"Wish You Were Here" by Incubus

Discover how to play “Wish You Were Here” by Incubus with our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This track is an excellent study piece for guitarists of all levels, combining atmospheric textures, clever rhythmic phrasing, and inventive use of effects. With our detailed video tutorial, you’ll explore the exact parts played on the original recording, while also honing several key guitar techniques that will broaden your musical vocabulary and improve your overall playing ability. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 2001 on Incubus’ album Morning View, “Wish You Were Here” showcases a blend of alternative rock, textured ambient tones, and expressive dynamics. Guitarist Mike Einziger’s contribution to this song is both tasteful and technically rich, offering a broad range of guitar textures from lush arpeggiated chords to aggressive distorted riffs. Our lesson dissects each section clearly and methodically, ensuring you can replicate the track just like the original.

About the Guitarist – Mike Einziger

Mike Einziger, Incubus’ lead guitarist, is known for his diverse influences, ranging from classical and jazz to funk and alternative rock. Rather than relying on traditional shredding or overly flashy solos, Einziger’s playing is often understated, textural, and compositionally driven. His work on “Wish You Were Here” exemplifies this, offering guitar parts that serve the song while introducing players to a broad palette of expressive guitar techniques. Learning his style not only enhances your versatility but also deepens your understanding of how to support a song’s atmosphere and emotional content.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Palm Muting

One of the foundational techniques in “Wish You Were Here” is palm muting. This percussive method is used to tighten up the rhythm guitar parts and add dynamic contrast to the arrangement. Practicing palm muting helps improve your rhythmic precision and gives you more control over your tone, especially in rock and alternative genres.

Arpeggios and Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verses feature clean, dreamy arpeggios and arpeggiated chord progressions that contribute to the ambient vibe of the track. Learning these parts improves finger coordination and picking control, helping you to cleanly articulate each note within a chord.

Slides

Throughout the track, slides are used to create fluid transitions between notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the phrasing. Mastering slides enhances your ability to connect notes smoothly and expressively, an essential skill for melodic lead playing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

You’ll encounter several melodic lines that employ hammer-ons and pull-offs, especially in the more subtle lead lines. These legato techniques allow for faster, more fluid playing and reduce the need for excessive picking.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the chord progressions used in the song offers insight into modern rock harmony and arrangement. These progressions help you recognise common patterns and variations, expanding your songwriting and improvisational skills.

String Bending

Einziger uses expressive string bending to give character and emotion to his lead phrases. This technique is essential for developing expressive soloing ability, mimicking vocal inflection and dynamic nuance.

Open String Riffs

The intro and verse riff utilises clever use of open string riffs, creating a lush and resonant sound. Practicing this technique enhances your fretboard awareness and encourages creative use of open strings in your own compositions.

Benefits of Learning “Wish You Were Here”

This lesson is perfect for players looking to bridge the gap between rhythm and lead guitar, combining clean, ambient playing with more aggressive textures. By mastering the techniques in this song, you’ll not only improve your technical ability but also gain a deeper appreciation for musical dynamics, tone layering, and textural awareness. It’s a great example of how guitar can serve both melodic and atmospheric roles in a modern rock context.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Open String Riffs

Whether you’re an aspiring guitarist or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, our “Wish You Were Here” guitar lesson offers something for everyone. Unlock the full performance potential of your playing and gain insight into the creative approach of one of modern rock’s most inventive guitarists. Ready to dive in? Explore the full lesson now at LickLibrary.com.