Learn killing in the name guitar tab

The guitar in “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine, played by Tom Morello, is one of the most recognizable elements of the this song. It embodies Morello's signature style: minimalist, powerful and innovative. Her contribution to the song is based on memorable riffs, clever use of effects and a precise sense of rhythm.

1. killing in the name guitar tab: Instrument and configuration

• Guitar: Tom Morello uses his custom guitar “Arm the Homeless”, a unique guitar that he modified several times to achieve his signature sound.
• Amplification: Marshall JCM800, an amp head known for its powerful crunch and clarity.
• Effects:
  • Distortion: Used for saturated riffs in choruses.
  • Wah-wah: Although not very present in this piece, it is one of Morello's favorite tools.
  • Boost: Used to boost the sound in more dynamic sections.

2. killing in the name guitar tab: The main riffs

a. Intro riff:

• The piece opens with a simple, repetitive riff played on the low strings, based on the minor pentatonic scale.
• It is performed with a slightly saturated clean sound, highlighting Morello's rhythmic precision.
• This hypnotic riff serves as a central motif, setting the stage for the dynamic explosions to come.

b. Choruses:

• The choruses introduce power chords massive, played with heavy distortion.
• Tom Morello uses slides between chords to add a sense of movement and aggression.
• The alternation between these saturated sections and the calmer parts gives the piece its unique impact.

c. Final climb:

• In the famous section where Zack de la Rocha rehearses “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me”, Morello plays power chords with increasing intensity.
• The dynamics gradually evolve, culminating in a sonic explosion that amplifies the song's angry message.

3. killing in the name guitar tab : Playing techniques

• Precise rhythmic play: Tom Morello is known for his rhythmic rigor. In this piece, every note and every silence is executed with military precision.
• Effective simplicity: Although technically accessible, the power of the riffs lies in their simplicity and impeccable rhythmic placement.
• Dynamic accents: The variations in volume and saturation between the quiet and saturated sections contribute to the dramatic intensity of the piece.

4. killing in the name guitar tab: Sound and style

• Minimalism: The main riff relies on a handful of notes, but their repetition and strategic placement create maximum impact.
• Interaction with bass: The guitar and bass often play synchronized lines, reinforcing the weight of the riffs.
• Raw energy: The guitar sound in this track is not overloaded with effects, allowing the raw power of the instrument to fully express itself.

5. killing in the name guitar tab: Accessibility for guitarists

“Killing in the Name” is an accessible song for beginner or intermediate guitarists:

• THE intro riffs and the power chords are simple to play.
• The piece is in standard tuning, which makes it easier to learn.
• This is a great song for working on rhythmic precision and dynamic control.

6. killing in the name guitar tab: Impact

The guitar in “Killing in the Name” is a model of effective minimalism. It proves that you don't need complex solos or elaborate harmonies to create a memorable song. Tom Morello's playing perfectly serves the song's message: direct, punchy and full of rage.

Learn killing in the name guitar tab: The solo

The solo of “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine, played by Tom Morello, is a demonstration of his unique style, which mixes innovation, minimalism and creative use of effects. Unlike traditional guitar solos, Morello here favors sonic textures and experimental techniques to create a memorable auditory explosion.

1. killing in the name guitar tab: Style and context

• Originality:
  The solo is not a conventional technical demonstration, but rather a sonic exploration that fits perfectly into the raw and rebellious energy of the piece.
• Marked effects:
  Morello relies on effects to produce atypical sounds, making the solo instantly recognizable.

2. killing in the name guitar tab: Techniques and effects used

a. Whammy Pedal:

• The main effect of the solo is created using a Whammy Pedal Digitech, which allows notes played to be transposed to different pitches, often an octave or more.
• Morello plays a simple phrase and uses the pedal to modulate the pitch, creating a very expressive rising and falling effect.

b. Feedback and distortion:

• A powerful distortion is applied, adding raw aggression to the sound.
• It also uses techniques of controlled feedback, where the vibrations of the strings interact with the amplifier to produce natural harmonics.

c. Precise picking:

• Morello plays the solo using a rapid alternation of picking and sliding on the strings, in sync with the Whammy effect to maximize impact.

3. killing in the name guitar tab: Solo Structure

• Introduction :
  The solo starts with a simple phrase, played on high notes, immediately transformed by the Whammy effect.
• Progress:
  The phrases repeat and evolve, each iteration adding more intensity through rapid slides and tonal variations.
• Climax:
  The solo culminates in a cascade of modulated and saturated notes, before returning to the collective energy of the piece.

4. killing in the name guitar tab: Emotional impact

• The solo reflects the rage and rebellion that runs through the entire piece.
• Its experimental character contrasts with the repetitive and minimalist riffs, bringing a moment of controlled chaos that reinforces the message of protest.

5. killing in the name guitar tab: Accessibility and learning

• Technically:
  The solo is relatively simple in terms of playing technique, but requires a good command of pedals and effects to faithfully reproduce the sound.
• Material :
  To recreate this solo, a Whammy pedal is essential, as well as an amp offering powerful distortion.