Hey guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the iconic sounds of the Deftones? Today, we're going to break down how to learn "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" on guitar. This song is a staple for any alternative rock fan and a fantastic piece to add to your repertoire. We'll cover everything from the tuning to the chords, riffs, and even some tips and tricks to make your playing sound as smooth as Chino Moreno's vocals. So, grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get started, guys!

Tuning Up: The Foundation of 'Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)'

First things first, let's get your guitar tuned correctly. "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" is played in Drop D tuning. If you're new to this tuning, don't worry – it's super easy to get the hang of. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with standard tuning (E A D G B e).
2. Tune your thickest string (E) down a whole step to D.
3. Your guitar should now be tuned D A D G B e.

This drop D tuning gives the song its heavy, powerful sound. It also makes some of the chord shapes easier to play, especially the power chords that are central to the song. Make sure your guitar is in tune before you start, because a guitar out of tune will sound bad. Trust me, spending a few minutes tuning up will save you a lot of frustration later on. Use a tuner or a tuning app to make sure you've got it right. Accuracy is key, especially when learning a song with such a distinct sound like this one. Once your guitar is perfectly tuned, you're ready to move on. Let's start with the basics.

Why Drop D Tuning is Awesome

Drop D tuning is a game-changer for many rock and metal songs. It makes playing power chords much simpler because you can play them with one finger on the D, A, and D strings. This frees up your other fingers to add embellishments and play more complex riffs. The lower tuning also adds a deeper, more aggressive tone to your guitar, which is perfect for songs like this. Plus, it can make it easier to transition between chords, letting you play faster and more smoothly. Drop D tuning also provides a great foundation for songs that use heavy distortion and down-tuned sounds. Understanding why the song uses drop D will give you a better understanding and a greater appreciation of the music and guitar. You'll also be better equipped to learn other songs that utilize this tuning.

Breaking Down the Chords and Riffs: The Meat of the Song

Alright, let's get into the good stuff – the chords and riffs that make up "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)." The song is fairly straightforward in terms of chord progressions, but it's the nuances and the way the riffs are played that give it its character. Here's a breakdown:

The Main Verse

The verse primarily uses a couple of simple power chords. These power chords are the backbone of the song's energy. Here's what you need to know:

• D5: Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 7th fret of the D string. You can also play the low D string open for extra resonance. This is your foundation.
• C5: The C5 is played by placing your index finger on the 3rd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 5th fret of the D string. Again, you can use the open D string. This adds a sense of longing.
• G5: The G5 is created by your index finger on the 5th fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string. This provides the musical drive.

Strum these chords in a down-down-up-down-up pattern for a simple rhythm. Experiment with different strumming patterns and feel free to change the rhythm to get a feel for the music. This might seem simple, but the rhythm and the way you play these chords are important. This is one of the important parts of the song.

The Chorus

The chorus is where the song really takes off. The chord progression remains similar, but the intensity increases. The use of distortion is key here. Make sure your amp is set up to add a bit of grit.

• Use the same D5, C5, and G5 power chords as in the verse. Remember, the drop D tuning makes these chords easy to play. Experiment with how many times you strum each chord.
• The transitions between chords in the chorus should be tight and consistent to keep up the momentum.

The Riffing

Throughout the song, there are little riffs and fills that add color. These aren't too complicated, but they require a bit of practice to get them right. This riffing helps make the song unique.

• The Intro Riff: The intro riff is a simple but effective arpeggio. It's played on the D, A, and D strings. You can watch videos of how to play the intro riff. Practice slowly and build up speed. This is usually the first part of the song that people will learn. This will set the tone for the rest of the song.
• Practice with a Metronome: Always practice with a metronome to nail the timing and keep everything precise.

Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Playing

Now that you've got the chords and riffs down, let's talk about some tips and tricks to make your playing sound even better. This is where you bring the song to life, so take notes.

Tone and Equipment

• Use Distortion: "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" relies heavily on distortion. Make sure your amp or distortion pedal is set to deliver a thick, crunchy sound. Experiment with the gain and tone knobs to find the perfect sound. The better your tone is, the better the song will sound.
• Experiment with Pickup Selection: If you have multiple pickups on your guitar, try switching between them to find the best tone. The bridge pickup is usually ideal for the song's heavy sound.

Practice and Techniques

• Practice Slowly: Start slowly and gradually increase the speed. This will help you avoid bad habits and build muscle memory.
• Use Palm Muting: Palm muting is crucial for the song. Rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to mute the notes slightly. This will give you a tighter, more percussive sound.
• Listen to the Original: Listen to the original song repeatedly to get a feel for the rhythm and nuances. This will help you replicate the song's energy. Get your mindset tuned to the beat.
• Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song to identify areas for improvement. This helps you monitor your progress.
• Practice Transitions: Focus on smooth transitions between chords and riffs. This is essential for clean playing.

Putting It All Together: Your Path to Rocking Out

Learning "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" on guitar is a rewarding journey. By mastering the tuning, chords, riffs, and techniques, you'll be well on your way to playing this iconic song. Remember to stay patient, practice regularly, and have fun. Enjoy the process of learning and the feeling of accomplishment when you finally play through the whole song. Don't be afraid to experiment and make the song your own. Get creative, and add your own touch. Keep practicing, and you'll be jamming along to the Deftones in no time. You can go back to the beginning of the article to review, so that you are confident with your playing skills.

Happy playing, and rock on!