniques

To help you master the techniques from "Seven Nation Army," here’s a list of essential guitar techniques covered in our lesson, with links for further exploration:

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Octave Melodies
• Open-String Riffs

By learning these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Seven Nation Army" but also enhance your overall guitar skill set. These foundational techniques are used in countless rock songs, making them invaluable additions to any guitarist’s arsenal. With practice, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle more advanced pieces and infuse your playing with the powerful, minimalist style Jack White brings to every performance.