How To Play Mascara By Deftones On Guitar

Okay, let's talk Deftones. More specifically, let's talk "Mascara" off of Around the Fur. It’s a song that’s both deceptively simple and surprisingly impactful, like that one friend who always seems chill but is actually the smartest person in the room.

Ever stared at a chord chart online for a Deftones song and felt like you were trying to decipher hieroglyphics? Yeah, me too. It can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions – frustrating and likely to result in something…slightly off. But don't worry, "Mascara" is actually pretty manageable. It's like the veggie burger of Deftones songs – still delivers the flavor, but without all the complex ingredients.

Tuning Up (Or Down, Actually)

First things first: tuning. Now, this isn't your standard E standard kind of affair. We're diving into Drop C# tuning. Think of it like lowering the bar, but in a musical way. To achieve this, you tune your strings down as follows: C# G# C# F# A# D#.

Think of it as your guitar needing a really, REALLY deep breath. It's gonna feel loose, almost like wearing your dad's old sweatpants. But trust me, it's essential for that signature Deftones sound. You can use a tuner. If you don’t own one, there are tons of free tuner apps for your phone that work just fine. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you can tune by ear. But, honestly, just use a tuner app. Your ears (and your sanity) will thank you.

Pro-tip: invest in slightly heavier gauge strings when tuning down. It helps to keep the strings from feeling too floppy and gives you better tone. Think of it like giving your guitar a sturdier pair of shoes for all that low-end rumble.

The Main Riff: Simplicity is Key

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the main riff. This is the hook, the thing that gets stuck in your head for days. It’s the musical equivalent of that catchy jingle you can’t shake. The core of the riff revolves around power chords on the lower strings. Power chords are your friends. They’re the musical equivalent of a high-five: simple, effective, and always appreciated.

Here's a simplified version, focusing on the root notes on the sixth string: C# - G# - A#. Think of it as a three-note conversation. Each note has its own weight and purpose.

The exact chords are:

• C#5: x466xx
• G#5: 466xxx
• A#5: 688xxx

Notice the "x"s? Those mean you don't play those strings. Focus on the root, fifth, and octave. That’s the power chord magic.

The rhythmic feel is crucial. It's got that signature Deftones groove – a bit sludgy, a bit syncopated, and utterly captivating. It’s the musical equivalent of walking through thick mud…in a good way. Practice playing these chords together slowly, really focusing on the transitions. Don’t rush it. Remember, slow and steady wins the race (or at least gets you closer to playing "Mascara" without sounding like a strangled cat).

Tip: Pay attention to the palm muting. This is where you gently rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a tighter, more percussive sound. It's like adding a secret ingredient to a recipe. Palm muting will add a unique color to your playing. Think of it as the "secret sauce" that gives the riff its distinctive character.

The Chorus: Letting it Ring

The chorus opens up a bit, with more sustained chords. It’s like the musical equivalent of taking a deep breath after holding it for too long. It’s a moment of release. It gives your fingers a short break from the palm-muted chugging in the verses.

There is some debate about the exact chords used, and some live versions differ, but try these for a solid starting point:

• F#m7: 242222
• C#5: x466xx
• G#5: 466xxx

Let these chords ring out a bit more than the verse chords. It’s about creating a sense of space and atmosphere. Don't be afraid to experiment with different voicings of these chords. Try adding a 9th or 11th. You might stumble upon something cool.

Pro-tip: Use a chorus pedal lightly to add some depth and shimmer to these chords. It's like adding a touch of sparkle to your outfit. But don't overdo it! Too much chorus can sound cheesy. Think subtle, not excessive.

The Bridge: A Moment of Calm (Before the Storm)

The bridge is a cool, almost ambient section that provides a contrast to the heavier parts of the song. It’s like the eye of the hurricane – a brief moment of peace before the chaos returns. This is where you can really experiment with different effects and textures.

There is use of harmonic squeals and heavy modulation during this section. Don't worry about perfect replication, get creative and have some fun with it.

Consider using a delay or reverb pedal to create a sense of space and depth. Play around with different delay times and feedback settings. You never know what you might discover.

Experiment with volume swells. Use the volume knob on your guitar to create slow, gradual increases and decreases in volume. This can add a dramatic and cinematic feel to your playing.

The Gear: What You'll Need

Let's talk gear. Now, you don't need to go out and buy a bunch of expensive equipment to play "Mascara." But a few key things can help you get closer to the original sound. This is where the gear-obsessed among us get excited (myself included).

• Guitar: A guitar with humbucker pickups is ideal for that thick, heavy tone. Think Les Paul, SG, or something similar.
• Amp: A high-gain amp is a must. Something with a lot of distortion and crunch. Mesa/Boogie, Marshall, or Orange are all good choices.
• Effects: A chorus pedal, a delay pedal, and a reverb pedal can all be useful for adding depth and texture to your sound. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
• Strings: As mentioned before, heavier gauge strings are recommended for Drop C# tuning. Something like a .011-.054 set should do the trick.

Don’t feel like you need all of this gear right away. You can get surprisingly close with a decent guitar, a good amp modeler, and some basic effects plugins. The most important thing is to focus on the playing, not the equipment.

Tip: Experiment with different amp settings and pickup combinations to find your own unique tone. Don't be afraid to deviate from the original sound. Make it your own!

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Okay, let's be real. We all make mistakes. It's part of the learning process. But knowing some common pitfalls can help you avoid them. Think of it like learning from other people’s embarrassing moments so you don’t have to experience them yourself.

• Rushing the Riff: Don't try to play too fast too soon. Focus on getting the rhythm and feel right before you speed things up.
• Ignoring Palm Muting: This is crucial for the signature Deftones sound. Make sure you're using enough palm muting to create a tight, percussive tone.
• Not Tuning Properly: Drop C# tuning is essential. Double-check your tuning before you start playing.
• Overdoing the Effects: Too much chorus or distortion can sound muddy and overwhelming. Use effects sparingly and tastefully.

Remember: Practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like Stephen Carpenter right away. Keep at it, and you'll eventually get there.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Sludge

Learning to play "Mascara" by Deftones is a journey. It's about more than just memorizing chords and riffs. It's about understanding the feel, the groove, and the atmosphere of the song. It's about embracing the sludge.

Don't be afraid to experiment, to try new things, and to make mistakes. That's how you learn and grow as a musician. And most importantly, have fun! Playing guitar should be enjoyable. If you're not having fun, then you're doing it wrong.

So, grab your guitar, tune down to Drop C#, and start playing. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

And remember, even if you mess up, just blame it on the tuning. Everyone does it. It’s practically a rite of passage for Deftones fans.