No Secrets by The Angels
by The Angels
Album: Face to Face
Released: 1978
Genre: Hard Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
AdvancedBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding :
Pro Tip: Power chords (5ths) work exceptionally well in this key for rock/metal, as they avoid the major/minor quality and focus on raw power.
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes Used:
Key Techniques
Power Chords
IntermediateEssential power chord progressions in E-A-B pattern
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
I - IV - V
Tips:
- • Focus on clean transitions between chord shapes
- • Use consistent palm muting for tight sound
- • Keep unused strings muted
- • Practice chord changes with metronome
Australian Rock Strumming
IntermediateClassic pub rock strumming pattern with emphasis and palm muting
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
I - IV - V
Tips:
- • Use down-down-up-down-up pattern consistently
- • Emphasize the downbeats
- • Palm muting on verses for dynamic contrast
- • Keep right hand loose and relaxed
Pentatonic Lead Guitar
AdvancedE major pentatonic-based lead guitar work
Tips:
- • Master the box pattern at 12th fret first
- • Focus on bending and vibrato technique
- • Practice scale patterns daily
- • Listen to original for phrasing ideas
Palm Muting Dynamics
IntermediateAlternating between palm muted and open chord sections
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Tips:
- • Use palm muting for verses to create buildup
- • Open strumming for choruses adds energy
- • Practice smooth transitions between techniques
- • Consistency is key for good dynamics
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro Riff
0:00-0:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
Opening guitar riff establishing the E major tonality with power chord foundation
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Start with strong E5 power chord attack
- • Use palm muting for percussive effect
- • Keep timing tight and consistent
Verse
0:15-0:45Chord Voicing Exercise
Main verse progression with E-A-E-B-E pattern using classic Australian rock rhythm
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Keep strumming consistent throughout
- • Use palm muting for dynamic control
- • Focus on clean chord transitions
Chorus
0:45-1:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
Main chorus with open chord voicings for bigger sound and energy
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Open up palm muting for bigger sound
- • Emphasize chord changes strongly
- • Support the signature vocal hook
Guitar Solo
2:15-2:45Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
E major pentatonic-based guitar solo showcasing Australian rock lead style
Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
- • Focus on clean pentatonic patterns
- • Use bending and vibrato for expression
- • Build intensity throughout solo
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Humbuckers (bridge for lead, neck for rhythm)
Alternatives:
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 7/10
Treble: 8/10
Middle: 6/10
Bass: 5/10
Presence: 7/10
Alternatives:
Effects
Distortion:
Natural tube amp overdrive
Reverb:
Spring reverb (3/10)
Other:
None required - focus on natural tube tone
Learning Path
Power Chord Foundations
Time Estimate: 2-3 months
- • Learn E5, A5, and B5 power chord shapes
- • Practice basic down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern
- • Work on clean chord transitions between E5-A5-B5
- • Add palm muting technique to verse sections
- • Play along with simplified rhythm track
Australian Rock Rhythm
Time Estimate: 1-2 months
- • Master the full verse-chorus progression
- • Add dynamic contrast between verse and chorus
- • Learn the intro riff with proper timing
- • Practice the complete song structure
- • Work on consistent strumming patterns throughout
Lead Guitar Mastery
Time Estimate: 2-3 months
- • Learn E major pentatonic scale patterns
- • Practice the guitar solo section
- • Work on bending and vibrato techniques
- • Master lead guitar phrasing over the progression
- • Combine rhythm and lead playing for complete performance
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Rushing the chord changes - keep steady tempo
- • Inconsistent palm muting - practice muted vs open contrast
- • Poor string muting - ensure clean power chord voicings
- • Overplaying the lead parts - focus on melodic phrasing
Practice Routine
- • Practice E5-A5-B5 chord transitions slowly
- • Work on palm muting with single chords first
- • Finger exercises for pentatonic scale patterns
- • Use metronome to maintain steady 132 BPM tempo
Focus Areas
- • Clean power chord transitions
- • Consistent palm muting technique
- • Dynamic contrast between sections
- • Pentatonic scale fluency for lead work
Metronome Work
- • Start practicing at 100 BPM
- • Gradually increase to 120 BPM
- • Master at 132 BPM performance tempo
- • Focus on tight rhythm section feel