Hey guys! Ever wanted to nail that awesome iFail riff from Breaking Benjamin? You're in the right place! This guide is all about diving deep into the guitar tabs for iFail, making sure you get every note just right. We'll break it down step by step, so whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, you'll be shredding like Ben Burnley in no time. Let's get started!

Unveiling the iFail Tab

So, you're eager to learn iFail by Breaking Benjamin on guitar? Awesome! Let's start by understanding what makes this song so captivating. iFail, like many Breaking Benjamin tracks, blends heavy, distorted guitar riffs with melodic, almost haunting vocals. The guitar work is crucial to the song's overall feel, driving the energy and emotion. Finding accurate tabs is the first step, but understanding the structure and nuances of the song will really elevate your playing. The intro, verses, chorus, and bridge all have distinct guitar parts that contribute to the song's dynamic. Don't just blindly follow the tab; listen closely to the original recording. Pay attention to the tone, the rhythm, and how the different guitar parts interact with each other. Are there subtle variations in the verses? Does the chorus have a thicker, more layered sound? These are the kinds of details that will make your cover stand out. Also, be mindful of the tuning. Breaking Benjamin often uses alternate tunings to achieve their signature sound, so make sure your guitar is properly tuned before you start. Experiment with different amp settings and effects to try and replicate Ben Burnley's guitar tone. A good starting point is a high-gain distortion with a touch of reverb and delay. Remember, learning a song is not just about playing the right notes; it's about capturing the feeling and energy of the original performance. So, grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and let's dive into the world of iFail!

Getting Started: Tuning and Basic Chords

Alright, before we even think about shredding those iFail riffs, let's lock down the basics: tuning and chords. Breaking Benjamin frequently uses drop tunings, and iFail is no exception. This means you'll need to tune your low E string down to C. So, your tuning should be C-G-C-F-A-D. Now, this tuning might feel a little weird at first, but trust me, it's what gives iFail that heavy, brooding sound. Double-check your tuning with a tuner to make sure each string is perfectly in tune. Even a slight deviation can throw off the entire song. Once you're tuned up, let's look at some of the basic chords you'll encounter in iFail. You'll be dealing with power chords primarily, which are movable shapes that consist of the root, fifth, and octave. These chords are easy to play and sound massive with distortion. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and cleanly. Focus on muting the strings that aren't part of the chord to avoid any unwanted noise. Pay attention to the rhythm as well. Breaking Benjamin often uses syncopated rhythms, so make sure you're playing the chords in time with the song. Don't rush through the changes; take your time to get them right. Once you're comfortable with the tuning and basic chords, you'll be ready to tackle the more challenging parts of iFail. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you play, the more natural the tuning and chords will feel. So, keep at it, and you'll be rocking iFail in no time.

Breaking Down the Intro

The intro to iFail is iconic, guys. It sets the tone for the whole song with its heavy, rhythmic riff. This is where you really establish that dark, brooding atmosphere that Breaking Benjamin is famous for. To nail this, focus on the palm-muted chugs. Palm-muting involves resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a dampened, percussive sound. This technique is essential for getting that tight, chunky rhythm. Experiment with the amount of pressure you apply to the strings to find the sweet spot where the notes are muted but still audible. Too much pressure, and the notes will be deadened; too little, and you'll lose the muted effect. Pay close attention to the timing of the intro riff. It's not just about playing the right notes; it's about playing them in the right rhythm. Use a metronome or drum machine to practice the riff slowly and accurately. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Also, listen carefully to the original recording and try to mimic the dynamics of the intro. Are there any subtle variations in the volume or intensity of the riff? These are the kinds of details that will make your cover sound more authentic. Don't be afraid to experiment with different amp settings and effects to try and replicate the guitar tone. A good starting point is a high-gain distortion with a noise gate to eliminate any unwanted hum or feedback. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to master the intro to iFail and impress your friends with your Breaking Benjamin skills.

Verse Riffs and Chord Progressions

Okay, moving on to the verses! The verse riffs in iFail are a bit more melodic than the intro, but they still pack a punch. These riffs lay the foundation for Ben Burnley's vocals, creating a dynamic interplay between the guitar and the voice. Pay attention to the nuances of these riffs. Are there any bends, slides, or hammer-ons that add character to the notes? These subtle details can make a big difference in how the riffs sound. Focus on playing the riffs smoothly and cleanly. Avoid any sloppy or rushed playing. Use your fingers efficiently to fret the notes and minimize any unnecessary movement. Also, be mindful of your picking technique. Are you using alternate picking or economy picking? Experiment with different techniques to see what feels most comfortable and sounds best. The chord progressions in the verses are fairly straightforward, but they create a sense of tension and release that drives the song forward. These progressions often involve power chords and open chords, creating a mix of heavy and melodic sounds. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and cleanly. Focus on muting the strings that aren't part of the chord to avoid any unwanted noise. Pay attention to the rhythm as well. Breaking Benjamin often uses syncopated rhythms, so make sure you're playing the chords in time with the song. Don't rush through the changes; take your time to get them right. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to master the verse riffs and chord progressions in iFail and create a solid foundation for the rest of the song.

Chorus Power and Dynamics

The chorus of iFail is where the song really explodes. It's big, anthemic, and full of energy. This is where you want to bring your A-game and unleash the full power of your guitar. The key to nailing the chorus is to focus on the dynamics. Dynamics refer to the variations in volume and intensity throughout the song. In the chorus, you want to play with more force and aggression to create a sense of excitement and release. Use a heavier picking attack and dig into the strings to get a thick, powerful sound. Also, be mindful of your strumming pattern. Are you using downstrokes or alternate strumming? Experiment with different patterns to see what sounds best and feels most natural. The power chords in the chorus are fairly simple, but they need to be played with precision and conviction. These chords create a sense of weight and momentum, driving the song forward. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and cleanly. Focus on muting the strings that aren't part of the chord to avoid any unwanted noise. Pay attention to the rhythm as well. Breaking Benjamin often uses syncopated rhythms, so make sure you're playing the chords in time with the song. Don't rush through the changes; take your time to get them right. In addition to the power chords, the chorus also features some melodic lead lines. These lines add a touch of beauty and complexity to the song. Focus on playing these lines smoothly and expressively. Use bends, slides, and vibrato to add character and emotion to the notes. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to unleash the full power and dynamics of the chorus in iFail and create a truly unforgettable moment.

Mastering the Bridge

Alright, let's talk about the bridge. The bridge in iFail offers a change of pace, often quieter and more introspective than the rest of the song. This section provides a break from the intensity of the verses and choruses, allowing the listener to catch their breath before the final push. The guitar work in the bridge is typically more melodic and atmospheric than the heavy riffs of the verses and choruses. Focus on creating a sense of space and texture with your playing. Use clean or slightly overdriven tones to create a more intimate sound. Experiment with different effects, such as reverb, delay, and chorus, to add depth and dimension to your playing. Pay attention to the dynamics as well. The bridge is often quieter than the rest of the song, so you'll need to adjust your playing accordingly. Use a lighter touch and avoid any harsh or aggressive sounds. Also, be mindful of the rhythm. The bridge may have a different tempo or time signature than the rest of the song, so make sure you're playing in time with the music. The chord progressions in the bridge are often more complex than the simple power chords of the verses and choruses. These progressions may involve more extended chords, such as major 7ths, minor 7ths, and diminished chords. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and cleanly. Focus on voicing the chords in a way that creates a sense of harmony and beauty. In addition to the chord progressions, the bridge may also feature some lead lines or arpeggios. These lines can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the song. Focus on playing these lines smoothly and expressively. Use bends, slides, and vibrato to add character and emotion to the notes. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to master the bridge in iFail and create a moment of beauty and introspection.

Final Thoughts and Tips

So there you have it, a breakdown of how to play iFail by Breaking Benjamin on guitar! Remember, practice is key. Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll get there. Listen to the original recording often to get a feel for the song's nuances. Experiment with different amp settings and effects to find your own sound. Most importantly, have fun! Playing guitar should be enjoyable, so don't take it too seriously. With patience and perseverance, you'll be shredding iFail like a pro in no time. Rock on!