Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe
In this note-for-note guitar lesson for Everything About You by Ugly Kid Joe, Richard Shaw explores the raw, swagger-filled guitar work that helped propel the band to global success in the early 1990s. Combining hard rock attitude with a punk-influenced edge, the song is a masterclass in how simple, well-executed guitar parts can sound massive when played with conviction, timing, and feel.
This lesson breaks the track down section by section, guiding you through the instantly recognisable riffs, driving rhythm guitar parts, and expressive lead embellishments that define the song. Rather than relying on excessive technical complexity, “Everything About You” showcases how groove, articulation, and tone are the real keys to delivering a convincing rock performance.
Song Structure and Guitar Approach
The guitars in “Everything About You” are built around punchy riffs and tight rhythmic interplay. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to lock in with the groove of each section, paying close attention to picking attack, muting, and timing. The rhythm guitar carries much of the song’s energy, while lead phrases are used sparingly to add character and attitude.
You’ll also explore how subtle details—such as slides into chords, controlled bends, and aggressive accents—make the difference between simply playing the notes and truly capturing the feel of the original recording. This approach makes the lesson ideal for guitarists looking to improve their rock fundamentals while developing a more confident and authoritative playing style.
Key Guitar Techniques Explained
Power Chords
Power chords are the foundation of the song’s main riffs and choruses, delivering the thick, driving sound that defines its hard rock character. Learning to execute power chords cleanly and consistently helps improve left-hand positioning and right-hand accuracy, while also building the stamina needed for high-energy rhythm playing.
Palm Muting
Palm muting is used extensively to control the aggression and dynamics of the riffs. By adjusting the pressure of your picking hand against the strings, you’ll learn how to shift between tight, percussive sounds and more open, ringing chords. This technique is essential for developing rhythmic precision and dynamic contrast.
String Bending and Bluesy Bends
String bending adds attitude and vocal-like expression to the lead lines. The lesson focuses on accurate pitch and confident execution, ensuring each bend hits its target cleanly. Bluesy bends in particular help you develop expressive phrasing and a stronger connection between your ear and fingers.
Vibrato
Vibrato is crucial for adding sustain and character to held notes. You’ll learn how controlled vibrato enhances the emotional impact of lead phrases, turning simple notes into expressive statements. Developing this technique improves finger strength and overall tonal consistency.
Slides
Slides are used to smoothly connect notes and chords, adding momentum and attitude to both riffs and fills. Practising slides improves fretboard awareness and timing, helping your playing sound fluid rather than rigid.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs appear in short embellishments that add movement and flair to the guitar parts. These legato techniques build left-hand strength and coordination, allowing you to play more efficiently while keeping lines smooth and connected.
Pinched Harmonics
Pinched harmonics provide the aggressive squeals that punctuate key moments in the song. Learning to control them improves pick technique and right-hand precision, while also expanding your expressive toolkit for hard rock playing.
Open-String Riffs
Open-string riffs contribute to the song’s raw, aggressive feel. Playing tight open-string parts improves your timing and muting discipline, as any inconsistency is immediately exposed. Mastery here leads to a more solid and confident rhythm sound.
Syncopated Rhythms
Syncopated rhythms are a key part of the groove in “Everything About You.” Understanding how accents fall off the beat sharpens your sense of timing and groove, making your rhythm playing more engaging and professional.
The Guitarists and Their Influence
The guitar work on “Everything About You” was handled by Dave Fortman and Cordell Crockett. Together, they crafted a sound that blended classic hard rock riffs with a modern, irreverent edge. Influenced by bands like AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Guns N’ Roses, their playing prioritised groove, tone, and attitude over excessive technical flash.
Dave Fortman’s rhythm work is tight, aggressive, and groove-focused, while Cordell Crockett’s lead contributions add colour and expression through bends, vibrato, and harmonics. Their combined approach helped define Ugly Kid Joe’s sound and influenced countless rock guitarists to focus on feel, timing, and memorable riffs.
What You’ll Gain From This Lesson
By studying this lesson, you’ll develop stronger rock rhythm fundamentals, greater control over expressive lead techniques, and a deeper understanding of how to make simple guitar parts sound powerful and authentic. It’s an essential study for any guitarist looking to capture classic hard rock attitude with confidence.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Rich Shaw
Richard is most well known as the guitarist and co-songwriter for UK metal band, Cradle of Filth, from 2014 until 2022. In his time with the band, he co-wrote and performed on the albums ‘Hammer of the Witches’ (2015), ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay’ (2017), and ‘Existence is Futile’...