Learning to play your favorite songs on guitar is an incredibly rewarding experience. If you’re a fan of Foo Fighters and looking for a song that’s both iconic and accessible for beginners, “Everlong” is an excellent choice. This guide will break down how to play “Everlong” on guitar, making it easy for you to learn this classic track.
Getting Started: Tuning to Drop D
Before diving into the chords, it’s crucial to tune your guitar to Drop D tuning. This tuning is essential for playing “Everlong” correctly and gives the song its signature heavy and resonant sound.
What is Drop D Tuning?
Drop D tuning means you lower the tuning of your lowest string (the thickest string, 6th string or E string) down a whole step, from E to D. The other strings remain in standard tuning. So, from thickest to thinnest, your strings will be tuned to: D-A-D-G-B-e.
How to Tune to Drop D:
- Standard Tuning as a Starting Point: Ensure your guitar is initially in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e).
- Tune Down the Low E String: Play your 6th string (low E string) and compare it to the sound of your 4th string (D string) played at the 5th fret. You want to lower the pitch of your 6th string until it matches the D note. You can use a tuner to ensure accuracy, or tune by ear if you’re comfortable.
- Verify: Once you believe you’ve tuned down correctly, play the open 6th string (now D) and the 4th string (D) again to double-check they are in tune with each other, ideally in octaves but for tuning purposes, matching the pitch is key.
With your guitar now in Drop D tuning, you’re ready to learn the parts of “Everlong”.
Part 1: Mastering the Verse
The verse of “Everlong” is built around a simple yet effective chord progression. It’s based on power chords, which are relatively easy to learn, especially for beginners.
Verse Chord Progression:
The verse primarily uses three power chords:
- D5: To play a D5 power chord in Drop D tuning, you’ll use your index finger to fret the 5th fret of the 6th string (D string) and your ring finger to fret the 7th fret of the 5th string (A string). Strum these two strings together.
- B♭5: For a B♭5 power chord, move your D5 shape down two frets. Your index finger will now be on the 3rd fret of the 6th string, and your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th string.
- G5: To play a G5 power chord, move down another three frets. Your index finger will be on the open 6th string (D string), and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string. You can also barre across the 3rd fret of the 6th and 5th strings with your index finger and use your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th string for a slightly different voicing, but for beginners, the open 6th string version is simpler.
Verse Rhythm:
The rhythm in the verse is generally straightforward. You can start by practicing down strums for each chord. Listen to the song to get a feel for the rhythm. A common approach is to play each chord for a measure (4 beats in 4/4 time). You can count it as “1, 2, 3, 4” for each chord change.
Verse Playthrough:
Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords: D5, B♭5, G5. Repeat this progression to get comfortable with the chord changes and rhythm.
Part 2: Tackling the Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus of “Everlong” introduces a slight change in dynamics and chord progression, building anticipation for the chorus.
Pre-Chorus Chord Progression:
The pre-chorus also uses power chords, but with a different sequence:
- G5: Start with the G5 power chord, as you played in the verse.
- A5: For the A5 power chord, move up two frets from the G5. Your index finger will be on the 2nd fret of the 6th string, and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string.
- B♭5: Play the B♭5 power chord, as learned in the verse.
- C5: For the C5 power chord, move up two frets from the B♭5. Your index finger will be on the 5th fret of the 6th string, and your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th string.
- D5: Finish the pre-chorus with the D5 power chord, returning to the verse chord shape.
Pre-Chorus Rhythm:
Similar to the verse, maintain a consistent rhythm. You can use down strums and listen to the song to capture the feel. Pay attention to how the pre-chorus builds in intensity leading into the chorus.
Pre-Chorus Playthrough:
Practice moving through the pre-chorus chord progression: G5, A5, B♭5, C5, D5. Focus on smooth transitions and maintaining the rhythm.
Part 3: Unleashing the Chorus
The chorus of “Everlong” is where the song truly takes off. It’s energetic and uses a slightly different set of power chords.
Chorus Chord Progression:
The chorus uses a combination of familiar and new power chords:
- D5: Start with the D5 power chord.
- G5: Move to the G5 power chord.
- B♭5: Play the B♭5 power chord.
- A5: Finish the chorus progression with the A5 power chord.
Chorus Rhythm and Dynamics:
The chorus is typically played with more intensity than the verse and pre-chorus. You can use stronger strums and even incorporate some upstrokes to create a fuller sound. Listen to the recording to understand the dynamic shift in the chorus.
Chorus Playthrough:
Practice the chorus chord progression: D5, G5, B♭5, A5. Focus on playing with energy and making the chorus sound distinct from the verse and pre-chorus.
Song Structure of Everlong
Understanding the song structure will help you piece everything together and play through “Everlong” in its entirety. The basic structure is:
- Verse
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- Verse
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- Bridge (Often simplified or omitted in beginner versions, focus on main parts first)
- Chorus
- Outro
For beginners, focusing on mastering the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus is a great starting point. Once you’re comfortable with these sections, you can explore the bridge and outro.
Tips for Beginner Guitarists
- Start Slow: Don’t rush. Begin by practicing each part slowly to get the chord changes and rhythm correct. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- Listen to the Song: Regularly listen to “Everlong” to internalize the timing, dynamics, and feel of each part. This will greatly aid your learning process.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, even for short periods each day, is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you develop a solid sense of rhythm and timing.
- Break it Down: If you find a part challenging, break it down into smaller segments and practice those until you can play them smoothly.
Conclusion
Learning to play “Everlong” by Foo Fighters on guitar is a fantastic goal for beginner guitarists. By mastering the Drop D tuning, verse, pre-chorus, and chorus sections, you’ll be well on your way to playing this iconic song. Remember to practice regularly, listen to the original track, and be patient with yourself as you learn. With dedication, you’ll be playing “Everlong” and impressing your friends in no time. Happy playing!
