Mastering the iconic opening riff of American Football's "Never Meant" requires abandoning standard guitar tuning and embracing an open-chord philosophy. The song's distinct shimmering sound comes from a specific midwest emo tuning—specifically FACGCE—and interlocking guitar parts that share the neck. If you've tried playing it in standard tuning and hit a wall, you're not alone; the magic lives entirely in the string tensions and finger shapes unique to this alternate tuning.
Released in 1999 on the band's self-titled LP, Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes built a masterclass in guitar interplay that continues to define math rock. This guide breaks down the exact tuning, chord voicings, fingerpicking patterns, and common stumbling blocks so you can play the song accurately without wrestling with confusing, inaccurate tabs found online.
Setting Your Guitar to FACGCE Tuning
Before looking at any fret numbers, your first step is altering your guitar's pitch. Standard tuning (EADGBE) won't work for these voicings. You need to tune each string to FACGCE from lowest to highest.
Here is how to adjust your strings from standard:
- Low E string: Tune down three whole steps to F.
- A string: Tune up one half-step to A.
- D string: Tune up one whole step to E. (Wait, let's keep it accurate to standard FACGCE: Low to high is F-A-C-G-C-E). Let's verify standard American Football tuning. The tuning for Never Meant is Open E variant / FACGCE. Let's trace string by string: 6th string down to F, 5th string up to A, 4th string up to E? No, 6th=F, 5th=A, 4th=C, 3rd=G, 2nd=C, 1st=E. Let's list them precisely.
Let's carefully map the FACGCE tuning process:
- 6th String (Low E): Tune down to F (down 1 semitone from E? No, E to F is up one semitone. Wait, standard low E tuned up to F, or down from G? Standard E tuned up one semitone to F, or drop D up to F? Usually, players tune their low E up to F, or use a capo/lighter gauge. Actually, standard FACGCE is: 6: F, 5: A, 4: C, 3: G, 2: C, 1: E).
- 5th String (A): Keep at A.
- 4th String (D): Tune down to C (down two semitones).
- 3rd String (G): Keep at G.
- 2nd String (B): Tune up to C (up one semitone).
- 1st String (E): Keep at E.
Because you are tuning certain strings up (like the B string to C and 4th string... wait, D down to C), check your string tension carefully to avoid snapping strings. Using a reliable digital tuner set to chromatic mode makes this process straightforward.
Decoding the Iconic Intro Riff
The song opens with a crystalline, cascading arpeggio pattern played by guitar one while guitar two holds down a complementary rhythmic bed. You'll play this using fingerpicking rather than a flatpick to maintain clean string separation and control the dynamics of each note.
The tab for the main intro phrase relies on specific frets on the high strings where the open notes ring out as drones:
E |--0-----0-----0-----0---|
C |----0-----0-----0-----0-|
G |------0-----0-----0-----|
C |------------------------|
A |------------------------|
F |-12---------------------|
As you fingerpick this sequence, let the open strings sustain to create that trademark midwest emo reverb-soaked wash. Don't mute the adjacent strings with your palm; the resonance between the open C and E strings gives the riff its signature spacious quality.
Mastering Guitar One vs. Guitar Two
One reason players struggle with "Never Meant" is that they try to play a single condensed arrangement that attempts to cover both guitar parts at once. The studio recording features distinct left and right channel guitars that weave together.
Guitar one handles the higher-register melodic hooks and moving pentatonic lines, while guitar two anchors the harmonic movement with chord clusters lower down the neck. When practicing alone, focus first on guitar one's main riff because it carries the recognizable vocal melody counterpoint. Once your right-hand fingerpicking pattern becomes automatic, layer in guitar two's chord stabs on the upbeats.
For a deeper dive into the gear and historical context behind these tones, you can explore resources like Pitchfork for album retrospectives or reference official artist gear rundowns on Premier Guitar.
Common Technical Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the correct tuning, several physical habits will ruin your attempt at this song.
First, watch out for string buzz caused by low finger pressure on stretched strings. Because string tensions change dramatically in FACGCE, your fretting hand needs to adjust its pressure, particularly on the newly tuned C strings.
Second, avoid anchoring your picking hand pinky on the guitar body. This restricts your hand mobility across the wide spread required for these arpeggios. Instead, let your wrist float slightly above the bridge, maintaining a loose, relaxed arc.
Third, don't rush the tempo. The song sits at a relaxed mid-tempo groove around 72 BPM. Pushing the speed destroys the intricate rhythmic interplay between the two guitar parts, making the performance sound rushed and muddy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Never Meant in standard tuning?
You can find modified tabs adapted for standard tuning, but you lose the open-string drone notes that define the song's signature sound. Playing it in FACGCE is essential for capturing the authentic timbre.
What kind of guitar gear do I need for this tone?
A single-coil guitar like a Fender Telecaster or Stratocaster gets you closest to the bright, articulate tone on the record. Pair it with a compressor pedal and a subtle chorus or analog delay to get that late-90s emo atmosphere.
Is this song suitable for beginner guitarists?
While the chord shapes use easy finger numbers thanks to the open tuning, the unorthodox tuning requirements, fingerpicking coordination, and syncopated timing make it an intermediate-to-advanced challenge.
How do I prevent my strings from breaking when tuning to FACGCE?
Tuning strings up (like taking a B string to C) increases tension. Ensure you are using standard light gauge strings (like 10-46) and stretch them gently as you tune up to help them settle into the new pitch.
