We're Not Gonna Take It
by Twisted Sister
Album: Stay Hungry
Released: 1984
Genre: Heavy Metal
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding E major:
E major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Ionian (Major) mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Pro Tip: These keys utilize open strings on guitar, making them ideal for powerful, ringing chords. The open strings add natural sustain and harmonic richness.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E major
E major scale
Notes: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Application: Primary harmonic foundation for chord progressions
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Classic chromatic descending power chord sequence that creates strong forward momentum
Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange is common in rock and metal music.
Chord Shapes Used:
E5
D5
C5
B5
Harmonic Functions:
- The main progression uses a chromatic descending power chord sequence that creates strong forward momentum:
- The ♭VII (D5) and ♭VI (C5) chords are borrowed from E natural minor, giving the song its aggressive edge:
- The verse uses a more traditional I-♭VII-IV-I progression that provides stability:
Key Techniques
Descending Power Chord Progressions
IntermediateClassic chromatic descending power chord pattern that creates tension and release
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E5 - D#5 - C#5 - B5
Tips:
- • Keep consistent finger pressure across all chords
- • Use economy of motion between chord changes
- • Practice with a metronome to maintain timing
Heavy Palm Muting
IntermediateAggressive palm muting technique for chunky, percussive rhythm sections
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E5 - B5 - E5 - A5 (all palm muted)
Tips:
- • Rest palm edge lightly on strings near bridge
- • Maintain consistent pressure for even tone
- • Practice switching between muted and open quickly
Whammy Bar Effects
AdvancedTremolo arm techniques for expressive lead guitar and solo sections
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E major pentatonic with whammy effects
Tips:
- • Use gentle pressure for subtle effects
- • Keep guitar in tune after whammy use
- • Practice returning to pitch accurately
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro/Main Riff
0:00-0:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
The iconic descending chromatic power chord pattern that defines the song
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Play with authority and clean chord transitions
- • Emphasize the downbeat of each chord change
- • This riff repeats throughout as the main hook
Verse
0:15-0:45Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
Palm muted power chord pattern creating tight, percussive rhythm foundation
Rhythm Palm Muting Exercise
- • Heavy palm muting throughout for chunky tone
- • Consistent eighth-note rhythm pattern
- • Keep chord changes tight and percussive
Chorus
0:45-1:15Power Chord Movement Exercise
Open power chord progression with the signature descending ending
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Open, ringing chords without palm muting
- • Build energy through the progression
- • End with the signature descending chromatic run
Bridge
2:30-2:45Power Chord Movement Exercise
Ascending power chord pattern that builds tension before the final chorus
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Ascending pattern creates building tension
- • Contrasts with the usual descending patterns
- • Sets up the return to the main chorus effectively
Guitar Solo
1:45-2:30Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
Pentatonic-based solo with whammy bar effects and expressive bending
Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
- • Focus on E major pentatonic scale patterns
- • Use whammy bar for expressive pitch bending
- • Simple but effective melodic phrasing
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Pickup Type:
Humbucker pickups for high-gain distortion tone
Alternatives:
- • ESP/LTD Eclipse
- • Epiphone Les Paul
- • Any solid body with humbucker pickups
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 8/10
Treble: 7/10
Middle: 6/10
Bass: 5/10
Presence: 6/10
Alternatives:
Effects
Distortion:
High-gain tube amp distortion or overdrive pedal
Reverb:
Minimal reverb for clarity
Other:
Whammy bar/tremolo bridge system for solo effects
Learning Path
Power Chord Foundation
Time Estimate: 3-4 weeks
- • Master basic power chord shapes (E5, B5, A5)
- • Practice simple chord transitions
- • Learn basic palm muting technique
- • Work on consistent rhythm patterns
Technique Development
Time Estimate: 4-5 weeks
- • Master the descending chromatic progression
- • Develop heavy palm muting for metal rhythm
- • Practice switching between muted and open sections
- • Learn the complete song structure
Expression and Lead Work
Time Estimate: 5-6 weeks
- • Learn E major pentatonic scale for solos
- • Master whammy bar techniques and effects
- • Develop personal expression within the metal framework
- • Perfect timing and dynamics throughout the song
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Rushing the descending chord progression - take time for clean transitions
- • Inconsistent palm muting pressure causing uneven tone
- • Over-using the whammy bar - subtle effects are more musical
- • Not contrasting verse and chorus dynamics properly
Practice Routine
- • Start with slow practice of the descending progression
- • Work on palm muting with simple patterns before full song
- • Practice verse and chorus sections separately before combining
- • Use metronome to maintain consistent timing throughout
- • Focus on clean chord transitions at slower tempos first
Metronome Work
- • Practice at 100 BPM initially, work up to full 140 BPM
- • Focus on downbeat emphasis in the descending progression
- • Practice palm muted sections with steady eighth-note feel
- • Work on timing consistency between different song sections