This All the Small Things guitar lesson covers one of Blink 182’s biggest hits and a perfect song for beginner guitarists. The track features simple power chords, an infectious rhythm, and that classic pop-punk energy that made it a radio staple in the early 2000s. You’ll love how quickly you can get this one under your fingers, and it’s a great introduction to the driving rhythm style that defines punk rock guitar playing.
Song Story & Context
Released in 1999 on Blink 182’s breakthrough album “Enema of the State,” All the Small Things became the band’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Tom DeLonge wrote the song as a love letter to his girlfriend, focusing on appreciating life’s simple moments. The recording features Tom’s signature Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall stack, creating that thick, saturated power chord sound that became Blink’s trademark. What makes this track special is how it bridges pop sensibilities with punk attitude, using just four chords to create something incredibly catchy and memorable.
What You’ll Learn
- Power chord shapes for G5, F5, C5, and G major
- Classic down-picking technique for that punchy punk sound
- Palm muting to control your dynamics
- Simple chord transitions that work in countless other songs
- How to keep steady eighth note rhythms
- The difference between power chords and open chords in this context
Chord Progression Breakdown
The main progression uses four basic shapes that repeat throughout most of the song. Start with your G5 power chord at the 3rd fret. Place your first finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string and your third finger on the 5th fret of the A string. Keep your other fingers relaxed and make sure you’re only hitting those two strings.
Next comes F5, which is the same shape moved down to the 1st fret. This is where many beginners struggle because the transition feels awkward at first. Practice moving between G5 and F5 slowly, keeping the same finger shape. Your hand doesn’t need to completely reset, just slide the whole shape down two frets.
The C5 sits at the 3rd fret of the A string and 5th fret of the D string. This one requires a slight hand position adjustment since you’re now on the A and D strings instead of E and A. Take your time with this change and don’t worry if it feels clunky initially.
Finally, there’s a regular G major chord that appears in the chorus. Use the standard open G fingering with your third finger on the 3rd fret low E, second finger on the 2nd fret A string, and fourth finger on the 3rd fret high E string. The contrast between the power chords and this full open chord gives the song its dynamic lift.
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm
The key to nailing this song is consistent down-picking. Tom DeLonge rarely uses alternate picking, preferring the chunkier attack that comes from downstrokes only. Start with straight eighth notes, hitting the chord on every beat and every “and” count. Count “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and” while you play.
Focus on keeping your right hand moving in steady eighth note motion, even during chord changes. This creates that driving punk rhythm that makes people want to move. If you’re used to mixing up and down strokes, this might feel tiring at first. Build up your stamina gradually and don’t worry if you need to take breaks.
Palm muting adds another crucial element to the sound. Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings right where they cross the bridge. You want to dampen the strings enough to reduce their ring but still let the chord pitches come through clearly. Practice switching between muted and unmuted sections to create dynamics.
Tips for Playing This Song
Keep your chord changes simple. Don’t overthink the transitions between power chords. These shapes are designed to be moveable, so focus on sliding smoothly rather than lifting your fingers completely off the fretboard. The less movement you use, the cleaner your changes will sound.
Watch your timing on the G major chord. This full chord rings out more than the power chords, which can throw off your rhythm if you’re not careful. Practice the progression with a metronome, making sure the G major hits exactly on beat and doesn’t drag or rush.
Use proper palm muting technique. Too much pressure kills the sound completely, while too little makes no difference. Find that sweet spot where you hear the chord but with a tight, controlled tone. Your palm should barely touch the strings, just enough to feel the vibration.
Don’t neglect the song’s dynamics. The verses are more restrained while the chorus opens up with fuller chords and brighter tone. Practice switching between these sections smoothly, using your palm muting and pick attack to control the energy level.
This song rewards consistent practice and patience with the fundamentals. Take it slow, focus on clean chord changes, and gradually build up to full speed. You’ll find that mastering All the Small Things gives you the foundation for hundreds of other punk and rock songs that use similar progressions and techniques.