Hey guitar enthusiasts! Ever found yourself completely captivated by Deftones' iconic track, "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"? The song is a masterpiece of atmospheric rock, and its driving rhythms and soaring melodies are instantly recognizable. If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours trying to nail that perfect guitar sound. Well, you're in luck, because we're diving deep into how to play "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" on the guitar, breaking down the tabs, and uncovering some insider tips to make your playing sound awesome. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Allure: Why 'Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)' Still Rocks

First off, let's talk about why this song is so darn good. "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" isn't just a collection of notes; it's an experience. The song's ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with a sense of dreamy melancholy is a testament to Deftones' genius. The guitar parts, in particular, are crucial to this. They create the song's energy, from the pounding rhythm of the verses to the anthemic chorus. The interplay between the rhythm and lead guitars builds a sonic landscape that is both powerful and emotionally resonant.

So, before even touching a guitar, understanding the song's mood is essential. Think about the feeling of driving late at night, the open road, and the mix of freedom and introspection. That's the vibe you're aiming for! The song's structure is relatively straightforward, but the nuances are where the magic lies. Mastering those nuances—the bends, the vibrato, the palm-muted rhythms—is what will separate you from the pack and make your playing really shine.

What's even cooler is that this song is a fantastic learning tool for guitarists of all levels. Beginner players can start with the basic chords and rhythm, while more experienced players can focus on the intricate lead lines and guitar effects. Deftones often uses a unique tuning in their songs, and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" is no exception. This might seem a little intimidating, but it is super rewarding when you can learn the song. Don't worry, we'll cover the tuning soon! This is where you get to experiment and find your own sound. Trust me, it's worth the effort!

Essential Gear for the Drive: Guitar, Tuning, and Effects

Alright, gearheads, let's talk about what you'll need to get that sweet Deftones sound. First and foremost, you need a guitar. Pretty obvious, right? Any electric guitar will work, but you'll probably want something with humbucker pickups for that thick, powerful tone. If you are not into a guitar with humbucker pickups, a guitar with single-coil pickups can be used to. If your guitar does not have humbucker pickups, don't worry, the sound will be similar, but not exactly the same.

Now, for the crucial part: the tuning. Deftones often uses alternate tunings to create their signature sound. For "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)," the tuning is C# standard. This means you tune your guitar strings as follows (from low to high): C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#. This tuning is a half step down from D standard. Don't worry if it sounds strange at first; it takes some getting used to. Once you start playing, you will understand. If you're not used to tuning your guitar by ear, there are plenty of online tuners or tuning apps that can help you get it right. Having a tuner on hand is essential for any guitarist, so you can check your tuning during practice.

Next up: effects. Chino Moreno's guitar tone is full of effects, and these are essential to re-creating the song's atmosphere. You'll definitely want distortion or overdrive for the main riffs. A delay pedal is also super important, especially for the lead parts. Experiment with different delay times and settings to match the song's vibe. Finally, a chorus or flanger pedal can add some extra depth and texture to your sound, especially for those dreamy clean sections. Don't have all the gear? No problem! Most digital amps and effects modelers have built-in effects that can get you pretty close. The important thing is to experiment and find the sound that works for you!

Decoding the Tabs: Step-by-Step Guitar Tab Breakdown

Okay, time to dive into the tabs. I'll provide a simplified version to get you started, and then we'll break down the more complex parts. Remember, there are tons of online resources with tabs, but not all of them are accurate. It's always best to listen to the song and try to play along to make sure you're getting the right notes. Start slow, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Trust me, patience is key.

Verse: The verse riff is based around a simple, palm-muted rhythm. The main chords used here are mostly power chords, which are easy to play. Focus on keeping your palm muted and playing in time with the drums. This section sets the song's driving energy. Remember to keep the rhythm tight! Let's get into a simplified tab:

C#|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
G#|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
E |-------------------------------------------------------------------|
B |-------------------------------------------------------------------|
F#|--4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0--------------|
C#|--4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0--------------|

Chorus: The chorus is where the song really takes off. This section is where the main melody and harmonies come in. If you want to play along, search the chorus sections on the internet.

Lead Guitar: The lead guitar parts in "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" are where things get interesting. The lead parts are what adds a layer of depth to the sound. Chino's lead playing is melodic and atmospheric, with a lot of bends, vibrato, and use of the pentatonic scale. If you are learning, focus on getting the bends and vibrato right.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Learning and Playing

Alright, let's talk about some tips to help you master "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)." First and foremost: practice consistently. Even short, focused practice sessions are much more effective than long, infrequent ones. Set aside some time each day or a few times a week, and stick to it. Consistency is key! Another important tip is to listen carefully. Really listen to the song and try to play along. Pay attention to the details: the timing, the dynamics, the nuances of the guitar parts. This will help you internalize the song and improve your playing.

Use a metronome: A metronome is your best friend when learning any song. Start playing the song at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. This will help you develop your timing and accuracy. This also helps with the tricky parts! And don't be afraid to break the song down into smaller sections. Focus on learning one part at a time, and then put it all together. This will make the learning process less overwhelming and more manageable. You can also experiment with different fingerings and techniques. Find what works best for you and your style of playing.

Record yourself playing! Listening to yourself play is a great way to identify areas for improvement. You can also use this to track your progress. And finally, have fun! Playing guitar should be enjoyable. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there. Before you know it, you'll be rocking out to "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" like a pro!

Beyond the Tabs: Enhancing Your Performance

So, you've learned the chords and riffs, now what? Here are some ways to take your performance to the next level. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song. "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" has a wide range of dynamics, from the quiet, introspective verses to the explosive choruses. Use your volume knob and your picking hand to control the dynamics and make your playing more expressive. Experiment with effects. Effects are a huge part of this song's sound. Try different combinations of distortion, delay, and chorus to find the sound that you like best. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Also, consider your stage presence. This goes beyond the music itself. What are you going to do when playing? Do you want to sing? Maybe you want to practice headbanging. All of these things should be carefully considered to make sure you have the best possible performance. If you are playing in a band, talk to your bandmates, and decide what to do. Maybe you'll work together as a team! And finally, have confidence. Believe in yourself and your abilities. This is something that comes with time. The more you play, the better you'll get. Be confident in what you are doing.

Advanced Techniques: Adding Your Personal Touch

Alright, let's get into some advanced techniques. If you want to add your own personal touch, you will have to level up your techniques. Now that you have the basics down, you can start experimenting with some advanced techniques to add your own flair to the song. If you have done this before, you can start doing this right away.

Vibrato: Vibrato is a slight, rapid fluctuation in pitch that adds expression to your playing. Practice your vibrato on the sustained notes in the lead lines. Try different vibrato styles—wide, narrow, fast, slow—and see what sounds best. Bends: Bends are a staple of rock guitar playing. Practice bending the strings to the correct pitch. Alternate Picking: Using alternate picking can help you speed up your playing and improve your accuracy. Practice alternating downstrokes and upstrokes on the strings. This will make your playing sound and feel smoother, and you will be able to play the song more fluently!

Continuing the Journey: Exploring More Deftones

So, you've conquered "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"! Congrats! Now that you've got a taste of Deftones' music, why not explore more of their awesome tunes? They have a bunch of great songs that are perfect for learning and playing. Other awesome songs from the album Around the Fur include "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Lhabia." These songs also feature interesting guitar parts and showcase Deftones' unique sound. If you are into their music, then you can learn the songs.

Don't be afraid to explore their other albums, too! "White Pony" is a masterpiece, and "Koi No Yokan" is another great example of their evolving sound. Each album has something different to offer. The more you listen to and play Deftones' music, the better you'll understand their style and the more fun you'll have!

Final Thoughts: Rock On!

There you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to learning "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" on the guitar. We've covered everything from the tuning and gear to the tabs, practice tips, and advanced techniques. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and start rocking out. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep exploring the amazing world of music. Now go out there, be quiet, and drive (far away)! Rock on!