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Volbeat - Still Counting - Guitar Lesson

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Key E minor
Volbeat - Still Counting guitar lesson video
Guitar 365
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Volbeat Heavy Metal E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

About Still Counting

Drop D tuning and E minor make "Still Counting" a great early entry point into Volbeat's style, which blends Heavy Metal chug with a rockabilly swagger that feels unlike most metal you'll encounter. The core of the song lives in its heavy, palm-muted riff on the low D string, so getting your picking hand relaxed and consistent is the first order of business. At 95 BPM the tempo is approachable, but the rhythmic feel has a slight rolling quality that can trip you up if you treat it like straight mechanical chugging. Focus on locking that pick attack to the kick drum pattern and you'll find the groove quickly. The chord changes are not complicated, but the transitions need to feel loose and punchy at the same time. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop the main riff slowed down until the palm-mute pressure and pick angle feel natural before bringing it back up to tempo.

  • The Drop D tuning lets you power the low E-string riff with a single-finger barre, keeping your fretting hand free for the rhythmic muting work.
  • Palm muting on the dropped D string is the core technique here, and controlling the tightness of that mute shapes most of the song's heavy feel.
  • At 95 BPM the tempo is moderate, but nailing the rockabilly-influenced rhythmic bounce requires careful attention to pick attack and groove rather than just speed.

How to Play Still Counting

Tuning: Drop D · Key: E minor · Tempo: 95 BPM

The drop D tuning lets you fret the low power chords with a single finger, which is central to the heavier riffing here.

Use the section loop to isolate a passage, drop the speed below 100%, and set the metronome to 95 BPM to build it up to tempo.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

While Poulsen primarily favors the Custom model, the Les Paul Standard offers similar weight and sustain for Volbeat's heavy tunings and expressive lead work. Its slightly warmer stock tone complements his neck pickup preference, though aftermarket EMG pickups are typically installed to match his signature tight low-end response.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Poulsen's primary choice for its superior weight, sustain, and hardware quality that handles heavy tunings with clarity. The Les Paul Custom's thick body supports his warm, compressed neck pickup tone while delivering the articulation and note definition essential to Volbeat's syncopated rhythmic style.

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