Learn to play It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - Guitar Lesson
Guitar lesson for this song by R.E.M
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) – R.E.M
I this note-for-note Lick Library exclusive guitar lesson, Sam Bell breaks down “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M., focusing on the fast-moving rhythm guitar approach that defines one of the band’s most recognisable recordings. While the song is often celebrated for its rapid-fire vocal delivery and lyrical density, the guitar part is equally distinctive, driving the track with relentless momentum, sharp rhythmic precision, and a deceptively simple harmonic framework.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to recreate the exact guitar part as heard on the recording, paying close attention to tempo control, articulation, and rhythmic accuracy. The challenge of this song lies not in flashy lead work, but in maintaining consistency, clarity, and energy throughout a demanding, high-speed arrangement. This makes it an outstanding study for players looking to tighten their rhythm technique and develop greater endurance and timing awareness.
Song Overview and Guitar Approach
At its core, the guitar part is built around rapid strumming patterns, tight chord changes, and a percussive right-hand feel that locks in with the rhythm section. The guitar acts as both a harmonic and rhythmic engine, pushing the song forward without ever overpowering the vocals. This lesson shows you how to balance attack and control, ensuring that the part stays punchy and articulate even at speed.
You’ll work through each section of the song in detail, learning how the chord shapes, voicings, and rhythmic figures interact to create the song’s nervous, urgent feel. Attention is also given to muting techniques and dynamic control, both of which are essential for keeping the performance clean and musical.
Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is essential for maintaining speed and consistency in this song’s fast strumming patterns. By using efficient down-up motion, you’ll reduce unnecessary tension and gain better control over long passages at high tempo. Developing this skill improves overall picking accuracy and stamina, making it invaluable for rhythm guitar in both alternative and rock styles.
Barre Chords
Much of the song relies on movable chord shapes played across the neck. Barre chords allow you to shift positions quickly while maintaining consistent tone and volume. Learning to execute these shapes cleanly at speed will strengthen your fretting hand and improve your ability to handle fast chord changes in any musical context.
Power Chords
Power chords provide the song with its direct, driving harmonic foundation. This lesson focuses on keeping these shapes tight and punchy, avoiding excess string noise. Mastering power chords at tempo helps develop precision and clarity, especially when playing in dense mixes or high-energy band settings.
Syncopated Rhythms
The rhythmic feel of the song depends heavily on syncopation. Accents often fall off the expected beat, creating urgency and momentum. Understanding and internalising these rhythmic placements will greatly improve your timing and groove, making you a more confident and versatile rhythm guitarist.
Palm Muting
Palm muting is used subtly to control sustain and add percussive definition to certain passages. This technique helps separate chord attacks and keeps the part from sounding overly washed out at speed. Learning effective palm muting improves right-hand control and dynamic contrast.
Open String Riffs
Open strings are used to keep the guitar ringing while allowing for rapid movement between chord shapes. This creates a brighter, more urgent sound that suits the song perfectly. Working with open string riffs improves coordination and helps you think more creatively about chord voicings.
Chord Progressions
Although harmonically simple, the chord progressions in this song are delivered at speed and require precision. This lesson shows how to memorise and navigate these changes efficiently, improving your ability to lock into repetitive structures without losing focus or energy.
The Guitarist and His Influence
The guitar work on this track is the product of Peter Buck, whose understated, rhythm-focused style helped redefine alternative rock guitar in the 1980s. Buck moved away from blues-heavy lead playing, instead favouring jangly tones, strong rhythmic identity, and creative chord voicings. His approach proved that a guitarist could be highly influential without relying on solos or technical excess.
Peter Buck’s playing on “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” demonstrates the power of simplicity executed with conviction. His influence can be heard across generations of alternative, indie, and college rock bands, many of whom adopted his focus on rhythm, texture, and song-first guitar parts.
Why This Lesson Is Valuable
This lesson is ideal for guitarists who want to improve their rhythm playing, tighten their picking hand, and develop the stamina needed for fast-paced songs. By learning this track note for note, you’ll sharpen your timing, improve your chord transitions, and gain a deeper appreciation for how effective rhythm guitar can shape an entire song.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
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