After the release of their first album in the late ’70s, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were shoved into the punk/new wave movement by many listeners, who picked up on the tough, shining energy of the group’s blend of Byrds riffs and Rolling Stones staggering riffs. In a way, the categorization made sense. Compared to the heavy metal and art-rock that dominated mid-’70s guitar-rock, the Heartbreakers’ gutsy return to roots was nearly as unexpected as the crashing chords of the Clash.
Verse
Guitar 1
All notes are played on the “low E” string, and remember to palm mute when applicable.
Begin the first measure of this riff by playing the “low E” string open a few times. Then, use your 1st finger for the third fret, and slide to the fifth fret. Play the fifth fret a few times, and then go back to the third fret to end the measure.
For the second measure, play the open strings, and then use your 1st finger for the second fret. Slide to the fifth fret with the same finger. Play that a few times, and then go back to the second fret to end the measure. For the third measure, play the open notes a few times, and then use your 1st finger on the fourth fret. Play that once, and then move to the fifth fret. Play that a few times, and then go to the third fret.
For the last measure, play the open notes, and then use your 1st finger to play the second fret. Slide to the fourth fret, and then slide to the fifth fret. Play the fifth fret a few times, and then move to the third fret.
Guitar 2
All you have to do is barre your 1st finger on the second frets of the “A” string and the “D” string. Play the “low E” open. After you have played that a few times, simply barre the “D” string and the “G” string on the second frets. Allow the “A” string to remain open.
Guitar 3
All of these measures are mostly alike. For the first measure, place your 3rd finger on the seventh fret on the “A” string. Play that twice. Use your 1st finger for the fourth fret on the “D” string. Next, hammer-on from the fourth fret on the “A” string with your 1st finger, and then use your 3rd finger to hit the seventh fret on the same string. Play the fifth fret on the “E” string about three times, and then use your 3rd finger for the seventh fret on the same string to end the measure.
Since you know how to play the first measure, you will have no trouble with the rest.
Riff Resources
Complete Transcription To “You Don’t Know How It Feels” (PDF)
Complete Transcription To “You Don’t Know How It Feels” (Power Tab)