Learn to Play "Over My Head" by King's X - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

"Over My Head" by King's X is a powerful blend of rock, metal, and funk that showcases the band's signature sound. The song, driven by the distinct guitar work of Ty Tabor, offers a rich variety of techniques that are perfect for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire. In this lesson, we break down the song note-for-note, providing an in-depth exploration of the various guitar techniques used throughout the track. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering these techniques will not only help you play this song with confidence but will also enhance your overall guitar skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Ty Tabor and His Influence

Ty Tabor, the lead guitarist of King's X, is known for his unique tone and innovative approach to guitar playing. His style is often a fusion of heavy rock riffs with melodic lines and intricate textures. Tabor’s influence is far-reaching, inspiring guitarists across multiple genres, from grunge to progressive rock. He’s famous for using drop tunings, along with a combination of power chords and melodic lines, to create a full, dynamic sound. His precision and attention to detail make him a standout guitarist, and learning his work on "Over My Head" will give you insights into both his technique and musical mindset.

Techniques Focused on in This Lesson

1. Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of many rock songs, including "Over My Head." They provide a thick, driving sound that is essential for creating a powerful rhythm. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play power chords in different positions across the neck, focusing on keeping your playing tight and clean.

Benefit: Mastering power chords will give you the ability to play strong, punchy rhythms that are a staple in rock and metal music.

2. Alternate Picking

In this song, Ty Tabor employs alternate picking to deliver some of the faster, more intricate parts of the guitar lines. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to create a fluid, speedy picking motion.

Benefit: Alternate picking improves your speed, precision, and efficiency, enabling you to play faster riffs and solos without sacrificing control.

Learn more about this technique here.

3. Vibrato

Tabor uses vibrato throughout the lead sections of the song to add emotion and sustain to the notes. Vibrato involves slightly bending the string back and forth to create a wavering pitch.

Benefit: Adding vibrato to your playing gives your notes a more expressive, vocal-like quality, helping your solos stand out.

Learn more about this technique here.

4. String Bending

Bending the string to reach a higher pitch is a common technique in rock solos, and it features prominently in "Over My Head." Tabor uses both standard bends and bluesy bends to enhance the melodic feel of the lead lines.

Benefit: String bending allows you to add tension and dynamics to your playing, making your solos more dramatic and expressive.

Learn more about this technique here.

5. Legato

Legato playing, where notes are played smoothly without the interruption of picking between each note, is used in various parts of this song. Techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs help to create flowing lines that add a fluid feel to the music.

Benefit: Mastering legato improves your finger strength and helps you develop a smoother, more connected style of playing.

Learn more about this technique here.

6. Palm Muting

Palm muting is a key technique for creating the tight, rhythmic drive found in the rhythm guitar parts of "Over My Head." By lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings, you can dampen the sound to create a percussive effect.

Benefit: This technique gives you control over your dynamics, helping to add punch and precision to your riffs.

Learn more about this technique here.

7. Slides

Slides add smooth transitions between notes, and they’re used throughout the song to add melodic flavor and movement to both rhythm and lead parts. Sliding from one note to another creates a seamless, flowing sound that enhances the musical phrasing.

Benefit: Practicing slides will help improve your fretboard accuracy and make your playing more fluid and expressive.

Learn more about this technique here.

8. Harmonics

Harmonics, both natural and artificial, can be heard in "Over My Head." These bell-like tones are produced by lightly touching the string at specific points, creating higher-pitched, ethereal sounds.

Benefit: Learning harmonics adds another dimension to your playing, allowing you to create interesting textures and sounds.

Learn more about this technique here.

9. Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, are a key part of Tabor’s soloing style. In this song, they add harmonic richness and depth to the lead sections.

Benefit: Playing double stops helps improve your coordination and adds a fuller sound to your solos.

Learn more about this technique here.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Over My Head"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Double Stops