"When the Sun Goes Down" by Arctic Monkeys

Licklibrary.com is proud to present our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson for Arctic Monkeys' iconic track, "When the Sun Goes Down." This lesson meticulously breaks down each section of the song, helping you master the unique guitar techniques used by Alex Turner and Jamie Cook. Whether you're an aspiring indie guitarist or simply a fan of the Arctic Monkeys' raw and authentic sound, this lesson will enhance your skills and understanding of their groundbreaking style. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Players

"When the Sun Goes Down" is a cornerstone of Arctic Monkeys' early discography, appearing on their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. This track showcases the interplay between Alex Turner’s lyrical storytelling and Jamie Cook’s dynamic rhythm work, creating a blend of punk energy and indie sensibility. The song is marked by punchy riffs, angular chord progressions, and emotionally charged rhythms. Both guitarists draw inspiration from post-punk revival bands while adding their own Sheffield-inspired grit, influencing countless modern rock musicians.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

1. Chord Progressions

The backbone of this song lies in its compelling and dynamic chord progressions. You'll learn to navigate shifts between open chords and barre chords to emulate the song's raw energy. Mastering these progressions builds a stronger understanding of how to create movement and tension within a track.

2. Palm-Muting

Palm-muting plays a vital role in the song’s verses, creating rhythmic tightness and percussive clarity. This technique helps control sustain while adding a punchy feel to your playing. It’s a cornerstone skill for any rhythm guitarist looking to improve precision and groove.

3. Slides

The lead parts in this song feature smooth slides between notes, adding a melodic flow and expressive touch to the riffs. Learning slides enhances your phrasing and gives your solos a polished, professional quality.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The embellishments in the main riff include hammer-ons and pull-offs, delivering a fluid and dynamic sound. These techniques are essential for building finger strength, speed, and fluidity in your playing.

5. String Bending

String bending brings emotion and vocal-like expressiveness to the track. You'll practice subtle bends to match the song’s raw, emotive character while improving your control and pitch accuracy.

6. Alternate Picking

The rhythmic precision in this track relies on alternate picking for clarity and speed. This technique sharpens your ability to tackle faster riffs with consistent articulation.

7. Open String Riffs

Several riffs in the song integrate open-string notes, creating a bright, resonant texture. These passages teach you to seamlessly blend fretted notes with open strings, enhancing your versatility.

8. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic patterns in the track make extensive use of syncopation, giving the song its offbeat, driving character. By mastering these rhythms, you’ll improve your timing, creativity, and sense of groove.

Why Learn These Techniques?

By studying the techniques in "When the Sun Goes Down," you'll gain the following benefits:

• Enhanced Rhythmic Precision: Techniques like palm-muting, alternate picking, and syncopated rhythms build discipline in your rhythm playing.
• Expressive Lead Playing: Techniques such as slides, bends, and hammer-ons/pull-offs improve your ability to convey emotion through your solos and riffs.
• Improved Dexterity and Speed: Working through hammer-ons, pull-offs, and alternate picking increases your finger strength and agility.
• Creative Chord Use: Learning dynamic chord progressions expands your knowledge of harmony and how to structure compelling songs.

Guitar Techniques Used in "When the Sun Goes Down"

Here is a list of all the guitar techniques covered in this lesson. Click on each link to explore more about the technique:

• Chord Progressions
• Palm-Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

Whether you're a fan of Arctic Monkeys or a guitarist eager to dive into their unique playing style, this lesson is an invaluable tool for expanding your musical abilities. Dive into "When the Sun Goes Down" today and elevate your guitar skills to new heights!