Rocksmith: Play Evanescence's Bring Me To Life!
Hey guys! Ready to unleash your inner rock star? If you're a fan of Evanescence and have Rocksmith, you're in for a treat. One of their most iconic songs, "Bring Me to Life," is available to play on Rocksmith, and this article is your ultimate guide to conquering it. We'll cover everything from why this song is so awesome to how to nail those tricky guitar riffs and Amy Lee's powerful vocals. Get ready to rock!
Why "Bring Me to Life" is a Rocksmith Must-Play
"Bring Me to Life" isn't just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2003, it catapulted Evanescence into mainstream success, thanks to its blend of Amy Lee's soaring vocals, the band's heavy rock instrumentals, and a memorable guest rap verse by Paul McCoy of 12 Stones. The song's themes of awakening, finding strength, and escaping darkness resonate with listeners worldwide. In Rocksmith, playing "Bring Me to Life" offers a unique experience. For guitarists, it features a mix of power chords, arpeggios, and a few surprisingly intricate riffs that will challenge and improve your skills. Bassists get to lay down a heavy foundation that drives the song's intensity. And for those brave enough to sing, tackling Amy Lee's vocal performance is a workout in itself, demanding both power and control. Beyond the technical aspects, playing "Bring Me to Life" in Rocksmith is simply fun. The song's energy is infectious, and nailing those iconic parts will give you a serious sense of accomplishment. It's a fantastic way to connect with a song you love and develop your musical abilities simultaneously. Plus, it’s a great song to play with friends, each of you tackling a different instrument and belting out the lyrics. So, whether you're a seasoned Rocksmith veteran or a newcomer looking for a killer song to learn, "Bring Me to Life" is an excellent choice. It's a rewarding experience that will have you coming back for more, guaranteed. Its popularity ensures that you’ll find plenty of resources and community support to help you along the way. Get ready to dive in and bring this iconic song to life in your own living room!
Gear Up: What You Need to Play
Before you start shredding, let's make sure you have everything you need to play "Bring Me to Life" on Rocksmith. First and foremost, you'll need a copy of Rocksmith 2014 (or the original Rocksmith with the DLC). Rocksmith+ also offers a subscription-based option where you can access a library of songs, including this one. Then, you'll require the Rocksmith Real Tone Cable. This is the special cable that connects your guitar or bass directly to your console or PC. It's essential for the game to accurately track your playing. Of course, you'll need a guitar or bass! Any electric guitar or bass will work, but make sure it's properly set up for optimal playability. This includes having the correct intonation and comfortable action. Consider the tuning of your instrument too. For "Bring Me to Life", standard tuning (E A D G B e) is what you'll want to use. A microphone is necessary if you plan on singing along. Any USB microphone should work, but a decent quality microphone will provide a better experience. It's also advisable to ensure your gaming setup has proper audio output. Headphones or speakers connected to your console or PC will allow you to hear the game and your instrument clearly. Finally, while not strictly necessary, a guitar pick is highly recommended, especially for the guitar parts. Experiment with different pick thicknesses to find what feels most comfortable for you. With all of these items in place, you'll be fully equipped to tackle "Bring Me to Life" in Rocksmith. So, gather your gear, plug in, and get ready to rock!
Tuning and Basic Techniques
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of playing "Bring Me to Life" in Rocksmith. First, you absolutely need to ensure your guitar is in standard tuning (E A D G B e). Rocksmith has a built-in tuner that's super accurate, so use it! Proper tuning is crucial for the game to recognize your notes correctly, and you don't want to be fighting against an out-of-tune instrument. For guitarists, get ready to use power chords. A power chord is a two- or three-note chord that's a staple in rock music. They're relatively easy to play and form the backbone of many of the song's riffs. Practice transitioning between power chords smoothly and muting the strings you're not using to avoid any muddy sounds. You'll also encounter some arpeggios, which are essentially playing the notes of a chord individually rather than strumming them all at once. Take your time with these, focusing on accuracy and evenness of the notes. Pay close attention to downstrokes and upstrokes. Rocksmith is quite good at detecting your picking direction, so using the correct strokes will improve your score and make the song sound more authentic. Palm muting is another essential technique. This involves resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a dampened, percussive sound. It's used extensively in "Bring Me to Life" to add aggression and punch to the riffs. For bassists, focus on locking in with the drums. The bassline in "Bring Me to Life" provides a solid foundation for the song, so ensure your timing is impeccable. Practice muting the strings you're not playing to avoid any unwanted noise. And for vocalists, warm up your vocal cords! Amy Lee's vocals are powerful and require a good range. Practice your breathing and work on hitting those high notes without straining. By mastering these basic techniques and paying attention to the nuances of the song, you'll be well on your way to conquering "Bring Me to Life" in Rocksmith. So, tune up, practice hard, and get ready to nail it!
Breaking Down the Song Structure
To truly master "Bring Me to Life" on Rocksmith, it's super helpful to understand the song's structure. Knowing where each section is and what to expect will make learning the song much easier. The song generally follows a verse-chorus structure with a few variations. It starts with a quiet intro, often featuring piano or atmospheric elements in the original recording, though the Rocksmith arrangement focuses on the guitar and bass parts that come in shortly after. Next comes the first verse, characterized by its subdued and somewhat haunting melody. The guitar plays a relatively simple riff here, allowing Amy Lee's vocals to take center stage. Pay attention to the dynamics and try to match the intensity of the original recording. The song then builds into the pre-chorus, which acts as a bridge between the verse and the explosive chorus. The instrumentation becomes more intense, and the vocals start to build in anticipation. The chorus is where the song truly takes off. It's characterized by its powerful vocals, heavy guitars, and driving rhythm. This is where you can really let loose and belt it out! After the first chorus, you'll typically encounter another verse, followed by another pre-chorus and chorus. This pattern repeats to build intensity. A key element of "Bring Me to Life" is the rap verse performed by Paul McCoy. This section provides a contrast to Amy Lee's vocals and adds a different flavor to the song. The instrumentation is also slightly different here, with a focus on a heavier, more rhythmic groove. Following the rap verse, the song usually goes back into a chorus or a modified chorus, often with added intensity or variations. Finally, the song ends with an outro, which may be a repetition of the chorus or a quieter, more subdued section. The outro often fades out, leaving a lasting impression. By understanding this structure and how each section contributes to the overall song, you'll be able to learn "Bring Me to Life" more efficiently and perform it with greater confidence in Rocksmith. Pay attention to the transitions between sections, and try to internalize the song's flow. With practice and dedication, you'll be rocking out to this iconic song in no time!
Nailing the Guitar Parts
Okay, guitarists, let's dive deep into how to nail those awesome guitar parts in "Bring Me to Life" on Rocksmith. The song isn't overly complex, but it requires precision and a good sense of rhythm. The intro guitar part typically involves some atmospheric effects and a simple, repeating riff. Focus on getting the timing right and creating a sense of anticipation. The verses feature a more subdued guitar riff, often based around power chords. Pay attention to the dynamics and try to match the intensity of Amy Lee's vocals. Don't overplay it; let the vocals shine through. The pre-chorus is where the guitar starts to build in intensity. The riffs become more complex, and the dynamics increase. This is your chance to add some energy and drive the song towards the chorus. The chorus guitar part is where you can really let loose. It's full of heavy power chords and driving rhythms. Strum with authority and make sure you're locked in with the drums and bass. One of the most iconic guitar parts in "Bring Me to Life" is the bridge riff, which comes in after the rap verse. This riff is a bit more intricate than the other parts of the song and requires some practice to master. Pay close attention to the fingerings and the picking direction. Palm muting is used extensively throughout the song, especially in the verses and choruses. This technique adds a percussive, aggressive edge to the riffs. Practice your palm muting to get a consistent, controlled sound. The guitar solo in "Bring Me to Life" is relatively short but sweet. It's based around a simple melody and some bluesy licks. Focus on playing with feeling and adding your own personal touch. Throughout the song, pay attention to the dynamics and the transitions between sections. The guitar parts in "Bring Me to Life" are all about creating a sense of drama and intensity. By mastering these techniques and practicing consistently, you'll be able to nail the guitar parts and rock out to this iconic song in Rocksmith. So, grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and get ready to shred!
Conquering the Bass Line
Bass players, your time to shine! The bassline in "Bring Me to Life" might seem simple at first glance, but it's the glue that holds the song together. It provides a solid foundation for the guitars and vocals, driving the song's energy and intensity. The intro bass part usually mirrors the guitar riff, creating a sense of anticipation. Focus on getting the timing right and locking in with the drums. The verses feature a more subdued bassline, often based around simple root notes and octaves. Pay attention to the dynamics and try to support Amy Lee's vocals without overpowering them. The pre-chorus is where the bassline starts to build in intensity. The notes become more complex, and the rhythm becomes more driving. This is your chance to add some energy and push the song towards the chorus. The chorus bassline is where you can really let loose. It's full of driving rhythms and powerful notes. Make sure you're locked in with the drums and guitars to create a wall of sound. During the rap verse, the bassline becomes more prominent and rhythmic. Focus on creating a solid groove and supporting Paul McCoy's vocals. This section is all about locking in with the drums and creating a funky vibe. Pay close attention to your muting technique throughout the song. You'll want to mute any strings you're not playing to avoid any unwanted noise. This is especially important during the faster, more complex sections. The dynamics of the bassline are crucial to the overall feel of the song. Pay attention to the changes in intensity and adjust your playing accordingly. This will help to create a sense of drama and excitement. By mastering these techniques and practicing consistently, you'll be able to conquer the bassline and provide a solid foundation for "Bring Me to Life" in Rocksmith. So, grab your bass, plug in, and get ready to lay down some serious grooves!
Vocal Victory: Hitting Those High Notes
Alright, vocalists, it's your turn to step into the spotlight! Amy Lee's vocals in "Bring Me to Life" are iconic, powerful, and require a good range and control. Tackling this song is a great way to improve your vocal abilities and unleash your inner rock star. Before you even start singing, warm up your vocal cords. This will help to prevent injury and improve your range and control. There are plenty of vocal warm-up exercises available online, so find some that work for you and make them a part of your daily routine. Pay close attention to your breathing. Amy Lee's vocals are powerful and sustained, so you'll need to be able to breathe properly to avoid running out of air. Practice breathing from your diaphragm and supporting your notes with your breath. The verses are relatively subdued, but they still require a good amount of control and dynamics. Focus on matching the intensity of the music and conveying the emotion of the lyrics. The pre-choruses are where the vocals start to build in intensity. This is your chance to add some power and push the song towards the chorus. The choruses are where you can really let loose. Amy Lee's vocals are soaring and powerful, so don't be afraid to belt it out. Just make sure you're still in control and not straining your voice. One of the biggest challenges of singing "Bring Me to Life" is hitting those high notes. Practice these notes in isolation and gradually work them into the song. Don't try to force them; focus on using proper technique and supporting your voice with your breath. The rap verse is a completely different style of singing than the rest of the song. Focus on your delivery and try to match the energy and attitude of Paul McCoy. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it. Pay close attention to your pronunciation and diction throughout the song. This will help to ensure that your vocals are clear and understandable. Most importantly, have fun! Singing "Bring Me to Life" is a challenging but rewarding experience. So, relax, let loose, and enjoy yourself! By mastering these techniques and practicing consistently, you'll be able to achieve vocal victory and sing "Bring Me to Life" with confidence and power in Rocksmith. So, grab your microphone, warm up your vocal cords, and get ready to rock!
Final Thoughts: Rock On!
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to playing "Bring Me to Life" on Rocksmith. Whether you're a guitarist, bassist, or vocalist, this song offers a fun and challenging experience that will help you improve your skills and connect with one of rock's most iconic anthems. Remember to start slow, practice consistently, and don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on the song. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be rocking out to "Bring Me to Life" in no time! Now get out there and make some noise! Rock on!
