“One Step Closer” is the debut single that launched Linkin Park into the mainstream rock spotlight in 2000. Off their first studio album Hybrid Theory, “One Step Closer,” bombarded the airwaves with the band’s aggressive, hard-hitting sound. An immediate success, the album was touted by Kerrang! Magazine as one of the most important rock releases of all time. Learn how the heavy riffs, driving rhythm, and rap-rock vocals of “One Step Closer” introduced the Linkin Park sound. Plus, capture the song’s tone with the BOSS Katana.
About the Song
The combination of the late Chester Bennington’s biting vocals and Mike Shinoda’s assailing rap in “One Step Closer” creates the unique dynamic that informs Linkin Park’s signature sound. The chorus, “Everything you say to me takes me one step closer to the edge, and I’m about to break,” has become one of the band’s most iconic lines.
Shinoda told Shoutweb, “The song is generally about being at the end of your rope. It’s very descriptive, and I think that’s why people gravitate towards it.” And gravitate they did. The track became an instant favorite on the radio and live; the band either opened or closed their live shows with the song for nearly a decade.
Breaking it Down
Guitarist Brad Delson credits the Deftones, Guns N’ Roses, U2, and The Smiths as inspiration for the riffs and techniques on Hybrid Theory. The opening guitar riff sets the tone for “One Step Closer” with a simple C# power chord progression. Delson’s work shines in the bridge, where he plays a melodic lead over a clean guitar tone, contrasting the thickness in the rest of the song.
"The gritty guitar layering, relentless rhythm, heavy distortion, and aggressive lyrics bring a visceral energy to 'One Step Closer.'"
Meanwhile, Bennington screams the song’s iconic refrain, “Shut up when I’m talking to you / Shut up, shut up, shut up.” The gritty guitar layering, relentless rhythm, heavy distortion, and aggressive lyrics bring a visceral energy to “One Step Closer,” making it a long-lasting fan favorite.
Learn the Licks
Marty Schwartz demonstrates how to play the “One Step Closer” guitar parts on the Marty Music YouTube Channel. Schwartz breaks down the repeating riffs, power chords, and rhythmic verses that structure the tune. Get started with an electric guitar tuned to drop C# (C#, G#, C#, F#, A#, and D#) and incorporate some palm muting into the performance. Layers of overdubbed guitars give the recording its fat sound. However, open power chord and octave combinations will help thicken a single guitar tone.
"Layers of overdubbed guitars give the recording its fat sound. However, open power chord and octave combinations will help thicken a single guitar tone."
Pick apart the segments and learn to play the song with two guitars or merge the layers into a solo performance. While dialing in Linkin Park’s signature hi-gain tone can be challenging, the free “1 Step Close” patch for BOSS Katana provides the sound instantly. Download the patch, learn the techniques, and unleash your performance.
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"1 Step Close" Patch for BOSS Katana
- In the style of “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park
