One by U2

U2’s iconic song “One”, from the album Achtung Baby (1991), is a masterclass in expressive and dynamic guitar playing. Crafted by The Edge, U2’s renowned guitarist, this song combines lush textures, melodic simplicity, and emotional depth. Learning the guitar parts for "One" will not only give you insight into The Edge’s unique style but also strengthen your command of essential guitar techniques used by professionals worldwide. In this guitar lesson, we break down the techniques found in "One" and show you how mastering them can expand your guitar-playing skills. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Edge – Innovator and Iconic Guitarist

David Howell Evans, better known as The Edge, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative guitarists in rock history. Known for his heavy use of delay effects, clean tones, and textural playing, The Edge focuses on creating atmosphere and emotion rather than flashy solos. His minimalistic yet powerful approach has inspired countless guitarists. "One" exemplifies this style, blending arpeggiated chords with delay-soaked textures and emotive strumming patterns, resulting in a timeless anthem.

Techniques Covered in the Song

In this lesson, we break down the essential techniques required to play "One" accurately and discuss their significance to your growth as a guitarist.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

A key component of "One" is the use of arpeggiated chord progressions, where chords are broken into individual notes played sequentially. This technique creates a flowing and melodic sound, essential for adding texture and movement to your playing.

Benefit: Learning arpeggiated chords improves finger coordination and right-hand picking accuracy, making your chord work sound more fluid and expressive.

Slides

Slides are frequently used to connect notes smoothly and create a vocal-like phrasing in "One." The Edge often slides between notes within arpeggiated patterns, adding emotion and continuity to his lines.

Benefit: Practicing slides will enhance your legato technique and help you achieve seamless note transitions, adding a polished, professional touch to your playing.

Sustain and Vibrato

The Edge’s tasteful use of sustain and subtle vibrato at key moments adds emotional depth to the song. Sustain allows notes to resonate fully, while vibrato adds a vocal-like expression.

Benefit: These techniques help you develop better control over note dynamics and expression, making your playing more evocative.

Chord Progressions and Barre Chords

"One" features rich chord progressions, including the use of barre chords, which are crucial for providing harmonic structure and depth.

Benefit: Mastering chord progressions and barre chords builds hand strength and enhances your understanding of music theory, helping you play a wider range of songs.

Palm Muting

Though not prominent throughout the entire song, subtle palm muting is used to control dynamics and add rhythmic precision in certain sections.

Benefit: This technique improves your ability to switch between muted and open notes, giving you more control over articulation and tone.

Why Learn the Techniques in "One"?

Learning the guitar parts in "One" offers a deep dive into The Edge’s signature style. You’ll develop a refined sense of timing, dynamics, and expression. Moreover, these techniques are applicable to numerous genres and songs, making them invaluable additions to your playing arsenal. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the skills you acquire from this lesson will elevate your guitar playing and inspire new creative possibilities.

Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Below is a list of guitar techniques covered in this lesson. Click each link for detailed explanations and tutorials on these essential skills:

• Vibrato
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Sustain
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Palm Muting

Mastering these techniques will give you a well-rounded foundation to tackle other U2 songs and similar rock ballads. Dive into the lesson and discover how to channel The Edge’s distinctive sound into your own playing.