Learn to Fly
by Foo Fighters
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
BeginnerRhythm
IntermediateLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerWhy "Learn to Fly" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Foo Fighters's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
Chiming Open High E/B Strings and Borrowed Minor v Chord (F#m) in a Major Key Anthem
Dave Grohl creates an infectious power-pop anthem by blending bright open B major chords with an unexpected borrowed chord. Instead of the standard diatonic major V chord (F#), the verse progression uses a minor v chord (F#m): B - F#m - E. This subtle touch of modal mixture injects a poignant, wistful alternative-rock mood before the chorus erupts into stadium-sized joy.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
I - v - IV (Verse) | I - vi - IV (Chorus) | ♭VI - ♭VII - I (Bridge)Step-by-Step Movement
- •B (I): Bright major tonic with open high B and E strings chiming.
- •F#m (v): Borrowed minor dominant chord introducing sweet alternative-rock melancholy.
- •E (IV): Major subdominant delivering warm, uplifting release.
- •G#m (vi) in Chorus: Relative minor deepening the emotional resonance of the vocal hook.
- •G (♭VI) to A (♭VII) in Bridge: Chromatic modal rock ascent driving into the final chorus explosion.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›Leaving strings 1 and 2 open across B, F#m, and E provides an acoustic drone that glues the chord changes together.
- ›The F#m chord replaces the sharp A# leading tone with a natural A, momentarily pulling the harmony into B Mixolydian.
- ›The bridge features the famous rock double-step climb: G → A → B, delivering immense forward drive.
Fretboard Mechanics
Fret modified barre chords on the low strings while letting the high B and E strings ring completely open. Strum with driving eighth notes at 136 BPM, locking tightly with the snare drum.
Substitute a minor v chord in place of a major V chord in your major-key progression. It immediately removes commercial cheese and adds poignant alternative-rock authenticity.
The primary scale of the uplifting melodies and chorus.
The mode suggested by the natural A in the borrowed F#m chord.
The bright major mode of the chorus anthem.
The rock mode governing the bridge ascent.
Open-string chiming B and E voicings.
Driving chorus and bridge power chords.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding B major:
B major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Uplifting, sunlit alternative rock anthem combining chiming open string voicings (Bsus4, E) with power pop drive and modal borrowed chords mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in B major
B major / Ionian
Notes: B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A#
Application: The bright, uplifting scale governing the soaring power chords and vocal melody
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
Chiming B major verse with borrowed minor v chord (F#m), moving into a triumphant chorus and chromatic rock bridge.
💡 Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange gives rock and metal its signature swagger.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
B
F#m
E
G#m
G
A
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- B (I)Bright, uplifting rock tonic with open high B and E string chime
- F#m (v)Borrowed minor dominant chord introducing poignant melancholic contrast
- E (IV)Major subdominant delivering warm resolution and lift
- G#m (vi)Relative minor adding emotional depth in the chorus
Key Techniques
Open-String Chime Voicings & Driving Eighth-Note Rhythm
IntermediateFretting modified barre chord roots on the 5th and 6th strings while leaving strings 1 and 2 open to ring as shimmering drone tones
Uses chords:
Progression:
B - F#m - E
Technique Tips:
- •Let strings 1 and 2 ring across ALL chord changes—this is the sonic glue of the Foo Fighters guitar sound
- •Recorded at Dave Grohl's home studio in Virginia using Vox AC30 and Mesa Dual Rectifier combinations
- •Keep your right wrist relaxed for the driving 136 BPM tempo
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of B major. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Chiming Verse Riff
Chiming Verse Progression
Dave Grohl and Chris Shiflett's ringing clean-to-crunch verse progression.
- •Let open high E and B strings ring continuously
- •Notice the borrowed F#m chord
- •Steady, driving eighth-note strumming
Chorus Anthem
Chorus Strummed Anthem
Massive distorted chorus 'Looking to the sky to save me, looking for a sign of life'.
- •Heavy downstroke power chords
- •Accentuate beats 2 and 4
- •Lock tight with Taylor Hawkins' driving drum beat
Melodic Lead Fill
Melodic Lead Counterpoint
Chris Shiflett's bright lead guitar counter-melody in the second verse.
- •Clean alternate picking on strings 1 and 2
- •Bright, singing Stratocaster bridge pickup tone
- •Target chord tones (D# on B, F# on F#m)
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Bridge humbucker for crunchy rhythm; Neck for clean intro warmth
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 6.5 (crunchy British power pop bite)
Treble: 6.5
Middle: 7
Bass: 6
Presence: 6
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
ProCo Rat 2 or Boss DS-1 (for chorus boost)
Reverb / Delay:
Room reverb
Modulation / Other:
Dunlop 0.73mm nylon plectrum
Recommended Learning Path
Chorus Chords & Strumming
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
- •Learn the B, G#m, and E power chords
- •Practice steady eighth-note downstrokes at 110 BPM
- •Strum through the chorus progression
Open-String Verse Chords
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Master the Bsus4 and F#m open-string chord voicings
- •Transition smoothly between B, F#m, and E at 136 BPM
- •Learn the chromatic bridge progression (G → A → B)
Lead Counterpoint & Dynamics
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Learn Chris Shiflett's melodic lead fills note-for-note
- •Coordinate dual-guitar interplay between clean chime and heavy crunch
- •Perform with authentic arena rock energy and vocal support
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Muting the high open strings during the verse B and F#m chord shapes
- •Rushing the tempo during the chorus explosion
- •Fumbling the chromatic bridge chord transitions (G → A → B)
⏱️Targeted Practice Routine
0/4 Completed (0%)Check off each segment during your session to track your practice progress:
- 5 minutes: Open-string chord voicings isolation (B → F#m → E)
- 5 minutes: Chorus power chord strumming with metronome at 136 BPM
- 5 minutes: Bridge chromatic climb (G → A → B)
- 5 minutes: Full track play-along
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Open high string sustain clarity
- •Eighth-note rhythm consistency at 136 BPM
- •Dynamic shift from verse to chorus
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Practice at 115 BPM to lock in chord changes, then advance to 136 BPM