Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” is instantly recognizable for its captivating opening guitar hook. While the hook grabs immediate attention, digging deeper into the song reveals a surprising sophistication, particularly in Dean DeLeo’s rhythm guitar work during the verses. Many guitarists learning to play this grunge classic with Interstate Love Song Guitar Tabs might initially overlook the nuanced chord voicings in the verse, but they are a key element of the song’s unique sound.
It’s easy to get swept away by Scott Weiland’s vocals and the overall vibe of “Interstate Love Song,” potentially missing the subtle intricacies of the underlying guitar part. However, a closer listen unveils a fascinating blend of grunge rock with unexpected jazz influences. The verse progression, starting around 1:10 in the song, showcases DeLeo’s unconventional approach to chord construction. He doesn’t just rely on standard rock chords; instead, he incorporates chromatic movements and unusual chord shapes that add a layer of harmonic depth rarely found in mainstream grunge.
Analyzing the verse chords reveals a descending chromatic progression over five chords that are far from typical. While commonly available interstate love song guitar tabs might simplify these voicings, a closer ear suggests a sequence that includes chords like C# minor, a C# augmented (C sharp 5th), Bm7, followed by a flattened A chord (Ab), before finally resolving to a more conventional A major. Identifying these chords precisely can be challenging, especially given the effects used on the original recording and the varying interpretations found in online tabs.
For guitar players aiming to truly master “Interstate Love Song,” understanding and accurately playing these verse chords is crucial. Simply relying on basic interstate love song guitar tabs might miss the richness and complexity that Dean DeLeo brought to the song. Exploring these unique chord choices not only enhances your rendition of “Interstate Love Song” but also provides a valuable lesson in incorporating jazz-influenced harmony into rock guitar playing. Stone Temple Pilots, and Dean DeLeo in particular, were masters at subtly weaving sophisticated guitar work into seemingly straightforward rock anthems, and the verse of “Interstate Love Song” stands as a testament to this often-underappreciated aspect of their music.
