Rhiannon Hendricks
Pierce the Veil's 'Hell Above' is a captivating track that showcases intricate guitar work, blending melodic riffs with aggressive rhythms, making it a favorite among fans and guitarists alike. To play this song on guitar, you’ll need to master a mix of techniques, including alternate picking, power chords, and precise finger placement for the song’s signature riffs. The intro features a memorable, fast-paced riff that sets the tone for the entire track, while the verses and choruses alternate between heavy, driving rhythms and more melodic passages. Familiarizing yourself with the song’s structure and practicing at a slower tempo will help you build the speed and accuracy required to nail the intricate details. Additionally, paying attention to the tone and effects used in the original recording can enhance your performance, ensuring you capture the essence of 'Hell Above' on your guitar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song | Hell Above (Pierce the Veil) |
| Tuning | Standard EADGBE |
| Key | E Minor |
| Tempo | 120 BPM |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Techniques | Palm muting, power chords, alternate picking, bends, vibrato |
| Intro/Verse Riff | Based on E minor power chords with palm muting |
| Chorus Progression | Em - C - G - D |
| Bridge | Features a descending chromatic riff and harmonized guitar lines |
| Solo | Mix of pentatonic and blues scales with bends, vibrato, and fast alternate picking |
| Strumming Pattern | Downstroke-heavy for verses, more dynamic in choruses |
| Recommended Gear | Distortion pedal, overdrive, and a guitar with humbuckers |
| Notable Licks | Chromatic runs, pinch harmonics, and fast triplet-based phrases |
| Rhythm Focus | Tight palm muting and syncopated rhythms |
| Lead Focus | Melodic phrasing and expressive bends |
| Tutorial Availability | Widely available on YouTube, Ultimate Guitar, and other platforms |
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What You'll Learn
Chord Progression Breakdown
The chord progression in Pierce the Veil's "Hell Above" is a captivating blend of minor and major chords, creating a dynamic and emotionally charged soundscape. At its core, the progression revolves around the key of E minor, with a strategic shift to its relative major, G major, to evoke contrast and tension. This interplay between minor and major keys is a hallmark of the song’s structure, mirroring its lyrical themes of conflict and resolution. Understanding this foundation is crucial for guitarists aiming to replicate the song’s distinctive feel.
Analyzing the progression reveals a recurring pattern: Em – C – G – D. This sequence is simple yet effective, providing a solid framework for the song’s melodic and rhythmic layers. The Em chord establishes the somber tone, while the C and G chords introduce a sense of movement and hope. The D chord acts as a transitional pivot, bridging the verse and chorus sections seamlessly. Notably, the progression avoids complexity, relying instead on the emotional weight of each chord change to drive the narrative.
To master this progression, start by practicing the chords in isolation, ensuring clean transitions between frets. Focus on maintaining consistent strumming patterns, as the rhythm plays a significant role in the song’s energy. For added authenticity, experiment with palm muting on the Em and C chords to emulate the track’s tight, controlled sound. Advanced players can incorporate arpeggios or hammer-ons during the G and D chords to enhance the progression’s fluidity.
A key takeaway is the progression’s versatility. While the basic Em – C – G – D structure forms the backbone, subtle variations—such as adding a B7 chord for a bluesier edge or incorporating a barre chord progression—can elevate your rendition. These tweaks allow guitarists to personalize the song while staying true to its essence. Ultimately, the chord progression in "Hell Above" is a masterclass in simplicity and emotional depth, offering both beginners and seasoned players a rewarding challenge.
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Main Riff Technique
The main riff of Pierce the Veil's "Hell Above" is a palm-muted, chugging pattern that drives the song's aggressive energy. This technique requires precision and control to achieve the tight, rhythmic sound that defines the riff. Start by positioning your fretting hand to play the power chords (F5, G5, Am5, and C5) on the lower strings. Use your picking hand to alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, ensuring each note is muted by your palm resting lightly on the bridge. The key is to maintain a consistent rhythm, emphasizing the downbeats to create a powerful, mechanical feel.
Analyzing the riff reveals its simplicity and effectiveness. The pattern alternates between two-note groupings, creating a syncopated rhythm that locks in with the drums. To master this, practice slowly at first, focusing on muting the strings completely between each chord. Gradually increase the tempo, using a metronome to ensure accuracy. Pay attention to your picking hand’s angle—a slight tilt toward the bridge enhances muting efficiency. This technique not only shapes the riff’s character but also builds endurance for longer performances.
A common mistake guitarists make when playing this riff is over-muting or under-muting the strings, which can muddy the sound or make it too sharp. To avoid this, experiment with palm pressure—apply enough to dampen unwanted string vibrations but not so much that it stifles the chord’s clarity. Another tip is to use a pick with medium thickness (0.73–0.88 mm), as it strikes a balance between attack and control. For beginners, start with shorter practice sessions (10–15 minutes) to build muscle memory without fatigue.
Comparing this technique to other palm-muted riffs in rock and metal highlights its uniqueness. Unlike the constant eighth-note chugs in songs like Metallica’s "Enter Sandman," "Hell Above" incorporates rests and syncopation, demanding greater rhythmic awareness. To internalize this, isolate the riff’s tricky sections—such as the transition from G5 to Am5—and loop them until they feel natural. Recording yourself can also provide valuable feedback, allowing you to identify inconsistencies in timing or muting.
In conclusion, mastering the main riff of "Hell Above" hinges on precision, control, and rhythmic awareness. By focusing on palm muting, picking technique, and chord transitions, guitarists can replicate the riff’s signature sound. Consistent practice, coupled with attention to detail, will not only help you play the song authentically but also enhance your overall technique for similar styles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this riff offers a rewarding challenge that pays off in both skill and satisfaction.
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Solo Phrasing Tips
The solo in "Hell Above" by Pierce the Veil is a melodic, emotionally charged passage that demands precision and expression. To phrase it effectively, focus on dynamic contrast—alternate between soft, legato passages and aggressive, staccato bursts to mirror the song’s duality of vulnerability and intensity. Use hammer-ons and pull-offs sparingly to maintain clarity, but lean into wide vibrato on sustained notes to inject life into the melody.
Analyzing the solo’s structure reveals a call-and-response pattern between the guitar and the vocal melody. Mimic this interplay by phrasing in short, conversational phrases rather than long, uninterrupted runs. For example, after a rapid triplet sequence, pause briefly to let the note decay naturally, then respond with a bent note that resolves to the chord tone. This creates tension and release, a hallmark of Vic Fuentes’ style.
A persuasive argument for rhythmic variation is its ability to elevate a solo from technical to memorable. Experiment with syncopation—accent off-beat notes or delay resolutions by a fraction. For instance, in the solo’s climax, hold back on the downbeat, then strike the target note on the “and” of the beat. This disrupts predictability and draws the listener’s ear. Pair this with whammy bar dips on key phrases to add vocal-like inflections.
Descriptively, the solo’s phrasing should feel organic, like a monologue. Visualize the story of the song—desperation, defiance, and release—and let it guide your articulation. Use slides to transition between phrases, but avoid overdoing them; they should serve the narrative, not distract from it. For practical application, practice the solo at 75% tempo, exaggerating phrasing choices, then gradually increase speed while maintaining intent.
Comparatively, while many guitarists focus on speed, Pierce the Veil’s solos prioritize emotional resonance. Study how Fuentes uses the minor pentatonic scale not just as a technical framework, but as a vehicle for expression. For instance, in the bridge, he lingers on the minor third and flattened seventh to emphasize the song’s melancholic undertones. Emulate this by prioritizing note choice over speed—let the scale’s inherent tension drive your phrasing decisions.
In conclusion, mastering the solo in "Hell Above" requires a balance of technique and storytelling. Approach it as a dialogue between the guitar and the song’s narrative, using dynamic contrast, rhythmic variation, and intentional note choices to convey emotion. Practice with a metronome, but focus equally on how each phrase serves the larger musical context. The goal isn’t to replicate the solo note-for-note, but to internalize its essence and make it your own.
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Tuning and Setup
To capture the essence of "Hell Above" by Pierce the Veil on guitar, tuning and setup are your foundation. The song primarily uses Drop D tuning (DADGBE), a staple in modern rock and metal for its ability to blend heaviness with melodic flexibility. Drop D allows you to play power chords with a single finger, freeing up your fretting hand for intricate riffs and solos. If your guitar isn’t already in Drop D, lower your 6th string (low E) a whole step to D. Double-check with a tuner to ensure precision—even a slight deviation will throw off the song’s signature sound.
Beyond tuning, your guitar’s setup plays a critical role in playability. Action height is key; lower action makes fast passages easier, but too low can cause fret buzz. Aim for a balance—adjust the truss rod slightly to relieve neck tension if the strings feel too high. String gauge matters too; lighter strings (9s or 10s) are ideal for bending and speed, while heavier strings (11s or 12s) add sustain and tightness. Experiment to find what suits your playing style, but remember: heavier strings require more finger strength and may need higher action to avoid buzzing.
Amplification and effects are part of your setup too. "Hell Above" relies on a high-gain tone with a tight low end and crisp highs. Use a distortion pedal or amp with a gain setting around 70-80%, and dial in a midrange boost to cut through the mix. A noise gate is essential to tame unwanted feedback during pauses. For effects, a subtle chorus or delay can add depth to clean sections, but keep it minimal—the song’s raw energy comes from the guitar’s unfiltered aggression.
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of intonation. Even in Drop D, poor intonation can make chords sound dissonant. Use a chromatic tuner to check each fret on the 6th string; if it’s sharp or flat, adjust the saddle position at the bridge. This step is often skipped but makes a world of difference in achieving the song’s tight, professional sound. With the right tuning and setup, you’ll not only play "Hell Above"—you’ll embody its intensity.
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Strumming Pattern Guide
The strumming pattern in Pierce the Veil's "Hell Above" is a driving force behind the song's energy, blending aggression with melody. To capture this essence, start by anchoring your pattern in downstrokes, emphasizing beats one and three to mirror the track's rhythmic backbone. This foundational approach ensures your playing aligns with the song's intensity, even before layering in more intricate details.
Analyzing the song’s structure reveals a dynamic interplay between palm-muted power chords and open strums, particularly during the chorus. Experiment with a 16th-note pattern, alternating down and upstrokes, to replicate the song’s frenetic pace. However, be mindful of timing—rushing this pattern can muddy the clarity, so use a metronome to maintain precision. The goal is to balance speed with articulation, allowing each note to cut through the mix.
A persuasive argument for mastering this pattern lies in its versatility. Once you’ve internalized the basic down-up alternation, introduce accents on specific beats to mimic the song’s nuances. For instance, accenting the "and" of beat two adds a punch reminiscent of the track’s live performances. This technique not only enhances authenticity but also trains your hand to adapt to varying dynamics, a skill transferable to other songs in your repertoire.
Comparatively, "Hell Above" demands a more aggressive approach than softer Pierce the Veil tracks like "Bulls in the Bronx." While the latter relies on lighter, more fluid strumming, this song thrives on controlled force. Practice transitioning between these styles to broaden your technique. Start slow, focusing on maintaining consistent pressure with your picking hand, then gradually increase speed as your muscle memory solidifies.
Descriptively, imagine your strumming hand as a metronome with attitude—each stroke deliberate yet fluid, like a pendulum swinging with purpose. Visualize the song’s structure as a roadmap: verse sections may call for tighter, more restrained strumming, while choruses invite full-bodied, open movements. This mental imagery can guide your physical execution, ensuring your playing reflects the song’s emotional arc.
In conclusion, mastering the strumming pattern for "Hell Above" requires a blend of precision, adaptability, and intentionality. Start with the basics, layer in accents, and practice transitioning between styles to fully embody the song’s energy. With consistent effort, you’ll not only nail this track but also elevate your overall guitar playing.
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Frequently asked questions
"Hell Above" is typically played in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
The song features palm muting, power chords, and alternate picking. Familiarity with fast rhythm playing is essential.
The intro riff and the fast-paced verse sections require precision and speed. Practice slowly and gradually increase tempo.
A distortion pedal and a touch of reverb or delay will help replicate the song's tone. Focus on a tight, aggressive distortion sound.
