Where The Streets Have No Name – U2

Take your guitar playing to new heights with our Where The Streets Have No Name guitar lesson, where you’ll dive deep into the unmistakable sound of U2. This song is a masterclass in creating atmosphere and emotion with the guitar, blending innovative techniques and dynamic playing to deliver one of the most iconic anthems in rock history. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to develop your skills or a seasoned player aiming to capture The Edge’s signature style, this lesson has something for everyone. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Style of The Edge and His Influence

The Edge, U2’s iconic guitarist, is renowned for his innovative and minimalist approach to the guitar. Instead of relying on complex solos or heavy riffs, The Edge uses effects such as delay and reverb to create lush, textured soundscapes that define U2’s signature sound. His playing on Where The Streets Have No Name is a perfect example of his style, combining rhythmic arpeggios with a driving, echo-laden guitar tone. The Edge’s influence stretches far beyond U2, inspiring countless guitarists to explore the creative possibilities of effects and rhythmic playing rather than technical complexity.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

In this detailed lesson, we focus on the essential techniques that give Where The Streets Have No Name its distinct sound. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to recreate this song note for note but also improve your overall guitar playing. Let’s break down the key techniques you’ll learn:

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The main guitar part in this song relies heavily on arpeggiated chord progressions. This technique involves playing the notes of a chord individually in a rhythmic sequence rather than strumming them together. This creates a chiming, melodic texture that forms the backbone of the song.

Benefit: Learning arpeggiated chord progressions improves your finger coordination, timing, and musicality.

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation plays a crucial role in the rhythm of this song, adding complexity and drive. The Edge’s use of delay effects enhances this syncopation, creating a rhythmic interplay between the picked notes and the echoes.

Benefit: Mastering syncopated rhythms will boost your timing and understanding of rhythmic variations.

Open String Riffs

The Edge often uses open strings in his riffs, giving the guitar parts a resonant, full-bodied sound. In Where The Streets Have No Name, open-string riffs help create a sense of movement and space.

Benefit: Open string riffs are excellent for developing fretboard awareness and string control.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the song to create smooth transitions between notes and chords, adding a fluid, melodic quality.

Benefit: Practicing slides will improve your finger accuracy and help you create more expressive phrasing.

Sustain

One of the most important elements of this song’s sound is sustain—allowing notes to ring out and blend together, enhanced by delay and reverb effects.

Benefit: Understanding how to control sustain will improve your tone and add depth to your playing.

Vibrato

Although subtle, vibrato is used to add character and emotion to certain notes, making them stand out within the song’s lush soundscape.

Benefit: Mastering vibrato will make your playing sound more expressive and dynamic.

Guitar Techniques List with Links

Here’s a comprehensive list of the guitar techniques featured in Where The Streets Have No Name. Follow these links to learn more about each technique:

• Vibrato
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Open String Riffs
• Sustain
• Syncopated Rhythms

By working through these techniques, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to create texture and atmosphere in your guitar playing—essential skills for any modern guitarist inspired by The Edge’s unique approach.

Ready to take on Where The Streets Have No Name? Grab your guitar and immerse yourself in this timeless classic!