Stone Cold Steve Austin Theme Song: Guitar Cover!

Hey there, wrestling fanatics and guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to rock? Today, we're diving headfirst into the iconic world of Stone Cold Steve Austin by tackling his legendary theme song on guitar. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just starting your guitar journey, this is a fun and challenging piece to add to your repertoire. We'll break down the riffs, explore the techniques, and even add a few extra flourishes to make it your own. So grab your axe, tune up, and let's unleash some "Austin 3:16" fury on our fretboards!

Why This Theme Rocks (and Why You Should Learn It)

Okay, so why this theme song? Well, for starters, it's Stone Cold Steve Austin! He's one of the most electrifying and influential figures in wrestling history, and his theme song is instantly recognizable. The music, officially titled "Disturbed," perfectly encapsulates his rebellious attitude and relentless energy. But beyond the nostalgia and sheer coolness factor, learning this song offers some great benefits for guitarists of all levels.

First off, it's a fantastic exercise in power chords. The main riff is built around a simple yet effective power chord progression, which is a fundamental technique for rock and metal guitar. Mastering power chords will open up a whole new world of riffs and songs for you to explore. Plus, the song has a driving rhythm that will help you improve your timing and groove. Secondly, the theme includes some cool lead guitar licks that will challenge your dexterity and improvisation skills. You'll get to work on your bending, vibrato, and even a little bit of sweep picking. Don't worry if you're not a lead guitar wizard just yet; we'll break down the licks into manageable chunks so you can learn them at your own pace. And finally, learning this song is just plain fun! There's something incredibly satisfying about nailing that opening riff and feeling the energy of the crowd (even if it's just an imaginary crowd in your bedroom). So, whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan, a guitar aficionado, or both, this theme song is a must-learn. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to show off your axe-wielding skills.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Before we start shredding, let's make sure you have all the right gear. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need:

• Electric Guitar: Obviously! Any electric guitar will do, but a guitar with humbucker pickups will give you that extra punch and aggression needed for the song. Think Les Paul, SG, or even a super strat. If you have a guitar with single-coil pickups, that's fine too; just crank up the gain on your amp to compensate.
• Amplifier: An amp is crucial for getting the right tone. Again, any amp will work, but an amp with a good distortion channel is ideal. Experiment with different settings to find the sound that you like best. You might even consider using a distortion pedal to add some extra grit.
• Guitar Cable: A good quality guitar cable is essential for getting a clean signal. Don't skimp on this; a cheap cable can introduce noise and interference.
• Picks: Choose a pick that you're comfortable with. A medium to heavy pick will give you more control and attack when playing power chords.
• Tuner: Make sure your guitar is in tune before you start. A digital tuner is the easiest way to do this, but you can also use a tuning fork or an online tuner.
• Optional: A capo can be useful if you want to play the song in a different key. And of course, a guitar strap is essential if you want to rock out standing up!

Tuning and Basic Chords

First things first, let's get our guitars tuned up. The standard tuning for this song is E standard (E A D G B e). If you're not familiar with tuning your guitar, there are plenty of online resources and apps that can help you. Once you're in tune, let's review the basic chords we'll be using:

• E5 (Power Chord): This is the foundation of the main riff. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 9th fret of the D string. Strum the E and A strings together.
• G5 (Power Chord): Move your index finger to the 10th fret of the A string and your ring finger to the 12th fret of the D string. Strum the E and A strings together.
• A5 (Power Chord): Move your index finger to the 12th fret of the A string and your ring finger to the 14th fret of the D string. Strum the E and A strings together.
• B5 (Power Chord): Move your index finger to the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger to the 4th fret of the D string. Strum the E and A strings together.

These four power chords are the bread and butter of the Stone Cold Steve Austin theme. Practice transitioning between them smoothly and accurately. Once you've got the chords down, we can move on to the main riff.

Breaking Down the Main Riff

Alright, guys, let's tackle the heart and soul of this song: the main riff! This is what everyone recognizes, and it's surprisingly simple once you break it down.

The riff primarily uses the E5, G5, A5 and B5 power chords we just covered. The sequence goes something like this:

• E5: Strum the E5 power chord twice with a down-down motion.
• G5: Quickly transition to the G5 power chord and strum it twice with a down-down motion.
• A5: Shift to the A5 power chord and strum it twice with a down-down motion.
• E5: Back to the E5 power chord, strumming it twice with a down-down motion.
• B5: Then, a quick transition to the B5 power chord, strumming it twice with a down-down motion.
• A5: Shift back to the A5 power chord and strum it twice with a down-down motion.

Repeat this sequence over and over again, and you've got the main riff! The key is to keep the rhythm tight and consistent. You can use a metronome to help you stay in time. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Also, pay attention to the palm muting. This is a technique where you rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, chunky sound. Palm muting adds a lot of aggression and character to the riff. Experiment with different levels of palm muting to find the sound that you like best.

Adding Some Lead Licks

While the main riff is awesome, let's spice things up with some lead guitar licks! The Stone Cold Steve Austin theme song doesn't have a ton of complex lead work, but there are a few key licks that will add some flavor to your playing.

One of the most recognizable licks occurs after the second repetition of the main riff. It's a simple yet effective bend on the 10th fret of the B string. Bend the note up a whole step and then release it slowly. This creates a bluesy, wailing sound that fits perfectly with the song's aggressive vibe. Another cool lick involves some quick hammer-ons and pull-offs on the B string. Start by hammering on from the 7th fret to the 9th fret, and then pull off from the 9th fret back to the 7th fret. Repeat this sequence several times to create a fast, fluid run. You can also experiment with adding some vibrato to these licks to give them more character. Vibrato is a subtle wavering of the note that adds emotion and sustain. There are many different types of vibrato, so find one that you're comfortable with and practice it regularly.

Putting It All Together

Okay, we've covered the main riff, the power chords, and some lead licks. Now it's time to put it all together and play the song! Start by playing the main riff a few times to get yourself warmed up. Then, add in the lead licks where they belong. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and embellishments. This is your chance to make the song your own! Remember to focus on your timing and groove. The Stone Cold Steve Austin theme song is all about energy and aggression, so play with conviction and passion. And most importantly, have fun! Learning guitar should be an enjoyable experience, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it perfect right away. Just keep practicing and you'll get there.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A complete guide to playing the Stone Cold Steve Austin theme song on guitar. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is a great song to add to your repertoire. It's fun, challenging, and guaranteed to impress your friends. So grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and unleash your inner Stone Cold! And remember, "That's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!"