Hey guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the mesmerizing world of Breaking Benjamin's music? If you're a fan like me, you'll know that their sound is a blend of raw emotion, heavy riffs, and some seriously catchy chord progressions. In this guide, we're going to break down some of their most iconic chords, explore how they fit together, and help you get closer to playing your favorite Breaking Benjamin tunes. Let's get started, guys!

Decoding the Breaking Benjamin Chord Magic

Breaking Benjamin, known for their distinctive sound, often incorporates a mix of minor and major chords to create that signature blend of darkness and light. Their music resonates with many because of its relatable themes and intense musicality. The band's use of power chords, combined with full chord voicings, provides a driving rhythm perfect for rocking out. Understanding these basic structures is key to unlocking their music. So, what makes these chords tick? Often, they employ a mix of standard and altered tunings to achieve that powerful, unique sound. Standard tuning is used on many of their hits, which makes the songs super accessible to play. However, several tracks incorporate drop tunings, mainly Drop D and Drop C#. This adds weight to the low end, and allows for easier access to power chords and lower registers.

Now, let's talk about the use of power chords. These are fundamental to their sound, adding a driving force to the rhythm. Power chords consist of the root note and the fifth, creating a strong, raw sound that forms the backbone of many of their songs. Breaking Benjamin often combines power chords with full chords, adding depth and complexity. You'll find them using minor, major, and even seventh chords. The clever interplay between these chords creates a range of emotions in their songs. Power chords are your best friend if you're aiming to sound like Breaking Benjamin. Just remember that the use of a distortion pedal is almost mandatory for that heavy sound, guys. The choice of the right distortion or overdrive pedal can really shape your sound.

Then comes the use of open chords. These are chords that include open strings, adding resonance and brightness to the overall sound. They are mixed cleverly with barre chords and power chords, to create those distinctive chord progressions, giving their music that powerful and engaging tone. Learning the key chords, such as Em, G, C, and D, will unlock many of their hits. The use of these open chords gives the music a more melodic feel, which is in stark contrast to the heavy, powerful rhythm. The use of open tunings also gives the band the ability to create more interesting and complex voicings. This provides a rich and complex texture that makes their music so unique. The band often uses barre chords to add another layer of complexity to their songs. These chords can be moved up and down the neck, giving you a wider range of musical options. It's time to start experimenting with different chord voicings to find what suits your musical style.

Breaking Benjamin also uses a variety of rhythmic patterns. From simple downstrokes to more complex combinations of downstrokes and upstrokes, these patterns add another dimension to the music. Experimenting with these patterns is crucial to getting that true Breaking Benjamin sound. It's time to play with the dynamics. You should be using palm muting to add a percussive edge to the rhythm. By muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand, you can create a staccato effect that adds a lot of punch to the music.

Essential Breaking Benjamin Chord Progressions and How to Play Them

Now, let's look at some specific chord progressions, which are the heart of their songs. We'll provide some basic examples, which you can use as a foundation to begin your Breaking Benjamin journey. This is where the real fun begins!

The "Diary of Jane" Progression

This song is an absolute classic. The main progression is a perfect example of their use of power chords to create a powerful feel. The core progression is: Bm - G - D - A.

• Bm (B minor): Place your first finger on the second fret of the A string, second finger on the third fret of the D string, third finger on the fourth fret of the G string, and fourth finger on the second fret of the high E string.
• G (G major): Place your first finger on the second fret of the E string, second finger on the third fret of the A string, and third finger on the third fret of the high E string.
• D (D major): Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string, second finger on the third fret of the E string, and third finger on the second fret of the B string.
• A (A major): Place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, second finger on the second fret of the G string, and third finger on the second fret of the B string.

This progression perfectly captures the mood of the song: melancholy and powerful. Playing it with a bit of distortion will give you the right sound. It is a fantastic song to use to begin your Breaking Benjamin journey.

"Breath" Progression

This is another fan favorite, and uses a slightly different approach. The main progression features a mix of open and barre chords to create a rich sound. The core progression is: Em - C - G - D.

• Em (E minor): Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and third finger on the second fret of the D string.
• C (C major): Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, second finger on the second fret of the D string, and third finger on the third fret of the A string.
• G (G major): Place your second finger on the second fret of the E string, first finger on the second fret of the A string, and third finger on the third fret of the high E string.
• D (D major): Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string, second finger on the third fret of the E string, and third finger on the second fret of the B string.

The use of open chords gives this song a bright yet emotional feel. It is a perfect example of how Breaking Benjamin uses dynamics and chord selection to create a powerful song. This song is a must learn for any guitarist.

"The Red" Progression

This song is known for its heavy riffs and driving rhythm. The core progression uses power chords and drop tunings for maximum impact. The core progression is: A5 - G5 - D5 - E5.

• A5 (A power chord): Place your first finger on the fifth fret of the A string, and third finger on the seventh fret of the D string.
• G5 (G power chord): Place your first finger on the third fret of the E string, and third finger on the fifth fret of the A string.
• D5 (D power chord): Place your first finger on the fifth fret of the D string, and third finger on the seventh fret of the G string.
• E5 (E power chord): Place your first finger on the seventh fret of the A string, and third finger on the ninth fret of the D string.

This progression demonstrates their use of drop tunings and power chords. It is a great example of the heavy, driving sound they are known for.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Breaking Benjamin Chords

Now you know the essential chords and progressions, here are some tips to help you on your way. These are really useful for making your playing experience more enjoyable, and to sound more like Breaking Benjamin!

First, experiment with different tunings. Breaking Benjamin often uses tunings like Drop D and Drop C#, which add a heavier feel. Tuning down can really change the way a song sounds, allowing for easier power chord transitions. It is one of the quickest ways to change your sound.

Second, use a distortion pedal. This is an absolute necessity for that classic Breaking Benjamin sound. Experiment with different settings to find the right tone for you. Experimenting with different distortion pedals will allow you to learn more about your instrument.

Third, practice with a metronome. This is crucial for developing good timing and consistency. Breaking Benjamin's music is known for its tight rhythms, so a metronome will help you keep the tempo. Consistent practice with a metronome will develop your skill much faster.

Fourth, listen closely to the original recordings. Pay attention to the subtle nuances of the songs, like the strumming patterns and the dynamics. Listening to the original recording will give you a better understanding of the song structure.

Fifth, don't be afraid to experiment. Try different chord voicings, inversions, and rhythmic variations to add your own personal touch. Experimentation is the most important element when trying to come up with new songs. Trying new things will give you a better understanding of your instrument.

Finally, play along with backing tracks or recordings of the songs. This is a great way to improve your timing and develop your ear. It will also make your practice sessions more fun and engaging. Playing along with other tracks is a great way to get comfortable with your instrument.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Playing to the Next Level

Once you have a grasp of the basics, you can start working on more advanced techniques. Guys, get ready to take your playing to the next level!

Alternate picking is critical for fast riffs. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, which helps you play more quickly and efficiently. Alternate picking is an extremely useful tool that can be used to improve your technique. Consistent practice will improve your technique faster than you would expect.

Palm muting adds a percussive edge to your playing. By muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand, you can create a staccato effect. Palm muting can add a lot of punch to the music. Palm muting techniques can be used to enhance the rhythm of a song.

Vibrato adds expression and emotion to your playing. This technique involves slightly bending the strings to create a wavering pitch. Vibrato is a key component to add more emotion to your playing. Different types of vibrato can create a wide range of emotions.

String bending is another way to add expression. This technique involves bending the strings to raise their pitch. String bending can be used to convey a wide range of emotions.

Harmonics add a unique and interesting texture to your playing. These can be used to add a touch of color to your music. Harmonics are a really cool technique to learn if you want to make your music sound unique.

Resources and Further Learning

Here are some resources to help you continue your Breaking Benjamin guitar journey. These are great if you are looking to advance your skills, and master more songs.

• Online Guitar Tabs and Tutorials: Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and YouTube are invaluable for finding tabs and video lessons for Breaking Benjamin songs. There are lots of resources to help you learn and develop your skill.
• Guitar Forums and Communities: Online communities can be great places to connect with other guitarists, share tips, and ask questions. You can gain a lot of knowledge by interacting with other users.
• Guitar Lessons: Taking lessons from a qualified instructor can help you improve your technique and learn new songs more efficiently. A good instructor can help guide you and help you avoid common mistakes.
• Breaking Benjamin Albums: Listen to the original albums. Listening to the original recordings and studying the different parts of the songs is extremely useful.

Conclusion: Rock On!

So there you have it, guys! We've covered the basics of Breaking Benjamin chords, progressions, and some tips and tricks to help you get started. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly, have fun! Breaking Benjamin's music has a lot to offer and it can be a lot of fun to play. With dedication and passion, you'll be rocking out to your favorite Breaking Benjamin tunes in no time! Remember to always keep practicing and stay inspired. Good luck and rock on!