Franklin Dean
Playing Fallen Angels by Black Veil Brides on guitar requires a solid understanding of both rhythm and lead techniques. The song features a mix of heavy, driving power chords and melodic, emotional solos that capture the band’s signature sound. To start, focus on mastering the main riff, which alternates between palm-muted power chords and open string accents, creating a dynamic and aggressive foundation. The solo sections demand precision and expression, blending fast alternate picking with bends and vibrato to convey the song’s dramatic flair. Familiarize yourself with the song’s structure, including the verse, chorus, and bridge progressions, as well as the key changes that add depth to the composition. Practice at a slower tempo initially to ensure accuracy, gradually increasing speed as you build muscle memory. Listening closely to the original recording will help you capture the nuances of Andy Biersack’s vocal phrasing and Jake Pitts’ guitar work, ensuring your rendition stays true to the spirit of the track. With dedication and attention to detail, you’ll be able to play Fallen Angels with the intensity and emotion it deserves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song | Fallen Angels by Black Veil Brides |
| Tuning | Standard EADGBE (most tutorials suggest this, though some variations exist) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Techniques | Power chords, palm muting, alternate picking, bends, vibrato |
| Tempo | 120 BPM (approximate) |
| Key | E minor |
| Chords Used | Em, C, G, D, Am, B7 (primarily power chords) |
| Riff Structure | Intro riff, verse riff, chorus riff, bridge riff, solo section |
| Solo Style | Melodic, blues-influenced, with bends and vibrato |
| Equipment | Electric guitar, distortion pedal (optional), amplifier |
| Tutorial Availability | Numerous YouTube tutorials, guitar tabs on websites like Ultimate Guitar |
| Popular Tutorials | JustinGuitar, GuitarLessons365, other independent instructors |
| Additional Notes | Focus on clean palm muting and precise alternate picking for the main riffs. The solo requires practice for smooth bends and vibrato. |
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What You'll Learn
- Chord Progression Basics: Learn the main chords and their sequence in the song
- Strumming Pattern Guide: Master the rhythmic strumming pattern for the verses and chorus
- Riff Breakdown: Analyze and practice the iconic guitar riff step-by-step
- Solo Techniques: Study the lead guitar solo and essential techniques to play it
- Tuning & Setup: Ensure your guitar is tuned correctly and set up for the song
Chord Progression Basics: Learn the main chords and their sequence in the song
Understanding the chord progression of "Fallen Angels" by Black Veil Brides is the foundation for mastering the song on guitar. The track primarily revolves around a sequence of four chords, each playing a pivotal role in creating its haunting yet melodic atmosphere. These chords are typically E minor (Em), C, G, and D, which are staples in many rock and acoustic songs due to their versatility and emotional resonance. By breaking down their sequence, you can grasp the song’s structure and begin to play it with confidence.
Analyzing the progression reveals a pattern that repeats throughout the verses and chorus, with slight variations in strumming intensity or rhythm. The Em chord often serves as the anchor, setting the song’s melancholic tone, while the C, G, and D chords provide contrast and movement. For instance, transitioning from Em to C creates a sense of resolution, while moving to G or D adds tension or uplift. Recognizing these relationships helps you anticipate shifts in the song and play more fluidly.
To practice this progression effectively, start by memorizing the chord shapes and ensuring smooth transitions between them. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo, beginning at a slower pace (e.g., 60 BPM) and gradually increasing speed as you gain proficiency. Focus on strumming patterns that match the song’s dynamics—softer strums for verses and more pronounced beats for the chorus. Experiment with palm muting to achieve the song’s signature gritty texture.
A practical tip is to isolate challenging transitions, such as moving from C to G, and practice them in repetition until they feel natural. Recording yourself playing the progression can also highlight areas for improvement, such as timing inconsistencies or muted strings. Pairing this practice with listening to the original track ensures your interpretation stays true to the song’s essence.
Mastering the chord progression of "Fallen Angels" not only allows you to play the song but also builds foundational skills applicable to other pieces. The Em-C-G-D sequence is a gateway to understanding common rock and acoustic structures, making it a valuable investment for any guitarist. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you’ll soon be able to capture the song’s emotional depth and technical precision.
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Strumming Pattern Guide: Master the rhythmic strumming pattern for the verses and chorus
The verses of "Fallen Angels" by Black Veil Brides rely on a driving, downstroke-heavy strumming pattern that propels the song's anthemic feel. Start by anchoring your hand with a firm grip on the pick, using a combination of wrist and forearm motion for control. The pattern typically alternates between downstrokes on the downbeat and a muted upstroke on the "and" counts, creating a rhythmic pulse that mirrors the song's urgency. For example, if you count "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and," the downstrokes fall on the numbers, while the muted upstrokes add texture on the "and" beats. Practice this at a slow tempo initially, ensuring each downstroke is crisp and each muted upstroke is consistent.
Transitioning to the chorus requires a shift in dynamics and emphasis. Here, the strumming pattern often opens up, incorporating fuller upstrokes to match the chorus's soaring melody. Instead of muting the upstrokes, allow them to ring out, creating a fuller sound that complements the vocal line. Experiment with varying the intensity of your strums—accentuate the first beat of each measure to emphasize the chorus's anthemic quality. For instance, on the count of "1," strike the strings with slightly more force, letting the chord resonate before continuing the pattern. This subtle change in dynamics can make the chorus feel more impactful.
A common mistake when mastering this song's strumming patterns is overthinking the rhythm. Instead of counting every beat mentally, focus on internalizing the groove by listening to the song repeatedly. Pay attention to how the guitar meshes with the drums—the strumming pattern should feel like a natural extension of the drumbeat. Use a metronome to practice keeping time, starting at a slower tempo (around 80 BPM) and gradually increasing speed as you gain confidence. This approach not only improves your timing but also helps you feel the song's rhythm intuitively.
Finally, incorporate palm muting to add depth and control to your strumming. For the verses, lightly rest the heel of your picking hand on the bridge of the guitar, muting the strings slightly to achieve a tighter, more controlled sound. In the chorus, lift your hand slightly to allow the chords to ring out fully. This technique not only enhances the contrast between the verse and chorus but also ensures your strumming remains dynamic and expressive. With consistent practice, these strumming patterns will become second nature, allowing you to focus on the emotion and energy of the song.
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Riff Breakdown: Analyze and practice the iconic guitar riff step-by-step
The opening riff of Black Veil Brides' "Fallen Angels" is a deceptively simple yet incredibly effective hook. Built on a foundation of power chords and a driving rhythm, it encapsulates the song's anthemic energy. To truly master this riff, we'll dissect its components, analyze its structure, and provide a practice roadmap.
Understanding the Anatomy
The riff primarily utilizes three power chords: D5, C5, and B5. These chords are played in a descending sequence, creating a sense of downward momentum. The rhythm is crucial – a steady eighth note pulse drives the riff forward, with a slight palm mute adding a percussive edge. Pay close attention to the strumming pattern: downstrokes on the first and third beats, with a muted upstroke on the "and" of each beat. This creates a chugging, mechanical feel that's signature to the song.
Breaking it Down: Step-by-Step Practice
- Isolate the Chords: Begin by practicing the individual power chords (D5, C5, B5) until you can transition between them smoothly and cleanly. Focus on fretting hand placement and ensuring each note rings out clearly.
- Master the Rhythm: Use a metronome to solidify the eighth note rhythm. Start at a slower tempo (around 80 BPM) and gradually increase speed as you gain confidence. Practice alternating downstrokes and muted upstrokes, emphasizing precision and consistency.
- Combine Chords and Rhythm: Once comfortable with both elements separately, bring them together. Start slowly, ensuring the chord changes align perfectly with the rhythmic pattern.
- Add Palm Muting: Introduce palm muting to achieve the characteristic "chug." Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge. Experiment with the amount of pressure to find the right balance between muted and open sound.
- Build Speed and Dynamics: Gradually increase the tempo, aiming for the song's original speed. Experiment with slight variations in dynamics – accenting certain beats or chords to add expression.
Refining Your Technique
Pay attention to your picking hand posture. Keep your wrist relaxed and use a combination of wrist and elbow movement for efficient picking. Avoid tensing up, as this will hinder your speed and accuracy.
The Payoff
Mastering this riff not only allows you to play along with "Fallen Angels," but also equips you with fundamental skills applicable to countless other rock and metal songs. The combination of power chords, rhythmic precision, and palm muting is a cornerstone of the genre. By breaking down the riff step-by-step and practicing diligently, you'll not only learn a great song but also enhance your overall guitar playing.
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Solo Techniques: Study the lead guitar solo and essential techniques to play it
The lead guitar solo in Black Veil Brides' "Fallen Angels" is a showcase of technical precision and emotional expression. To master it, begin by breaking the solo into manageable sections, analyzing each phrase for its unique techniques and patterns. Pay close attention to the interplay between hammer-ons, pull-offs, and bends, as these elements form the backbone of the solo’s fluidity. Use a metronome to practice at a slower tempo initially, gradually increasing speed as accuracy improves. This methodical approach ensures you internalize the mechanics without sacrificing the solo’s melodic integrity.
One essential technique in this solo is the wide vibrato, which adds a vocal-like quality to sustained notes. Experiment with varying vibrato speeds and widths to match Andy Biersack’s emotive delivery. For example, during the higher-pitched bends, apply a slower, wider vibrato to emphasize the tension and release. Conversely, tighter vibrato works well for quicker passages, maintaining clarity and precision. Practice this technique in isolation before integrating it into the full solo to ensure consistency.
Another critical aspect is the use of legato phrasing, which creates a seamless, singing tone. Focus on smooth transitions between notes, relying heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs to eliminate picking noise. For instance, the descending runs in the middle section of the solo benefit from a legato approach, as it enhances the fluidity and melodic flow. Pair this with controlled string bending to achieve the signature BVB sound. Remember, the goal is to make each note “speak” without harshness, mimicking the vocal-like quality of the original performance.
To elevate your performance, incorporate subtle dynamics into the solo. Notice how certain phrases build in intensity before resolving softly—replicate this by varying your picking force and touch. For example, during the climactic bends, start with a lighter touch and gradually increase pressure to create a swelling effect. This dynamic control adds depth and emotion, making the solo feel more alive. Experiment with these nuances during practice sessions, recording yourself to identify areas for refinement.
Finally, study the solo’s structure to understand its storytelling arc. The solo begins with a melodic statement, builds through intricate runs, and concludes with a powerful resolution. Mimic this progression in your practice by focusing on phrasing and intent. Ask yourself: How does each section contribute to the overall narrative? By approaching the solo as a cohesive piece rather than a collection of licks, you’ll not only play it accurately but also convey its emotional essence. This holistic understanding transforms technical execution into a compelling performance.
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Tuning & Setup: Ensure your guitar is tuned correctly and set up for the song
Before diving into the intricate riffs and haunting melodies of Black Veil Brides' "Fallen Angels," your guitar must be a reliable ally, not a source of frustration. Proper tuning and setup are the foundation of any performance, ensuring that every note resonates with clarity and precision. Start by tuning your guitar to the standard EADGBE configuration, unless the song specifically requires an alternative tuning. Use an electronic tuner or a reliable tuning app to achieve accuracy, especially if you're playing with a band or recording. Even a slight deviation can throw off the entire sound, making it crucial to double-check each string.
Once tuning is locked in, consider the setup of your guitar. The action—the height of the strings above the fretboard—plays a significant role in playability. For "Fallen Angels," which features both rhythmic chords and fast-paced riffs, a medium-low action is ideal. It allows for quick fretting without causing buzzing, while still providing enough string tension for clean bends and vibrato. If your guitar’s action feels too high or too low, consult a professional luthier or adjust it yourself if you’re experienced. Remember, a well-set-up guitar not only sounds better but also reduces strain on your fingers, making practice sessions more productive.
Another critical aspect of setup is intonation, which ensures that your guitar plays in tune across the entire fretboard. Poor intonation can make even the most perfectly tuned open strings sound discordant when fretted. To check intonation, play the 12th fret harmonic on each string and compare it to the fretted note at the same position. If they don’t match, adjust the saddle position at the bridge until they do. This process requires patience and precision but is essential for achieving the professional sound needed for a song like "Fallen Angels."
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of string gauge and condition. Fresh strings can make a world of difference in tone and playability. For this song, consider using a medium or hybrid gauge set, which strikes a balance between flexibility and stability. Old, worn-out strings not only sound dull but can also affect tuning stability and make bending more difficult. Change your strings regularly, especially if you practice frequently, and always stretch them properly after installation to prevent tuning drift during play.
In summary, tuning and setup are not mere preliminaries but integral steps in mastering "Fallen Angels" on guitar. A well-tuned, properly set-up instrument transforms the learning process, allowing you to focus on technique and expression rather than fighting against your gear. Invest time in these foundational elements, and you’ll find that every chord, riff, and solo comes to life with the dark, anthemic energy that defines Black Veil Brides’ signature sound.
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Frequently asked questions
The song is typically played in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
The song primarily uses power chords, with a focus on E5, C5, G5, and D5.
Yes, the rhythm guitar follows a steady downstroke pattern with occasional palm muting for a heavier sound.
The song features a memorable riff in the intro and verses, but no extended solos. Focus on mastering the riff and rhythm sections.
