Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” is a modern rock anthem, instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to play on guitar. If you’ve been looking for a way to learn this iconic track, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through playing “Everlong” on guitar with accurate tab, focusing on the nuances and techniques that make this song so powerful.
Why “Everlong” is a Must-Learn for Guitarists
“Everlong” isn’t just a great song; it’s a fantastic learning piece for guitarists of various levels. Its driving rhythm, dynamic shifts, and memorable melodies make it engaging to play from start to finish. Beyond the sheer enjoyment, learning “Everlong” will help you develop key guitar skills:
- Drop D Tuning: “Everlong” is famously played in Drop D tuning, which opens up a heavier, resonant sound and introduces you to a commonly used alternate tuning in rock and metal.
- Rhythm Guitar Techniques: The song features a mix of strumming and distinct riffs, perfect for practicing your rhythmic accuracy and right-hand technique. You can explore both down-picking and strumming patterns to match Dave Grohl’s style.
- Dynamics and Song Structure: “Everlong” moves through different sections, from quiet verses to explosive choruses and a powerful bridge. Learning it helps you understand song structure and dynamic variation in rock music.
- Iconic Song Recognition: Impress your friends and fellow musicians by adding this timeless hit to your repertoire!
Drop D Tuning: The Foundation of “Everlong”
Before diving into the tab, it’s crucial to understand Drop D tuning. Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest string). In Drop D, you simply tune your lowest E string down a whole step to D. This means your tuning becomes D-A-D-G-B-e.
This tuning change has a couple of key effects:
- Lower, Heavier Sound: The dropped D string creates a deeper, more resonant bass tone, which is essential for the heavy riffs in “Everlong.”
- Power Chords Made Easier: Drop D tuning simplifies playing power chords on the lower strings, allowing for a fuller and more impactful sound.
Make sure your low E string is accurately tuned down to D before you start learning the tab. You can use a tuner or tune it by ear to match the D string (4th string).
Playing “Everlong”: Riffs, Chords, and Song Structure
The “Everlong” guitar tab focuses on the rhythm guitar parts, capturing the essence of Dave Grohl’s playing. Let’s break down some key sections:
Intro and Verse Riff: The Driving Force
The intro and verse of “Everlong” are built around a driving riff that’s both simple and incredibly effective. The tab will show you how to play this riff using power chords in Drop D tuning.
As noted in some live performances and studio recordings, there’s a slight accent at the beginning of the riff. You might notice a subtle emphasis on the higher notes (like the 9-11 slide mentioned in some interpretations) at the very start of the riff in the third measure. However, for the most part, the rhythmic pattern remains consistent throughout the verse.
You can experiment with your picking hand here. Dave Grohl sometimes employs a down-picking approach for added intensity, while at other times, he uses a more relaxed strumming pattern while singing. Try both to find what feels comfortable and sounds authentic to you.
Chorus: Open Chords and Dynamics
The chorus of “Everlong” opens up dynamically, contrasting with the more contained verses. You’ll likely be playing fuller chords here, creating a sense of lift and release. The tab will guide you through the chord changes and strumming patterns for the chorus.
Bridge: A Shift in Intensity
The bridge section of “Everlong” provides a dynamic shift, often becoming quieter and more introspective before building back up. Interestingly, as some have observed, the bridge might sound slightly lower in volume and softer in the original studio mix. However, in live versions, it often comes across with more presence. When learning the bridge, consider how you want to approach the dynamics – you can choose to emulate the studio version’s softer feel or lean into a more prominent, live-style delivery, which can be very effective in a performance setting.
Chord Voicings and Variations
While the core chords of “Everlong” are relatively straightforward, there are subtle nuances in chord voicings that can add depth to your playing. For example, some guitarists might hear a variation in the first chord (around the 9th measure in some tab interpretations), potentially suggesting a 4th fret E string (which is actually a D string in Drop D) being played in the studio recording.
In live performances, it’s more common to hear the chord played as indicated in standard tabs. The “4th fret E string” variation might be a studio overdub or even a perceived nuance that adds to the mystique of the recording. Experiment with both voicings and see what you prefer. It’s a great example of how subtle variations can be interpreted and incorporated into your own playing.
Get Your “Everlong” Guitar Tab and Start Playing!
Now that you have a solid understanding of the key elements of “Everlong,” it’s time to get your hands on the guitar tab and start learning! With accurate tab and a bit of practice, you’ll be playing this Foo Fighters classic in no time. Dive into the tab, pay attention to the rhythmic details, and most importantly, have fun learning this incredible song.
