Conquering L.A.: A Totally Rad Guide to Playing "Los Angeles" by X
You've heard the song, a punk rock anthem about leaving the City of Angels (and possibly developing a mild case of sunburn). Now, you're itching to unleash your inner Exene Cervenka and shred along. But fear not, fellow garage band warrior, for this guide will turn you from a nervous newbie to a Sunset Strip sensation.
Gear Up, Dude (or Dudette!)
First things first, you'll need some essential tools for your sonic escape from L.A.
- A six-string stallion (or a trusty acoustic): Electric guitar preferred for that classic X sound, but don't despair if acoustics are your jam. Just crank up the angst a notch.
- An amp that won't complain (too much): Your neighbors might, but that's a story for another time.
- A pick that's seen some action (or at least isn't a flimsy freebie): Channel your inner rock god with a pick that can handle the downstrokes.
Bonus points: A bandana tied around your forehead (absorbs sweat, looks cool), ripped jeans (essential for any punk rock pilgrimage), and a healthy disregard for volume control.
Untangling the L.A. Licks
This song might seem like a sonic whirlwind at first, but fear not! It's built on just three main chords: C, G, and A. Yes, you read that right. Three chords and the truth, baby!
- Master the downstrokes: This ain't no ballad. "Los Angeles" is a full-on punk rock assault, so get ready to strum with some force.
- Palm muting for the win: Those choppy, rhythmic parts? That's palm muting. Basically, rest the heel of your hand on the strings near the bridge to create that awesome muted sound. There are tutorials online, but you can also just experiment and see what sounds punk rock to you.
Pro tip: Don't worry about perfection. This song is about raw energy, not flawless technique. Embrace the occasional bum note – it adds character!
Beyond the Chords: Owning the Song
Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to unleash your inner X. Here's how to take your playing to the next level:
- Channel your inner Exene: Listen to Exene Cervenka's vocals – they're powerful, raw, and dripping with attitude. Let that inspire your own delivery.
- Embrace the dynamics: The song isn't one giant wall of noise. There are quieter verses and a soaring chorus. Pay attention to those changes and adjust your playing accordingly.
- Don't forget to have fun!: This is punk rock, people! Let loose, air guitar like nobody's watching, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making some serious sonic mayhem.
So You Think You Can Shred L.A.?
With a little practice and a whole lot of punk rock spirit, you'll be playing "Los Angeles" like a pro in no time. Remember, perfection is boring. Embrace the chaos, crank it up to eleven, and get ready to unleash your own musical escape from the City of Angels. Just maybe warn your neighbors first.
