Okay, buckle up, fellow guitar enthusiasts! We're about to tackle the mighty "Square Hammer" by Ghost. Trust me, even if you're more used to strumming "Happy Birthday," you can totally nail this. It's less intimidating than it sounds, promise!
First Things First: Tuning!
Grab your trusty tuner because we're diving into Drop D tuning. It's super simple: just tune your low E string down a whole step. Imagine your low E string is a grumpy cat and you're gently coaxing it to purr a little deeper (lower pitch).
Now, the new tuning should be: D, A, D, G, B, e. There are countless free tuner apps out there that'll guide you, so no excuses!
The Main Riff: Let's Get Hammering!
Alright, here comes the part we've all been waiting for! The main riff is built around some simple power chords, but with that awesome Ghostly flavor.
Part 1: The Opening
Start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string (that's the one second from the thickest). Then, use your ring finger on the 7th fret of the D string, and your pinky on the 7th fret of the G string.
Strum those three strings together with a downward motion. That’s your D5 power chord. You might feel like a rock god already – and you should!
Next, slide that entire shape up two frets. You are now playing the E5 power chord. Feel the power!
Part 2: Adding the Spices
Now, get ready to spice things up a little bit. Return to the D5 position, strum it, then slide to the E5 and strum it. After that, use your index finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C5).
This riff requires some palm muting, meaning resting the side of your strumming hand gently on the strings near the bridge. This makes it sound punchier and more aggressive.
Think of it like giving your guitar a stern talking-to while still being friendly. Remember, palm muting is your friend! Practice the palm muting until you get it right.
Part 3: The Little Walk-Down
For the final flourish, we need a small walk down. After that C5 power chord, move your index finger to the 2nd fret of the A string (B flat or A#5). The end of the main riff goes to the open A string.
Play each chord/note cleanly and with a little bit of attitude. Feel free to practice each part slowly before putting it all together.
Putting It All Together: The Full Meal Deal
Now, string those bits together! D5, E5, D5, E5, C5, Bb5(A#5), A. Play it a few times. This riff repeats throughout a lot of the song, so get comfy with it.
Speed it up when you get comfortable. Throw in some extra palm muting for extra chugging goodness, and you're practically a Nameless Ghoul. People might start bowing down to you!
The Chorus: A Touch of Open Chords
The chorus uses a few more open chords, which makes things slightly easier. We've got A5, G5, and D5 in quick succession.
A5: 5th fret A string, 7th fret D and G strings. G5: 3rd fret A string, 5th fret D and G strings. D5: 0th fret A string, 2nd fret D and G strings. Just keep switching between those and make it groovy!
Practice Makes Perfect (and a Little Bit Evil)
The key is practice, practice, practice. Start slow and gradually increase your speed. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're just opportunities to learn and sound even more awesome later.
Listen to the song a bunch. Internalize the rhythm and feel. Before you know it, you'll be shredding like a pro!
So go forth, my friend, and unleash your inner Ghoul! With a little perseverance, you'll be playing "Square Hammer" and rocking out in no time. Now, go forth and conquer! Your guitar awaits!
