Machine Head - Ten Ton Hammer - Guitar Lesson

The More Things Change...

1997 4:15

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About Ten Ton Hammer

Drop D tuning is absolutely central to "Ten Ton Hammer" by Machine Head, and it's the first thing to get right before you play a single note. That low open D string, detuned a whole step, gives the riff its crushing weight and lets you play one-finger power chords across the bottom two strings with a simple barre shape. The groove sits at 120 BPM, which is a moderate tempo, but keeping the palm mute tight and consistent throughout the main riff is where most players slip up. The key of D minor means the riff vocabulary stays dark and close to the open position, so the fretting hand needs to stay relaxed rather than reaching. If the transition between the muted chug sections and the open hits is catching you out, set up a loop around that passage in the Practice Toolbar and run it slowed down until the pick attack feels even. Heavy Metal rhythm playing lives and dies on that kind of precision.

• The entire song is built around Drop D tuning, which allows one-finger power chords on the lowest two strings for a heavier, faster riff feel.
• Tight, controlled palm muting is the core technique here: inconsistent muting is the main reason the main riff loses its impact at full tempo.
• At 120 BPM the tempo is approachable, but matching the groove and keeping pick attack uniform across both muted and open strokes takes focused practice.