Hey everyone, let's dive into one of the most iconic tracks from the Deftones' arsenal, "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"! This song is a masterclass in atmospheric rock, with its dreamy verses and explosive chorus. If you're a guitar player, you've probably tried to learn it, and if you haven't, well, you're in for a treat. In this article, we'll break down the guitar tabs, the song's structure, and some cool guitar playing secrets to help you nail this tune. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Song's Structure and Key

First things first, understanding the song's structure is key to learning "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)". The song follows a pretty standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, but the magic is in the details. The intro sets the mood with a clean guitar riff, building anticipation. The verses are more subdued, with Chino Moreno's vocals floating over a delicate guitar line. Then, BAM! The chorus hits like a wave, with the guitars going full-on distortion and the energy levels soaring.

The song is in the key of E major, which is important to know for a few reasons. Firstly, it tells you what the root notes are for chords and scales, which is critical for understanding the song's musical theory. Secondly, it helps you understand where the song's riffs and solos are positioned.

Dissecting the Verses

The verses use a simple, yet effective, chord progression. The main riff consists of a series of arpeggiated chords that create a sense of movement and tension. They're typically played with a clean guitar tone, using a chorus effect to create a wider sound. The goal here is to establish the song's dreamy feel, drawing the listener in. The fingerpicking pattern is the key, and it's essential to get it right. It’s all about creating that signature Deftones vibe and that's achieved by a combination of the chords, the tone, and the playing style. To truly capture that, pay close attention to the dynamics. Play softly, and then build towards the end of each phrase to maintain the tension.

Decoding the Chorus

Now, the chorus is where things get interesting and this is where "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" truly explodes. The main guitar riff goes into full-distortion mode, and the power chords take over. The chorus is a wall of sound. The chords played are straightforward, but the energy is immense. The riff is based on power chords that are easy to play but give you that heavy, driving feel. The secret sauce is the distortion and the way the chords are played. Experiment with different levels of distortion to find your perfect tone.

Mastering the Bridge

The bridge is where the song takes a brief detour, and it sets up the final chorus, building back up that intensity. It often features a slightly different chord progression, sometimes with a more experimental feel. The bridge is typically more subdued than the chorus, but it still has a great feeling to it. In the bridge, the guitar parts might become more complex. Listen to the original recording to nail the timing and create a dramatic shift in the song's dynamic. It is a moment of calm before the storm of the final chorus. It's often where the band might experiment with different sounds or techniques, adding another layer of interest to the song.

Diving into the Guitar Tabs

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the guitar tabs. You can find accurate guitar tabs for "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" on various websites like Ultimate-Guitar, Songsterr, and similar resources. We'll give you a general idea of what to look for, and then you can take it from there.

Verse Riff Breakdown

The verse riff usually involves a simple, yet elegant fingerpicking pattern on a clean guitar. It’s a great way to improve your fingerpicking skills. You'll typically find the tabs showing a series of arpeggiated chords. This means you'll play the notes of the chords one at a time, instead of strumming them all at once. This creates a more delicate and airy sound. Pay attention to the string and fret numbers, and practice the pattern slowly at first. It might be challenging, so be patient, and soon you'll have it down. It is all about the feel, not just the notes. That's what gives it that signature Deftones vibe. Try to match the dynamics of the song. Build up the intensity of the verse towards the pre-chorus to make the eventual transition all the more impressive.

Chorus Riff Demystified

The chorus riff is typically based on power chords. Power chords are great for creating a heavy, driving sound. If you are learning the chorus, the tab will show you the shape of the power chord. The key is to mute the strings that aren't part of the power chord, so that the sound stays clean and the power chords really stand out. You can also use alternate picking to help with the speed and clarity.

Bridge Riff Secrets

The bridge riff often introduces a different chord progression or a more complex guitar line. Check out how the tabs indicate the chords or individual notes being played. If you are experimenting with sounds, then use the bridge as a playground to make it your own by adding some bends and vibrato to create a more expressive and captivating performance.

Guitar Playing Secrets and Techniques

Alright, let's talk about some guitar-playing secrets to help you take your performance of "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" to the next level. Let's get down to the actual techniques that will help you.

Mastering the Clean Tone

First, let's talk about that clean guitar tone. It's essential for capturing the song's dreamy feel during the verses. Try using a chorus effect or a light reverb to give your clean tone some depth and space. Pay attention to your picking dynamics. Lightly pick the strings to add that dreamy atmosphere and ensure you don’t overplay the notes, as this can make the song messy.

Unleashing the Distortion

Now, let's talk about distortion. This is where the song goes from dreamy to energetic. Experiment with different levels of distortion on your guitar. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you can get a thick, powerful sound without losing clarity. The key is to match the energy of the song. The distortion should be a wall of sound, so make sure to crank it up!

Dynamics are Everything

Dynamics are the secret sauce that brings this song to life. You need to really vary your picking dynamics. Make sure your verses are soft and intimate, and build up the intensity of your chorus to maintain the tension. This will help you create a truly captivating performance. Keep an eye on the song's transitions and the shifts in dynamics between the verse, chorus, and bridge.

Using Effects Pedals

Effects pedals can really bring your performance to life. For the clean verses, try experimenting with a chorus pedal and some reverb. This helps create that dreamy atmosphere. For the chorus, using an overdrive or distortion pedal is essential to get that iconic sound.

Tips for Practice and Performance

To really get this song down, here are some tips for practicing and performing "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)". Let's get you set up to go!

Start Slow and Steady

Start slow. The guitar riffs in this song might be easy, but it takes time to get them right. Start by learning the individual riffs slowly, and then gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Play with a metronome to maintain your tempo.

Practice Regularly

Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with the song. Aim for short, focused practice sessions rather than long, grueling ones. Even 15-30 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference. Focus on any difficult sections of the song to improve.

Listen Closely

Listen closely. Don't just rely on the tabs. Listen to the original recording of the song repeatedly. Pay close attention to the nuances of the guitar parts, Chino Moreno's vocals, the drums, and bass. This will give you a better understanding of the song's overall feel and dynamics. The more you listen, the more you’ll internalize the song's structure and feel.

Record Yourself

Record yourself. Recording yourself is one of the best ways to improve your playing. Listen back to your recordings and identify areas for improvement. This helps you identify what needs to be improved in order to elevate your playing.

Conclusion: Your Journey to "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" Mastery

Alright, folks, you're now armed with the knowledge and tools you need to conquer "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"! Remember that learning a song is a journey. It takes time, patience, and practice. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t sound perfect right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there. Remember to have fun, experiment, and make the song your own. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Now go forth, grab your guitar, and start playing! You've got this! And, most importantly, rock on!