Mastering Chop Suey on Your Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide for Guitarists

Introduction

Chop Suey is a pulsating and rhythmic track by System of a Down that has captured the hearts of many guitar enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, this song offers a unique challenge and rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through how to play Chop Suey on your guitar, including tuning, the main riff, chords, strumming patterns, and tips for beginners.

Tuning Your Guitar

To play Chop Suey, it is essential to tune your guitar to Drop D tuning. This involves tuning the low E string down to D, resulting in D, D, A, D, G, B, e.

The Main Riff

The main riff of Chop Suey is a driving force behind the song's energy. Here is a breakdown of how to play it:

D--------------------------
A--------------------------
D--0--0--0--0--6--5--0--0--

This riff is played repeatedly throughout the song, contributing to its relentless rhythm.

The Verse and Chords

The verse of the song follows a power chord pattern. Here are the chords used in the verse:

D5: D power chord,D power chord shape: x577xx.C5: C power chord, C power chord shape: Bb power chord, Bb power chord shape: x133xx.A5: A power chord, A power chord shape: x022xx.

To play these chords, simply follow the respective shapes. The strumming pattern is aggressive and syncopated, as in the main riff. It is recommended to listen to the song to get the feel of the strumming pattern. You can start with downstrokes on the beats and refine your technique as you progress.

Chorus

The chorus of Chop Suey is more melodic. You can either follow the vocal line or stick with the power chords. Both approaches can work, so feel free to experiment and see which sounds best to you.

Key Sections of the Song

Intro/Main Riff: Play the main riff several times to build momentum and set the tone for the song.

Verses: Alternate between the power chords to maintain the energy and flow of the song.

Chorus: The chorus has a more melodic feel. Whether you stick with the power chords or follow the vocal line, the key is to stay true to the song's vibe.

Tips for Beginners

Listen Closely: Listen to the original track closely to capture the dynamics and timing. This is particularly important with the aggressive and syncopated strumming pattern.

Practice Slowly: Start by practicing slowly, focusing on accuracy. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.

Break It Down: If you're struggling with the transitions, break the song down into smaller sections. This will help you master each part before piecing them together.

Conclusion

Once you get the hang of the riffs and chord transitions, you can play along with the song. Enjoy rocking out to Chop Suey and enhance your guitar skills in the process.