Big Foot by Chickenfoot

Learn to Play "Big Foot" by Chickenfoot - Note for Note

"Big Foot" by Chickenfoot is an electrifying rock track packed with powerful riffs, searing solos, and hard-hitting rhythm guitar work. Featuring the virtuoso playing of Joe Satriani, this song is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to expand their rock vocabulary. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com meticulously breaks down every part of the song, helping you master the signature techniques that make this track so impactful.

From blazing alternate picking runs to powerful string bending, "Big Foot" offers an excellent opportunity to refine your rock and blues-based soloing while also building solid rhythm guitar fundamentals. Whether you're a fan of hard rock, classic rock, or blues-influenced shredding, this lesson will help you strengthen essential playing techniques and incorporate them into your own style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Joe Satriani and His Influence

Joe Satriani is one of the most influential and technically gifted guitarists in rock history. Known for his melodic phrasing, blistering speed, and expressive playing, Satriani's style blends elements of rock, blues, and advanced shred guitar techniques. His work in Chickenfoot allowed him to showcase a raw, bluesy side of his playing, contrasting with his instrumental solo work.

In "Big Foot," Satriani delivers powerful riffing, soaring bends, and harmonically rich solos, demonstrating why he remains one of the most admired guitarists in the world. His ability to combine technical proficiency with catchy, memorable licks makes this track a great learning experience for guitarists looking to develop both their rhythm and lead playing.

Breakdown of Key Guitar Techniques in "Big Foot"

1. Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song's rhythm guitar parts. These two-note shapes provide a thick, punchy tone and are a staple in rock music. Learning how to play them properly improves your ability to craft strong, driving riffs.

2. Alternate Picking

The song’s fast-picked lines and tight rhythm work rely on alternate picking to achieve precision and clarity. Mastering this technique will enhance your speed and accuracy, making your picking hand more efficient.

3. String Bending

Throughout the solo, Satriani employs expressive bends, from half-step bends to whole-step wails. Learning proper bending technique helps add emotion and dynamics to your playing, making your solos more vocal-like and expressive.

4. Vibrato

A defining characteristic of Satriani’s lead style, vibrato is used to sustain and emphasise notes. Mastering this technique improves control and expressiveness, making your playing sound more professional and refined.

5. Slides

Smooth position shifts and melodic slides appear frequently in the lead sections. This technique helps create a fluid and connected phrasing, reducing awkward transitions and adding a polished touch to your solos.

6. Pinched Harmonics

Satriani frequently employs pinched harmonics to add a screaming edge to his notes. This technique enhances your lead guitar sound, giving your solos an aggressive, high-energy feel.

7. Palm Muting

The song's rhythmic drive is reinforced with palm-muted power chords that create a tight, percussive sound. Mastering palm muting helps control dynamics and articulation, making your rhythm playing sound cleaner and more professional.

8. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The solo contains fluid legato passages, relying on hammer-ons and pull-offs to create effortless, flowing licks. Developing this technique improves speed and dexterity without excessive picking, allowing for smoother note transitions.

9. Tapped Harmonics

A hallmark of Satriani’s style, tapped harmonics create ethereal, bell-like tones. Learning this technique adds a unique sonic texture to your lead playing, expanding your melodic vocabulary.

10. Unison Bends

"Big Foot" features unison bends, where two notes are bent simultaneously to match pitch. This technique produces a thick, singing quality, perfect for achieving the vocal-like expressiveness found in Satriani’s solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Big Foot"

Below is a list of guitar techniques used in "Big Foot," along with links to Licklibrary’s in-depth explanations for each technique:

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends

Master "Big Foot" with Licklibrary

By learning "Big Foot" note for note, you'll be strengthening your rock guitar technique, enhancing your rhythmic accuracy, and developing expressive soloing skills. Our detailed lesson at Licklibrary.com will guide you through every riff, lick, and solo, ensuring you can play with confidence while absorbing the essence of Joe Satriani’s legendary style. Start learning today and take your rock guitar playing to the next level!