Guitar & Bass Tabs
Audioslave
About Audioslave
Audioslave burst onto the scene in 2001 as one of rock's most talked-about supergroups, uniting Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and Rage's rhythm section, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford. The foursome fused Morello's experimental textures with Cornell's soaring, soul-infused vocals, creating a heavy yet melodic sound that felt fresh in the post-grunge era. Their debut material culminated in the 2002 self-titled album, a record that bridged funk-metal bite with arena-ready hooks and set the blueprint for a new wave of guitar-driven rock.
Audioslave built on that momentum with Out of Exile (2005) and Revelations (2006), cementing their status as one of the era's most compelling rock acts. Hits like Show Me How To Live and I Am The Highway showcased their knack for explosive riffs that still carried surprising sensitivity. The band toured worldwide, headlining arenas and festivals, and their sound influenced a generation of players who chase weighty grooves, melodic lead lines, and dynamic shifts. On DadRock Tabs you'll find three Audioslave lessons—covering I Am The Highway, Gasoline, and Show Me How To Live—designed to teach the band's signature riffing and dynamics.
Although they disbanded in 2007 after Cornell's departure, Audioslave's impact endures in the way it bridged iconic voices and a fearless rhythm section. Their legacy lives on in countless guitarists who study Morello's textures, the groove-driven bass of Commerford, and Wilk's rock-solid drums, proving that collaboration can redefine a genre and leave a lasting imprint on rock history.
🎸 Want to know what gear Audioslave used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Show Me How To Live
Audioslave
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Gasoline
Audioslave
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I Am The Highway
Audioslave
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Audioslave's sound centers on a thunderous, groove-first approach: Morello's riff-driven guitar blends power-chord chug with melodic lines, often using drop tunings, palm muting, and aggressive picking, augmented by his signature effects (wah, pitch-shift, and whammy). Cornell's vocal melodies ride atop the groove while Commerford's bass and Wilk's drums lock in to create a piston-like backbone. The band thrives on dynamic contrast—tight, percussive verses that surge into expansive, chorus-driven riffs—making their playing both technically satisfying and emotionally impactful. Expect chunky riffs, precise timing, string bending, and expressive harmonics that encourage careful phrasing and energetic performance.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Audioslave's sonic signature comes from iconic gear: Tom Morello's go-to rig features a Fender Stratocaster (often modified) run through a pedalboard with a Digitech Whammy, wah, and other effects to craft stuttering, then-screaming textures. The bass and drums provide a powerful, tight foundation, with Commerford delivering punchy, groove-laden lines and Wilk laying down the solid, pressurized backbeat that drives the band forward. This combination—versatile guitar tones, a rock-solid rhythm section, and stadium-ready amplification—defined their live and recorded sound.
Why Learn Audioslave Songs?
Learning Audioslave tunes is a fast track to building a rock-solid rhythm foundation and expressive lead work. These songs emphasize tight timing, powerful riffing, and dynamic song structure—skills that translate to countless classic-rock contexts. They’re accessible to intermediate players while offering opportunities to push into more advanced techniques like expressive bends, controlled palm muting, and tasteful use of effects to shape tone. by tackling I Am The Highway, Gasoline, and Show Me How To Live, you’ll develop groove, tone-shaping, and the confidence to carry a chorus with both weight and melody.
Did You Know?
- 1Audioslave formed in 2001 as a landmark supergroup bringing together Chris Cornell with Rage Against the Machine's rhythm section.
- 2The self-titled debut (2002) plus follow-ups Out of Exile (2005) and Revelations (2006) defined a new era of hard rock in the early 2000s.
- 3Tom Morello's inventive guitar textures—calling on drop tunings, wah, and the Whammy pedal—became a defining characteristic of the band's sound.
- 4The band earned a global following with electric live performances and left a lasting influence on later generations of guitarists.
3 Audioslave lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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