Breaking Benjamin: Failure Guitar Tab Guide

Hey shredders and Breaking Benjamin fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into one of their most iconic and hard-hitting tracks: "Failure." If you've ever wanted to nail those crushing riffs and soaring melodies that Ben Burnley is famous for, you've come to the right place, guys. This isn't just about slapping some notes together; it's about understanding the feel, the power, and the structure that makes "Failure" such a killer song. We're going to break down the guitar tabs, section by section, giving you the rundown on how to play it like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting to get your fingers dirty on the fretboard, this guide is designed to make learning this masterpiece accessible and, most importantly, fun. So, grab your axe, tune it up (we'll cover the tuning too!), and let's get ready to rock out to this absolute banger from Breaking Benjamin. Get stoked because we're about to unlock the secrets behind those epic guitar lines that have captivated fans for years. Let's get this party started!

Tuning and Getting Started with "Failure" Tabs

Alright, before we can even think about shredding, we gotta talk tuning. For "Failure," Breaking Benjamin tunes down their guitars a full step. This means you'll be tuning your strings to D G C F A D. So, from the thickest string (low E) to the thinnest (high E), your strings should sound like D, G, C, F, A, D. This lower tuning is crucial for getting that signature heavy, gritty sound that Breaking Benjamin is known for. It gives the riffs a beefier feel and allows for those killer, lower-register power chords that just thump. Now, when you're looking at guitar tabs, you'll often see numbers representing the fret you need to press down on a specific string. The lines usually represent the strings, with the thickest (low D) at the bottom and the thinnest (high D) at the top. It’s like a map for your fingers! For "Failure," you'll notice a lot of power chords and some intricate, palm-muted riffs that really drive the song. We'll be focusing on how to execute these cleanly and powerfully. Don't stress if your fingers feel a bit awkward at first; that's totally normal! The key is practice and patience. We'll walk through the main sections, highlighting the tricky bits and giving you tips to make them sound authentic. Remember, playing along with the actual song is your best friend here. Listen closely to the rhythm, the dynamics, and how the guitar parts intertwine. Getting the tuning right is the first, and arguably one of the most important, steps to truly sounding like the record. So, let's make sure that tuning is spot on before we dive into the riffs, okay? Get it dialed in, and you're already halfway there!

Verse Riffs: The Foundation of "Failure"

Let's kick things off with the verse riffs, the absolute backbone of "Failure." These are the parts that set the mood and pull you right into the song's dark, intense atmosphere. You'll find that these riffs are primarily built around power chords and a lot of palm muting. Palm muting is your secret weapon here, guys. It’s when you lightly rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. This gives the notes a tight, percussive sound, almost like a chugging train, rather than letting them ring out fully. For the main verse riff in "Failure," you're looking at a pattern that’s repetitive but incredibly effective. It often involves playing a low D power chord (where you fret the 5th fret on the A string and the 7th fret on the D string in standard tuning, but remember we're in D standard, so these frets will be different relative to the open strings – actually, it's the open D string played as a power chord, or fretted at the 5th fret on the A string and 7th on the D string in D standard, which is essentially the root D power chord). You'll then move to other chords, often involving the C power chord (like the 3rd fret on the A string and 5th on the D string in D standard) and perhaps an F power chord (like the 8th fret on the A string and 10th on the D string in D standard). The magic happens in the rhythm and the palm muting. It’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s about how you hit them. You want that choked, aggressive sound. Listen to the original track – you can hear that distinct 'chugga-chugga' sound. Practice the picking pattern slowly, focusing on keeping the palm mute consistent. The tab will show you the sequence of notes, but your ears will tell you if the palm muting is right. When you play these riffs, think about attacking the strings with your pick. It's a strong, driving rhythm. Don't be afraid to really dig in. The verse is where the tension builds, and these riffs are designed to do just that. Mastering the palm muting and the rhythmic precision will make you sound so much more authentic. It’s all about that controlled aggression. So, slow down, get the notes right, but focus even more on that palm mute and the aggressive picking attack. That’s the key to nailing the verse in "Failure"!

The Pre-Chorus: Building Tension

Now that we've got those driving verse riffs down, let's talk about the pre-chorus. This is where the song starts to ramp up the intensity, building that anticipation for the massive explosion of the chorus. The pre-chorus in "Failure" often features a slightly different feel, perhaps a bit more open or with a more melodic element before hitting you with the full force. You'll notice that the palm muting might ease up a bit, or the chord voicings might change to create a sense of lift. The guitar parts here are crucial for that emotional build-up. Breaking Benjamin are masters at this dynamic shift, and the pre-chorus is where they really shine. You might find chords like a G power chord (like the 5th fret on the D string and 7th on the G string in D standard) or an A power chord (7th fret on the D string and 9th on the G string in D standard) coming into play, often played with a more sustained feel than the tight, chugging verse riffs. Sometimes, they'll introduce a slightly more arpeggiated feel or a ringing chord that cuts through the mix. The key here is to listen to the dynamics. The pre-chorus isn't just a transition; it's an integral part of the song's emotional journey. You want to feel that rising energy. Pay close attention to the timing and the transitions between chords. It might feel like you're playing fewer notes, but each note and each chord is placed with purpose to create that specific tension. Practice playing it smoothly, ensuring that the transition from the verse to the pre-chorus feels natural. Avoid rushing it. Let the chords breathe a little. This section is all about setting the stage for the chorus, so make sure you're playing it with the right amount of build-up. The contrast between the tight verse and the more open, building pre-chorus is what makes the eventual chorus hit so much harder. So, focus on legato playing (smooth connections between notes) and really emphasizing the harmonic movement here. It’s a subtle but vital part of mastering "Failure"!

The Chorus: Unleashing the Beast

And here it is, guys – the moment you've all been waiting for: the chorus of "Failure"! This is where Breaking Benjamin unleashes the full power of their sound. The riffs here are designed to be anthemic, memorable, and incredibly heavy. You'll typically find that the palm muting from the verse is either completely removed or significantly reduced, allowing the chords to ring out with full force. The chords themselves are usually powerful, open-sounding chords that fill up the sonic space. Think big, open power chords that resonate. In D standard tuning, you might be looking at chords like D, F, C, and G played in a driving, rhythmic pattern. The tempo often feels like it picks up here, even if the actual BPM doesn't change drastically, because the energy level is so much higher. The key to playing the chorus effectively is power and precision. You want to attack those strings with conviction. The riffs are often straightforward in terms of note patterns, but the impact comes from how you play them. Strumming with a strong, consistent downstroke can really emphasize the power. Don't be afraid to lean into it! This is the part of the song that gets stuck in your head, the part everyone sings along to. The guitar work here is designed to be massive and impactful. Pay attention to the rhythm. It's usually a very driving, almost marching rhythm that propels the song forward. Practice the chord changes quickly and cleanly, ensuring that each chord rings out with clarity. If you have a distortion pedal, this is where you want to crank it up! The goal is to create a wall of sound. Listen to how Ben Burnley layers his guitar parts – sometimes there’s a main riff, and then a higher harmony part. For the basic tab, focus on the main, crushing riff. When you feel confident with the notes and the rhythm, start thinking about adding that extra bit of aggression and power. That’s what makes the chorus of "Failure" so iconic. It’s pure, unadulterated rock energy. So, hit those chords hard, keep the rhythm tight, and let the power of the song flow through your playing. This is your moment to shine, so play it with everything you've got!

Bridge and Outro: The Final Statement

As we reach the bridge and outro of "Failure," the song often takes a turn, offering a new texture or a final surge of intensity before fading out or ending abruptly. The bridge is where Breaking Benjamin sometimes likes to change things up, perhaps introducing a slightly more melodic passage, a breakdown, or even a moment of quiet reflection before launching back into a heavier section. For "Failure," the bridge might involve some sustained power chords, perhaps with a bit more atmospheric effects, or it could be a more rhythmically complex part that contrasts with the main chorus. Pay close attention to the tabs here, as they can sometimes be a bit more intricate than the verse or chorus. The goal is to capture the mood of the bridge. Is it building tension? Is it a moment of release? Your playing should reflect that. Once you've got the bridge down, we move into the outro. Outros can vary wildly. Some songs just fade out on the main riff, while others have a distinct, often powerful, concluding section. In "Failure," the outro usually aims to leave a lasting impression. You might find it repeating a key riff with increasing intensity, or perhaps a final, sustained chord that rings out. Some outros can even feature a guitar solo, though "Failure" is more known for its riff-driven power. If there’s a solo in your version of the tab, treat it like the verse – break it down phrase by phrase, practice slowly, and focus on getting the bends and vibrato right. If it's a riff-based outro, focus on maintaining that energy and intensity until the very last note. The key is to make the ending feel deliberate and impactful. Whether it's a huge, sustained chord or a final, aggressive riff, the outro is the song's final statement. Make it count! Practice the transition from the bridge into the outro smoothly. For the very end, make sure you hit that final note with conviction, or fade out cleanly if the song calls for it. These final moments are just as important as the opening notes. They leave the listener with a lasting impression of the song's power. So, give the bridge and outro the attention they deserve, and finish "Failure" with the same energy and precision you brought to the rest of the track. You've earned it!

Practice Tips for "Failure" Tabs

Alright, you've got the rundown on the sections, but how do you actually make it sound good? Here are some rock-solid practice tips to help you master "Failure" by Breaking Benjamin. First off, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Seriously, guys, resist the urge to just blast through it at full speed from the get-go. Use a metronome or your digital audio workstation's tempo control to slow the song down to a crawl. Focus on hitting every note cleanly, maintaining proper palm muting, and getting those chord changes smooth. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. This builds muscle memory correctly. Secondly, listen, listen, listen! Don't just rely on the tab. Play along with the actual song constantly. Pay attention to the nuances – the dynamics, the subtle timing shifts, the feel of the riffs. The tab is a guide, but your ears are the ultimate judge of whether you're capturing the song's essence. Third, break it down into small chunks. Don't try to learn the whole song in one sitting. Master the verse riff, then the pre-chorus, then the chorus. Once you have each section down, then start working on connecting them. Practice the transitions between sections – that's often where guitarists stumble. Fourth, focus on your tone. The D standard tuning is essential, but also experiment with your amp settings and any pedals you have. Breaking Benjamin's sound is heavy and distorted, but it's not muddy. Find that sweet spot where the riffs are powerful but still clear. Fifth, record yourself. It might feel awkward at first, but hearing yourself play back is invaluable. You'll notice things you didn't hear while you were playing – timing issues, sloppy notes, inconsistent muting. It's a tough pill to swallow sometimes, but it's one of the fastest ways to improve. Finally, be patient and persistent. Learning a song like "Failure" takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it immediately. Keep practicing consistently, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes a day. Every little bit adds up. Celebrate the small victories – nailing a tough chord change, getting the palm muting just right. You've got this! Keep shredding, and you'll be performing "Failure" like a true Benjamin in no time.

Conclusion: Own "Failure"!

So there you have it, rockstars! We've broken down the guitar tabs for Breaking Benjamin's epic track, "Failure." From the crucial D standard tuning and the driving palm-muted verse riffs, through the tension-building pre-chorus, to the anthemic, powerful chorus, and finally the concluding bridge and outro, you've got the blueprint to conquer this song. Remember, tabs are your guide, but your ears and your practice are what will truly bring "Failure" to life. Don't forget those essential practice tips: slow down, listen intently, break it into sections, nail your tone, record yourself, and most importantly, stay persistent. This song is a fantastic way to hone your rhythm playing, your palm muting technique, and your ability to build energy and dynamics within a track. "Failure" is more than just a collection of notes; it's an attitude, a powerful statement that resonates with so many fans. By learning to play it, you're not just learning a song; you're connecting with that raw energy and emotion. So get out there, practice diligently, and make this riff your own. Go ahead, crank it up, and show the world what you've learned. You've got the tools, you've got the knowledge – now go out there and absolutely own "Failure"! Rock on!