Rhiannon Hendricks
Playing 'Circles' by Pierce the Veil requires a blend of technical precision and emotional expression, as the song’s intricate guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and haunting vocals demand both skill and passion. To master this track, guitarists should focus on the alternating picking patterns and clean chord progressions, while drummers need to balance the driving rhythm with subtle fills to maintain the song’s atmospheric tension. Vocalists must capture Vic Fuentes’ raw, emotive delivery, ensuring every lyric resonates with the song’s themes of longing and introspection. Additionally, understanding the song’s structure—its verse-chorus flow and climactic bridge—is crucial for delivering a cohesive and impactful performance that honors the band’s signature post-hardcore style.
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What You'll Learn
- Understanding the Chords: Learn the basic chord progression and finger placement for the song
- Mastering the Strumming Pattern: Practice the unique strumming rhythm to capture the song’s energy
- Vocal Techniques: Focus on Vic Fuentes’ vocal style, including phrasing and emotion
- Guitar Solo Breakdown: Slow down and memorize the intricate guitar solo section
- Drumming Essentials: Study the drum patterns, especially the fills and tempo changes
Understanding the Chords: Learn the basic chord progression and finger placement for the song
The foundation of "Circles" by Pierce the Veil lies in its deceptively simple chord progression. The song primarily revolves around four chords: C major, G major, A minor, and F major. This sequence, often notated as C - G - Am - F, forms the backbone of the verse and chorus, creating a sense of melancholy and longing that's characteristic of the band's sound.
Mastering these chords requires familiarity with their finger placements. For C major, place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and leave the other strings open. G major demands a barre chord shape: use your index finger to press down all strings at the third fret, then add your middle finger to the fifth fret of the fifth string and your ring finger to the fifth fret of the sixth string. A minor is simpler: place your index finger on the first fret of the B string and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, leaving the other strings open. Finally, F major involves a barre chord with your index finger across the first fret, your middle finger on the second fret of the B string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string.
Practicing these fingerings slowly and deliberately is crucial. Focus on transitioning smoothly between chords, ensuring each note rings out clearly. A metronome can be invaluable for developing consistent timing and precision.
While the core progression is straightforward, "Circles" incorporates subtle variations and embellishments. Pay attention to the rhythm guitar parts, which often add muted strums or palm-muted notes between chord changes. These nuances contribute to the song's dynamic texture and emotional depth. Experiment with different strumming patterns and dynamics to capture the song's full expressive range.
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Mastering the Strumming Pattern: Practice the unique strumming rhythm to capture the song’s energy
The strumming pattern in "Circles" by Pierce the Veil is the heartbeat of the song, driving its emotional intensity and rhythmic complexity. Unlike traditional patterns, it demands precision and a deep understanding of the song’s ebb and flow. To master it, start by isolating the rhythm: listen closely to the track, focusing on the guitar’s upstrokes and downstrokes. Notice how the pattern shifts between sections, mirroring the song’s dynamic transitions. This isn’t just about playing notes—it’s about translating the song’s energy into your fingers.
Begin practicing at half tempo, using a metronome to ensure consistency. Break the pattern into smaller segments, focusing on the trickiest transitions first. For instance, the verse’s alternating down-up strums require a light touch, while the chorus demands more aggression. Record yourself to identify inconsistencies, and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence. A practical tip: mark the downbeats with a slight accent to maintain clarity, especially during faster passages. This methodical approach ensures you’re not just memorizing the pattern but internalizing its rhythm.
Comparing this pattern to others in your repertoire can highlight its uniqueness. Unlike the steady 4/4 strums in many pop songs, "Circles" employs syncopation and irregular accents, creating a sense of urgency. This complexity is what makes it challenging—and rewarding. Think of it as a puzzle: each piece (or strum) contributes to the larger picture. By analyzing how this pattern differs from others, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for its role in shaping the song’s identity.
Finally, remember that mastering this strumming pattern isn’t just about technical proficiency—it’s about emotional expression. The rhythm should feel like a conversation between the guitar and the vocals, mirroring the song’s themes of tension and release. Practice with intention, visualizing the story behind the music. Over time, the pattern will become second nature, allowing you to focus on delivering the song’s raw energy. With patience and persistence, you’ll not only play "Circles"—you’ll embody it.
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Vocal Techniques: Focus on Vic Fuentes’ vocal style, including phrasing and emotion
Vic Fuentes’ vocal delivery in "Circles" by Pierce the Veil is a masterclass in emotional storytelling through phrasing and dynamics. His ability to shift seamlessly between soft, vulnerable tones and powerful, belted notes mirrors the song’s lyrical themes of loss and longing. To replicate this, focus on breath control—practice diaphragmatic breathing to sustain long, emotive phrases like those in the chorus. For example, the line *"I’m running in circles, so what now?"* requires a balance of desperation and restraint, achieved by gradually increasing volume without straining the vocal cords.
A key element of Fuentes’ style is his use of falsetto, which he employs to convey fragility and introspection. In the pre-chorus, his falsetto adds a layer of intimacy, making the lyrics *"I’m losing my mind, I’m falling behind"* feel deeply personal. To master this technique, warm up with lip trills and sirens to smooth the transition between chest and head voice. Avoid pushing too hard; instead, let the falsetto float naturally, maintaining a connected tone throughout.
Phrasing is another critical aspect of Fuentes’ approach. He often elongates certain words or syllables to emphasize emotion, such as stretching the word *"circles"* in the chorus to create a sense of exhaustion and frustration. Experiment with rubato—slightly bending the rhythm to add expressiveness—but ensure it complements the song’s tempo. For instance, in the bridge, subtle pauses between phrases can heighten the tension, making the lyrics *"I’m drowning in the sound of your voice"* more impactful.
Emotion in Fuentes’ vocals is not just about volume or pitch but also about subtlety and nuance. Pay attention to his use of vocal fry and soft whispers in quieter sections, which add texture and vulnerability. These techniques require precision; practice speaking or humming softly to develop control over your lower vocal range. When transitioning to louder sections, maintain a smooth, connected sound by avoiding abrupt changes in tone or volume.
Finally, emotional authenticity is the cornerstone of Fuentes’ performance. To truly capture his style, immerse yourself in the song’s narrative. Record yourself singing and listen for moments where the emotion feels forced or disconnected. Adjust by focusing on the story behind the lyrics—imagine the pain of being trapped in a cycle of grief and longing. This mental engagement will translate into a more compelling and genuine vocal delivery, bringing "Circles" to life in your own interpretation.
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Guitar Solo Breakdown: Slow down and memorize the intricate guitar solo section
The guitar solo in "Circles" by Pierce the Veil is a technical masterpiece, demanding precision and patience. Attempting to play it at full speed initially will only lead to frustration and muscle memory of mistakes. Instead, slow it down—drastically. Use a tool like a metronome or a speed trainer app to reduce the tempo to 50% or even 25% of the original speed. This allows you to isolate each note, bend, and hammer-on, ensuring you’re executing them correctly before building speed.
Analyzing the solo reveals a blend of legato techniques, rapid alternate picking, and precise string skipping. Break it into 4-6 measure phrases, focusing on one phrase at a time. For example, the opening phrase often features a descending chromatic run followed by a wide bend. Memorize the fingering for each phrase, then practice transitioning between them seamlessly. Record yourself playing each phrase slowly to identify inconsistencies in timing or tone. This methodical approach not only builds accuracy but also helps internalize the solo’s structure.
Memorization is key, but it’s not just about recalling notes—it’s about embedding the solo’s feel and dynamics into your muscle memory. Use visualization techniques: close your eyes and imagine your fingers moving across the fretboard, hearing the solo in your mind. Pair this with physical practice, repeating problematic sections until they become second nature. A practical tip: write out the solo in tablature form by hand, even if you already have a tab. This reinforces your understanding of the solo’s layout and helps you spot patterns or recurring motifs.
Finally, resist the urge to rush the process. The solo’s complexity lies in its intricate details, and speed will come naturally with time. Celebrate small victories, like mastering a particularly tricky lick or achieving consistency in a phrase. Once you’ve memorized and perfected the solo at a slower tempo, gradually increase the speed, ensuring you maintain clarity and precision. By the time you reach the original tempo, the solo will feel fluid and effortless, a testament to your dedication and patience.
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Drumming Essentials: Study the drum patterns, especially the fills and tempo changes
The drum patterns in "Circles" by Pierce the Veil are a masterclass in dynamics and precision, demanding both technical skill and emotional expression. Start by isolating the main groove, a driving 4/4 pattern that anchors the song’s energy. Notice how the snare and kick work in tandem, creating a foundation that’s both steady and propulsive. This isn’t just a background beat—it’s the heartbeat of the track, and mastering it requires meticulous attention to timing and consistency. Use a metronome to ensure your eighth notes are razor-sharp, especially during the verses where the rhythm feels deceptively simple.
Next, dissect the fills, which are where the song’s personality shines. The fills in "Circles" aren’t just flashy embellishments; they serve as transitions, punctuating shifts in mood and intensity. Focus on the toms and cymbals, particularly the crash cymbal, which is used sparingly but effectively. Practice these fills at half tempo, breaking them into smaller phrases to understand their structure. For example, the fill leading into the chorus often involves a quick triplet on the snare followed by a splash cymbal hit—a small detail that adds immense impact. Record yourself to ensure each fill is clean and purposeful, not rushed or sloppy.
Tempo changes in "Circles" are subtle but crucial, requiring a keen ear and control. The pre-chorus, for instance, slightly accelerates to build tension before dropping into the explosive chorus. To master this, practice gradual tempo shifts using a metronome, increasing the BPM by 2-3 clicks over four bars. This exercise trains your internal clock to adapt smoothly without losing the groove. Pay attention to how the drummer maintains the same note values while adjusting the feel—it’s a delicate balance that elevates the song’s emotional arc.
Finally, integrate these elements into the full song, focusing on transitions. The shift from verse to chorus, for example, isn’t just a change in dynamics but a complete transformation in energy. Practice this transition repeatedly, ensuring the fill leading into the chorus is tight and the tempo change is seamless. Remember, the goal isn’t just to replicate the pattern but to understand its role in the song’s narrative. By studying these drum essentials—groove, fills, and tempo changes—you’ll not only play "Circles" authentically but also develop skills applicable to any complex drumming challenge.
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Frequently asked questions
"Circles" is typically played in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
The main riff uses a steady down-up strumming pattern with emphasis on the downstrokes for a driving rhythm.
The solo incorporates fast alternate picking, bends, and vibrato. A distortion pedal and slight reverb can help achieve the signature tone.
