Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a killer track by Tesla: "What You Give." This song is a fantastic example of their signature blend of hard rock energy and bluesy sensibilities. If you're looking to expand your guitar skills and learn some cool riffs, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the main components of the song, from the intro riff to the solo, ensuring you get a solid grasp of what makes "What You Give" such a memorable tune. Get your guitar ready, and let's get started!

Understanding the Gear and Tone

Before we even touch the strings, let's talk about the gear and tone needed to nail that classic Tesla sound. Frank Hannon, the lead guitarist, is known for using Les Paul guitars, often with humbucker pickups. These pickups provide that thick, warm tone that's crucial for Tesla's sound. For amps, he typically uses Marshalls, which give that iconic British rock sound—crunchy and powerful, yet articulate. Of course, not everyone has access to such equipment, so let's look at how to emulate this tone with what you might already have.

• Guitars: If you don't have a Les Paul, any guitar with humbucker pickups will do. If you have a single-coil guitar, you can still get a decent sound by adjusting your amp settings. Focus on the midrange frequencies to fatten up the tone. Using the bridge pickup will give you more bite and clarity, which is essential for the riffs.
• Amps: A Marshall amp is ideal, but any amp with a good overdrive channel can work. Start with a clean amp setting and gradually add gain until you get a crunchy, responsive tone. Don't overdo the gain, as you want to maintain clarity. If your amp has an EQ, boost the mids and treble slightly while keeping the bass under control. This will help you cut through the mix.
• Effects: Tesla's guitar tone isn't heavily reliant on effects. A touch of reverb or delay can add some depth to your sound, but keep it subtle. A chorus effect can also thicken your tone during clean passages. The key is to avoid excessive effects that can muddy up the sound. A good starting point is to use a light overdrive pedal to push your amp into higher gain levels without losing clarity.

Breaking Down the Intro Riff

The intro riff of "What You Give" is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire song. It's based around a simple yet effective chord progression that's both catchy and powerful. The riff mainly revolves around power chords and open chords, making it accessible to intermediate players while still sounding impressive. It begins with a distinctive slide that leads into the main chord progression. The timing is crucial, so pay close attention to the rhythm and feel of the riff.

Let's break it down step by step:

1. The Slide: The intro starts with a slide from the 7th fret to the 9th fret on the A string. This slide adds a cool, bluesy touch to the riff. Make sure to use a smooth and controlled slide to get the desired effect. Practice the slide slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable.
2. Power Chords: The main riff uses power chords on the E and A strings. The primary chords are E5, A5, and D5. These power chords provide the foundation of the riff and give it its driving energy. Ensure your fingers are properly positioned on the fretboard to get a clean and clear sound from each chord.
3. Open Chords: Mixed in with the power chords are open E and A chords. These open chords add a fuller, more resonant sound to the riff. Practice transitioning smoothly between the power chords and open chords to maintain the flow of the riff.
4. Rhythm and Timing: The rhythm of the riff is crucial. It's a combination of straight eighth notes and syncopated rhythms. Listen to the original recording carefully to get a feel for the timing. Use a metronome to practice the riff at different tempos to improve your timing and accuracy.
5. Putting It Together: Once you've mastered each part individually, start putting it all together. Focus on the transitions between the slide, power chords, and open chords. Pay attention to the dynamics of the riff, varying your picking intensity to add emphasis and expression.

Verse and Chorus Progressions

After the intro, the song moves into the verse and chorus sections, each with its own distinct chord progression. The verse progression provides a solid foundation for the lyrics, while the chorus is more uplifting and energetic. Understanding these progressions is key to playing the song accurately and with the right feel.

• Verse Progression: The verse progression typically consists of a series of chords that create a sense of movement and tension. Common chords used in the verse include Em, C, G, and D. These chords are often played with a strumming pattern that emphasizes the downbeats. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to maintain the flow of the verse.
• Chorus Progression: The chorus is where the song really takes off, with a more upbeat and anthemic feel. The chorus progression usually involves chords like A, G, D, and E. These chords are often played with a more aggressive strumming pattern that emphasizes the energy and excitement of the chorus. Pay attention to the dynamics and volume of the chorus to make it stand out from the verse.

To master the verse and chorus progressions, start by learning each chord individually. Once you're comfortable with the chords, practice transitioning between them smoothly. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Listen to the original recording carefully to get a feel for the rhythm and dynamics of each section.

The Solo Breakdown

The guitar solo in "What You Give" is a masterpiece of blues-rock phrasing and technique. It perfectly complements the song's energy while showcasing Frank Hannon's impressive skills. The solo incorporates a variety of techniques, including blues scales, pentatonic scales, and string bending. It's a challenging solo, but with practice and patience, you can definitely learn to play it.

• Scales and Positions: The solo is primarily based around the E minor pentatonic scale and the E blues scale. Familiarize yourself with these scales in different positions on the fretboard. Start by practicing the scales slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Experiment with different fingerings to find what works best for you.
• String Bending: String bending is a crucial part of the solo. Pay attention to the intonation and pitch of your bends. Practice bending the strings accurately and consistently. Use your ears to listen carefully and make adjustments as needed. Try bending the strings to different intervals, such as a half step, whole step, and minor third.
• Phrasing and Dynamics: The phrasing of the solo is just as important as the notes themselves. Pay attention to the dynamics and expression of each phrase. Vary your picking intensity and use vibrato to add emotion to your playing. Listen to the original recording carefully to get a feel for the phrasing and dynamics of the solo.
• Putting It Together: Once you've mastered each part individually, start putting it all together. Focus on the transitions between the different scales and techniques. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing of the solo. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.

Practice Tips and Techniques

Learning a song like "What You Give" requires consistent practice and the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you improve your playing and master the song:

1. Start Slow: Don't try to learn the entire song at once. Break it down into smaller sections and focus on mastering each section individually. Start by practicing slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
2. Use a Metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for improving your timing and accuracy. Use it to practice the riffs, progressions, and solo at different tempos. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable.
3. Listen Carefully: Listen to the original recording carefully to get a feel for the rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing of the song. Pay attention to the nuances of the guitar playing and try to emulate them in your own playing.
4. Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and analyze your playing. Pay attention to your timing, accuracy, and tone.
5. Practice Consistently: Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar playing. Set aside some time each day to practice and stick to your practice schedule. Even a short practice session can be beneficial if you're consistent.

Conclusion

"What You Give" by Tesla is a fantastic song for any guitarist looking to improve their skills and learn some killer riffs. By breaking down the song into its individual components and practicing consistently, you can master this tune and add it to your repertoire. Remember to focus on your tone, timing, and phrasing to capture the essence of Tesla's sound. Keep practicing, and you'll be shredding like Frank Hannon in no time! Now, go grab your guitar and give it a shot! You've got this!