You're (PROBABLY) Playing "Down" by 311 Wrong

Watch Nick Hexum of the iconic band 311 show you how to play "Down" the RIGHT way.

Watch the FULL Riff Lords episode with Nick Hexum over at @gibsonguitar now!

In this excerpt from Riff Lords with Nick Hexum of 311, we get to see EXACTLY how to play the iconic track "Down" from their 1995 self-titled album, often called the "Blue album." Nick breaks down the song in detail including the chord progressions, timings and the little nuances that other lessons fail to notice! Get a closer look at his unique guitar techniques and the effects he uses to make that funky riff that you love, pop. In the FULL 311 “down” guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play the track correctly, get a mini gear guide, and hear some trivia on why and how they wrote the song—HINT: they wanted to rock the crowd and have an amazing show closer!

Keen eyes (and ears) may know that although the original recording was played on a Gibson Les Paul, but here Nick uses his customized mini Walnut Gibson ES guitar in this lesson, explaining how it helps achieve the distinctive tone heard on the album but gives him the freedom to move because of its lighter weight. He also reveals how influences like Helmet shaped the song's heavy riff rock sound. From nailing the G to A transition to mastering the chorus played in E Major, Nick methodically breaks down the key elements that make "Down" so recognizable. Plus, you'll learn the essential offbeat accents and the mosh-pit bouncing “rock-out session” that brings the song's energy to life.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to play "Down" by 311 the right way, this lesson, straight from the guitarist who wrote it, is for you!


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