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Linkin Park - One Step Closer - Guitar Lesson

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Linkin Park - One Step Closer - Guitar Lesson

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Linkin Park - One Step Closer guitar lesson video
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Hybrid Theory (Bonus Edition) album cover
Hybrid Theory (Bonus Edition)
2000 2:37
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Linkin Park Nu Metal 2000 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

One Step Closer

"One Step Closer" is the debut single by Linkin Park, taken from their landmark album Hybrid Theory. The track blends heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs with rap-rock vocals, making it a strong entry point for electric guitarists interested in nu-metal. Its aggressive rhythm parts and straightforward structure offer a rewarding challenge for players building heavier styles.

  • The main riff uses a heavily down-tuned guitar, common in nu-metal, experiment with drop or alternate tunings to nail the tone.
  • "One Step Closer" was Linkin Park's very first single, immediately establishing their signature heavy guitar-driven sound.
  • The song's rhythm guitar work focuses on palm-muted power chords, making it a practical exercise for tight right-hand muting technique.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Brad Delson uses Strats for cleaner, textural studio parts that contrast with his heavy PRS-driven rhythm work. Their bright, articulate character adds sonic variety to Linkin Park's dynamic song arrangements.

Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Telecasters provide Delson with twangy, cutting tones for atmospheric clean passages, offering a different textural palette than his signature PRS guitars. These bright instruments layer beautifully with delay effects on tracks like 'Numb.'

PRS Custom 24
Guitar

PRS Custom 24

The Custom 24 was Brad's cornerstone during Hybrid Theory and Meteora, delivering the tight, articulate heaviness that defined early Linkin Park's drop-tuned sound. Its versatility handles both crushing rhythm riffs and smooth clean tones seamlessly.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

This amp's chunky, saturated low-mids and tight response make it perfect for Delson's drop-D and drop-C# palm-muted rhythms that anchor Linkin Park's heaviest moments. It cuts through dense production without losing definition.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Delson deploys the Cry Baby sparingly on select tracks for expressive, soulful moments that break up the relentless heaviness. Its responsive sweep adds dynamic character to atmospheric clean sections.

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Pedal

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

This workhorse delay creates the dotted-eighth rhythmic repeats essential to Linkin Park's clean, ambient textures, particularly on songs like 'Numb.' Its digital precision enables Brad's dramatic transitions between heavy and ethereal sections.

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