Mastering the Guitar Parts in Pixies' 'Hey'
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Pixies: A Brief Overview
- "Hey" Song Analysis
- Verse: Chord Cycle and Riff
- Chorus: Barre Chords
- Unison Bending in the Chorus
- Solo: Melodic and Dissonant
- Additional Lead Guitar Parts
- Achieving the Pixies' Sound
- Gear Used in the Lesson
- Telecaster for Frank Black's Parts
- Les Paul for Joey Santiago's Parts
- Effects: Tremolo and Reverb
- Distortion: Overdrive Pedal
- Switching Between Pickup Sounds
- Conclusion
🎸 The Pixies: Exploring the Song "Hey"
The Pixies have left an indelible mark on the world of alternative indie music. Their unique blend of loud and quiet dynamics, influential songwriting, and innovative guitar work has inspired countless bands and artists. In this lesson, we will delve into one of their most beloved tracks, "Hey." From the mesmerizing verse riff to the unison bending in the chorus and the captivating solo, we will break down every aspect of the song's guitar parts. Additionally, we will analyze the gear used to achieve the distinctive Pixies sound. So grab your guitar, and let's dive into the world of the Pixies!
Introduction
Before we explore the intricacies of the song "Hey," let's take a moment to understand the impact and significance of the Pixies in the music industry. With their second album, "Doolittle," released in 1989, the Pixies solidified their position as a highly influential band. Artists like Nirvana drew inspiration from the Pixies' loud-quiet dynamic, revolutionizing the alternative music landscape. The Pixies' unique sound and songwriting style have paved the way for many other bands to explore the realms of alternative indie music.
The Pixies: A Brief Overview
The Pixies' contribution to the world of music cannot be overstated. Their distinctive style, characterized by a blend of punk, surf rock, and alternative rock elements, has resonated with audiences and artists alike. Their influence can be heard in the works of bands from the '90s alternative scene to modern indie rock. The Pixies' legacy is an integral part of the fabric of the music we enjoy today.
"Hey" Song Analysis
Verse: Chord Cycle and Riff
The verse of "Hey" introduces a captivating chord cycle that sets the foundation for the song. The cycle comprises four chords: G, F# (F sharp), B minor, and D. While the verse seems to start on the B minor chord, careful listening reveals that the cycle actually begins with the G chord. The guitar's role in suggesting the overall harmony is crucial, with the bass complementing the chords.
The verse riff is played on the top three strings and utilizes a modified D chord shape. By barring the top three strings with the first finger on the second fret, the riff comes alive. Hammer-ons and muted scratches give the riff its distinctive character. Remember, it's more important to capture the groove and rhythm of the riff rather than obsessing over precise note reproduction.
Chorus: Barre Chords
The chorus of "Hey" takes a more straightforward approach, relying on power chords. The three-chord cycle consists of G, E minor, and B minor. The Pixies' trademark contrasting guitar parts come into play here, with one guitar playing barre chords and the other guitar adding depth and texture.
Unison Bending in the Chorus
Joey Santiago's iconic guitar parts in the chorus involve unison bending. This technique, a staple of the alternative indie guitar sound, creates a harmonically rich and dissonant texture. Unison bending occurs when two identical notes are played simultaneously, with one note being bent to match the pitch of the other. Santiago expertly leverages this technique, embracing the dissonance and creating intriguing sonic landscapes.
Solo: Melodic and Dissonant
The solo in "Hey" is a captivating display of melody and dissonance. Beginning with subtle notes at the seventh fret on the third string, the solo gradually ascends the fretboard. It showcases the b minor pentatonic scale and features a chromatic run of notes, offering a touch of musical complexity. The use of unison bends adds an additional layer of intensity and dissonant beauty to the solo.
Additional Lead Guitar Parts
Throughout "Hey," Joey Santiago's guitar work is a testament to his creativity and musicianship. While he lays low during the verses, he emerges with unison bending in the choruses and adds tremolo-picked lines in the final verse. Each lead guitar part complements the song's overall structure, bringing a unique sonic character to the mix.
Achieving the Pixies' Sound
If you're inspired by the Pixies' sound, you may wonder how to replicate it. While gear alone cannot magically transform you into Frank Black or Joey Santiago, a careful selection of equipment can help you channel their distinctive tones. Let's explore the gear used in this lesson and how it contributes to the Pixies' sound.
Gear Used in the Lesson
To create an authentic Pixies sound, it's essential to consider the gear used by Frank Black and Joey Santiago. Frank Black's parts are best approached with a Telecaster guitar, set on the middle pickup for the verse riff. The Vox AC30 amplifier provides the perfect platform for capturing the Pixies' signature jangly and dynamic sound. Adding subtle effects, such as tremolo and reverb, can enhance the overall tone and create the desired atmosphere.
On the other hand, Joey Santiago's sound is more distorted and biting. For his parts, we turn to a Les Paul guitar, paired with the Vox AC30 amplifier. To achieve the grit and drive necessary for his leads and chorus, an overdrive pedal like the J Rocket Archer is employed. Switching between the neck and bridge pickups on the Les Paul allows for a seamless transition between warm, melodic tones and biting, aggressive elements.
Effects: Tremolo and Reverb
To capture the nuances of the Pixies' sound, incorporating effects is crucial. The Pixies often utilized tremolo to add texture and movement to their guitar parts. The Full Tone Super Trem pedal, set to a subtle intensity, can help replicate this effect.
Additionally, reverb plays a vital role in creating the Pixies' atmospheric sound. Since the Vox AC30 amplifier used in this lesson lacks built-in reverb, the Strymon Blue Sky pedal offers a solution. Selecting a subtle room reverb setting can add depth and enhance the overall sonic experience.
Distortion: Overdrive Pedal
When it comes to capturing Joey Santiago's biting lead guitar and chorus tones, an overdrive pedal becomes indispensable. The J Rocket Archer pedal, known for its transparent overdrive capabilities, can help achieve the desired distortion while preserving the essence of your guitar's sound. Experimenting with the gain settings allows you to dial in the level of grit and aggression that suits your rendition of the Pixies' music.
Switching Between Pickup Sounds
One of the advantages of using a Les Paul guitar in Pixies-style music is the ability to switch between different pickup sounds. The neck pickup delivers warm, mellow tones, while the bridge pickup provides a brighter and more aggressive character. Utilizing the pickup selector switch allows you to seamlessly transition between different sonic palettes, enhancing the versatility and authenticity of your Pixies-inspired playing.
Conclusion
The Pixies' legacy in the alternative indie music scene remains unparalleled. Their unique style, captivating songwriting, and innovative guitar work have inspired and influenced generations of artists. By delving into their song "Hey," we have explored the intricate guitar parts and analyzed the gear used to achieve their distinctive sound. Armed with this knowledge, you can embark on your own Pixies-inspired musical journey, paying homage to one of the most influential bands of our time. So grab your guitar, turn up the volume, and let the Pixies' spirit guide your playing. Rock on!
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Highlights:
- The Pixies' "Hey": Exploring the captivating song's guitar parts
- Unlocking the secrets of Frank Black and Joey Santiago's distinctive tones
- Analyzing the verse riff, chorus power chords, unison bending, and mesmerizing solo
- Understanding the gear used to recreate the Pixies' iconic sound
- Embracing the creativity and innovation of one of alternative indie music's most influential bands
FAQ
Q: How can I achieve the Pixies' unique sound with my own gear?
A: While gear alone cannot guarantee an exact replication of the Pixies' sound, you can get close by using a Telecaster or Les Paul guitar, a Vox AC30 amplifier, and essential effects such as tremolo and reverb. Experimenting with different pickup configurations and overdrive pedals can also help you capture the essence of their distinctive tones.
Q: What techniques should I focus on to play the guitar parts in "Hey"?
A: Understanding the verse riff, mastering power chords for the chorus, practicing unison bending, and developing melodic and dissonant soloing skills are crucial to playing the guitar parts in "Hey." Pay special attention to groove, rhythm, and the Pixies' characteristic dynamics for an authentic performance.
Q: What other influential bands have been inspired by the Pixies?
A: The Pixies' impact extends far beyond their own discography. Bands like Nirvana drew inspiration from the Pixies' loud-quiet dynamic, incorporating it into their own seminal sound. Countless artists from the '90s alternative scene and modern indie rock owe a debt of gratitude to the Pixies for shaping the landscape of alternative music.
Q: Are there any specific album recommendations for exploring the Pixies' discography further?
A: If you are new to the Pixies, their album "Doolittle" is a fantastic starting point. It features "Hey" and provides an excellent overview of their influential sound. Additionally, "Surfer Rosa" and "Come On Pilgrim" are highly regarded albums that showcase the Pixies at the peak of their creative powers.
Q: Can you recommend any other guitarists that capture the spirit of the Pixies' sound?
A: Beyond Frank Black and Joey Santiago's influential guitar work, you may also enjoy the music of artists like Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. These musicians explore similar sonic territories and can provide further inspiration for your Pixies-inspired guitar playing.
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