In Too Deep Guitar Lesson - Sum 41

The guitar lesson for "In Too Deep" by Sum 41 on LickLibrary.com offers a comprehensive breakdown of one of the most iconic pop-punk songs of the early 2000s. Featuring catchy riffs, dynamic rhythm sections, and essential guitar techniques, this lesson will guide you step-by-step to master the song just like the original. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, the techniques used in this lesson will help you enhance your playing and deepen your understanding of various guitar skills. John Connearn breaks down this 2000's pop punk classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Players Behind "In Too Deep"

Sum 41's guitar sound in "In Too Deep" is primarily driven by the talents of lead guitarist Dave Baksh and rhythm guitarist Deryck Whibley. Dave Baksh, known for his aggressive yet melodic playing style, injects elements of punk, metal, and rock into the band's sound. His ability to fuse fast-paced rhythm work with soaring lead sections creates a unique combination of energy and melody that makes Sum 41 stand out in the pop-punk scene.

Deryck Whibley, the band's frontman, complements Baksh's playing with his solid rhythm guitar work, maintaining the driving pace and power chord-heavy sections of the song. Their dual guitar harmonies and fast transitions between lead and rhythm work add to the energetic feel of "In Too Deep." Both players draw from a variety of influences, including punk rock, metal, and classic rock, which shine through in their guitar work for this song.

Guitar Techniques Focused On in the Lesson

Power Chords

One of the essential techniques used in "In Too Deep" is the power chord. Power chords are commonly found in punk rock and pop-punk genres, and in this lesson, you'll get plenty of practice with them. These chords create a heavy, powerful sound with only two or three notes, making them perfect for rhythm guitar work. Learning power chords will allow you to play a wide variety of songs and improve your overall chord transitions.

Palm Muting

The song incorporates palm muting to add rhythmic variety and create dynamic tension during the verse sections. By lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, palm muting produces a tight, muted sound. This technique is perfect for emphasising the rhythmic pulse of the song and controlling dynamics. Mastering palm muting will improve your control over your sound and add texture to your playing.

Alternate Picking

The faster sections of the song, especially during the main riff, require alternate picking, where you alternate between upstrokes and downstrokes. This technique is crucial for maintaining speed and accuracy, especially when playing faster passages. As you develop your alternate picking, you'll notice a significant improvement in your ability to play intricate riffs smoothly and with precision.

String Bending

Dave Baksh's lead work features expressive string bends, particularly in the solo. String bending adds emotion and flair to the notes, making your leads sound more dynamic. Bends involve pushing or pulling the string to raise the pitch of the note, creating a "crying" or "singing" quality. This technique is essential for any aspiring lead guitarist to develop a more expressive and melodic soloing style.

Slides

Throughout the song, both rhythm and lead sections incorporate slides. Sliding between notes or chords allows for smooth transitions and adds fluidity to your playing. It's an effective technique for creating seamless movements between frets, contributing to the song's overall feel. Practicing slides will help you connect notes with ease and improve the flow of your playing.

Octave Melodies

Another key feature in "In Too Deep" is the use of octave melodies. Octave playing involves hitting the same note at different pitches, usually on two different strings, creating a rich, full sound. This is often used in pop-punk music to emphasise melody while maintaining energy. Learning how to play octaves will expand your melodic capabilities and give you a stronger sense of musical harmony.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

In the solo and certain lead sections, you'll encounter hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques allow for smooth transitions between notes without picking every note. Hammer-ons are when you press a finger onto the fretboard to sound a note without picking, while pull-offs involve pulling the finger off the fretboard to a lower note. These techniques will help you add fluidity to your playing and improve your finger strength and dexterity.

Double Stops

Double stops, which involve playing two notes simultaneously, appear in both rhythm and lead sections of the song. Double stops are useful for creating harmony within a riff or solo, adding more depth to your sound. Mastering double stops will give your playing a fuller and richer texture, especially when used in melodic or lead passages.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Learning the techniques used in "In Too Deep" will benefit guitar players in multiple ways:

• Power Chords: Strengthens your rhythm playing and chord transitions, essential for any rock guitarist.
• Palm Muting: Teaches dynamic control and rhythmic precision, allowing you to add depth to your playing.
• Alternate Picking: Increases your speed and accuracy, crucial for tackling faster riffs.
• String Bending: Enhances your expressiveness in solos, making your leads sound more emotional.
• Slides: Improves your ability to connect notes fluidly, helping you develop a more professional sound.
• Octave Melodies: Expands your ability to emphasise melodies in a dynamic, full-sounding way.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Develops finger strength and agility, improving your overall lead guitar technique.
• Double Stops: Adds harmonic depth to your playing, making your riffs and solos stand out.

These techniques are not only useful for learning this song but also foundational for improving your overall guitar skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in the "In Too Deep" Guitar Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Octave Melodies
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

At the end of this course, you will have familiarized yourself with several core guitar techniques. Below is a list of the key techniques covered, along with additional resources from our glossary to further explore and master these skills:

• Vibrato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords

Each link provides detailed explanations and additional lessons to enhance your understanding and execution of these techniques.

By the end of this lesson, not only will you be able to play "In Too Deep" with confidence, but you will also have a toolkit of techniques that can be applied to a wide range of music styles, boosting your versatility and expressiveness as a guitarist.