Classic Albums – The Joshua Tree (U2)

“The Joshua Tree” by U2 – A Guitarist’s Exploration
The 1987 album “The Joshua Tree” by U2 is a musical landmark, rich in texture and stylistic diversity. The album’s production, as well as the innovative guitar work by The Edge (lead guitarist), gives it a timeless appeal. Let’s delve into each song from a guitarist’s perspective.
The Joshua Tree is one of the world’s best-selling albums, with over 25 million copies sold to date — Released in March 1987, U2’s fifth studio album instantly received critical acclaim around the world, topping charts in over twenty countries, and becoming the fastest-selling album in British history with the help of the hit singles; “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, and “Where the Streets Have No Name”.
The Joshua Tree also took home the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Danny Gill shows you, how U2’s The Edge uses multiple parts, dynamics and effects to create the melodic guitar work that has helped make ‘The Joshua Tree’ a classic album.

Guitar Lessons Included in this Course
Guitar Lesson 1: “Where the Streets Have No Name”
The song opens with a delay-driven guitar riff that becomes an anthem. The guitar part is played in the key of D major, using primarily palm muting and alternate picking. The Edge’s solos are subtle, and his arpeggiated chord progressions give the song its signature sound.

Guitar Lesson 2: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
A modal mix of D major and minor, this song is built on a repetitive chord progression. The guitar work here incorporates two-handed tapping and slides to enhance the melody, and there are several harmonics throughout.

Guitar Lesson 3: “With or Without You”
This track features a catchy bass-driven riff, supported by The Edge’s minimalist guitar approach. Using open-string riffs, he builds texture, and the solo section showcases his mastery of sustain and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 4: “Bullet the Blue Sky”
A heavier song with a bluesy feel, the guitar is tuned to E-flat tuning. The use of slides, double stops, and string bending contributes to the aggressive sound. The solos in this song are particularly expressive.

Guitar Lesson 5: “Running to Stand Still”
Played in the key of C major, this ballad uses finger-picking and Travis picking techniques to create a delicate and intimate feeling. The chord progressions are simple, yet effective in conveying emotion.

Guitar Lesson 6: “Red Hill Mining Town”
A mix of power chords and open-string riffs defines this song. The Edge’s use of tremolo picking in the solo creates a haunting texture that complements the lyrics.

Guitar Lesson 7: “In God’s Country”
Using the capo on the 4th fret, this song features a combination of alternate picking and syncopated rhythms. The Edge’s clever use of double-stop bends adds richness to the solo sections.

Guitar Lesson 8: “Trip Through Your Wires”
A harmonica-driven song with bluesy bends in the guitar part. The guitar solo is notable for its string-bending techniques and legato runs.

Guitar Lesson 9: “One Tree Hill”
A soulful song, using the key of D major. Finger-picking, slides, and harmonics are all present here, creating a rich sonic texture.

Guitar Lesson 10: “Exit”
A darker, more aggressive track that utilizes power chords, chromaticism, and palm muting. The guitar solo is intense and features pinched harmonics.

Guitar Lesson 11: “Mothers of the Disappeared”
Closing the album, this song features arpeggiated chord progressions, pre-bends, and a solo with an emotive quality.

The Edge’s Contribution
The Edge’s contribution to “The Joshua Tree” can’t be overstated. His ability to create vast soundscapes using a range of techniques, effects, and a minimalist approach helped define U2’s sound. His innovative use of delay, reverb, and modulation effects added a unique flavor that still influences guitarists today.

Techniques used in the Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Tremolo Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Harmonics
• Capo
• Finger-Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Pre-Bends
• Bluesy Bends
• Chromaticism