Down The Drain - Chickenfoot

Mastering the Techniques of "Down The Drain"

Chickenfoot's "Down The Drain" is a powerhouse blues-rock track that embodies the raw energy and musical prowess of some of the greatest rock musicians of all time. Featuring the incredible guitar work of Joe Satriani, the song delivers a groove-heavy riff and explosive soloing that blends blues, hard rock, and technical wizardry. At LickLibrary, our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every riff and solo in detail, ensuring you can master the nuances that make this track a standout.

Whether you're an intermediate or advanced player, learning "Down The Drain" will expand your skillset by incorporating various essential guitar techniques. From expressive bluesy bends to dynamic legato runs, each section of this lesson provides an opportunity to enhance your playing and develop your signature style. Below, we break down the key techniques used in the song and explain their benefits to your guitar playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Joe Satriani and His Influence

Joe Satriani, the legendary guitarist behind Chickenfoot, is known for his technical mastery, melodic phrasing, and ability to blend rock, blues, and shred techniques seamlessly. With a career spanning decades, Satriani has influenced countless guitarists, including Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett, with his fluid legato playing, harmonically rich melodies, and innovative use of effects. His work in "Down The Drain" showcases his bluesy side while still incorporating some of the signature techniques that have defined his career. Studying his approach to this song will not only help you develop a strong foundation in rock and blues guitar but also introduce you to advanced techniques used by one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Guitar Techniques Explored in "Down The Drain"

Power Chords

Power chords provide the backbone of the song's main riff, creating a thick and powerful sound. Learning to execute power chords with precision and proper palm muting will strengthen your rhythm playing and improve your ability to lock in with a band.

Palm Muting

Joe Satriani uses palm muting to add a percussive, rhythmic element to the riff. Mastering this technique will allow you to control the dynamics of your playing, making your riffs sound tighter and more articulate.

String Bending

Throughout the solos, Satriani employs expressive bends to give his lead lines a vocal-like quality. Developing proper bending technique enhances your ability to convey emotion through your guitar playing and improves your intonation.

Legato

The lead parts feature smooth legato runs that create a fluid and effortless sound. Practicing legato techniques will improve your speed and phrasing while reducing pick noise, resulting in a more polished lead guitar style.

Pinched Harmonics

Satriani adds aggression and attitude to his solos with pinched harmonics, creating a screaming tone. Learning this technique will add bite to your lead playing and help you develop a more expressive style.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes and add a bluesy character to the solos. Incorporating slides into your playing enhances your ability to connect phrases seamlessly and develop a more expressive touch.

Double Stops

The use of double stops in "Down The Drain" adds richness and depth to the lead sections. Mastering double stops will expand your soloing vocabulary and give your playing a fuller, more dynamic sound.

Vibrato

One of Satriani’s signature elements, vibrato, is used throughout the song to add sustain and expressiveness to his notes. Learning to control your vibrato will make your playing sound more professional and emotive.

Harmonics

Natural and artificial harmonics are used to add texture and excitement to the lead sections. Developing this technique will open up new creative possibilities in your playing.

Bluesy Bends

Satriani blends rock and blues influences with expressive bends that capture the song's soulful feel. Practicing bluesy bends will enhance your ability to add emotion to your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Harmonics
• Bluesy Bends

By working through this lesson, you'll not only be able to play "Down The Drain" with accuracy but also develop essential guitar techniques that can be applied to your own playing. Dive in and start mastering the song today!