Know Your Enemy | TAB
Let’s go through each section from the top.
Intro
The intro uses the kill switch technique. With a Gibson Les Paul, this is achieved by setting one pickup to zero volume and the other to full, then switching rapidly between them using the pickup selector to create a stuttering, rhythmic effect.
Chorus
The chorus centres around an F# power chord with an open E string, effectively forming F#7(omit3). However, the movement into the A5 chord introduces the minor 3rd of F#, giving the impression of an F#m7.
The bookend variations move through C5 – B5 – A5, then C#5 – B5 – A5 – E5.
The first chorus also features hammer-ons and pull-offs at the end, adding extra articulation and movement.
Verse
The verse—and the outro—feature a driving bass line built around notes from the Conspirian scale, which adds a unique flavour to the riff.
Breakdown
The breakdown returns to the same F#7(omit3) idea from the chorus. The variation comes in the bookend section, which moves through C and then C5 – B5 – F5, and the more empty rhythm.
There’s also a brief C triad and a measure of space beforehand, which helps set up the contrast.
Solo
Here’s the solo—arguably the most demanding section in the entire song.
Once you’ve worked through all the riffs and eventually accepted defeat at the hands of the solo, return to the backing tracks and chord chart and piece everything together into the full arrangement.
Know Your Enemy Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Know Your Enemy | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Know Your Enemy by Rage Against The Machine using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| (E) F#5 A5 F#5 (E) F#5 | (E) F#5 C5 B5 A5 |
Know your enemy! Come on…
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