Learn To Play Muse

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

As one of the most influential bands of the 21st century, Muse combines elements of rock, electronica, and symphonic music to create a unique, genre-blending sound. Central to their sound is the innovative guitar work of lead guitarist and frontman Matt Bellamy. Known for his eclectic style, dynamic performances, and ability to combine complex guitar techniques, Bellamy's contributions are a significant part of what makes Muse's music instantly recognizable.

Licklibrary.com's "Learn To Play Muse" offers guitarists a comprehensive learning experience, diving deep into five of Muse's greatest hits: "Plug In Baby," "Hysteria," "Stockholm Syndrome," "Knights of Cydonia," and "Supermassive Black Hole." Each song tutorial by Michael Casswell provides note-for-note breakdowns, ensuring you learn every nuance of Bellamy’s style.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Plug In Baby

Hysteria 

Stockholm Syndrome 

Knights Of Cydonia 

Supermassive Black Hole

Lesson Performance Notes

Plug In Baby

"Plug In Baby," one of Muse’s iconic songs, features an unmistakable riff that showcases Bellamy’s use of arpeggios and unique chord structures. The riff utilizes the harmonic minor scale, creating a sound that is both classical and futuristic. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, and the solo continues this theme, using the D minor pentatonic scale with added chromaticism, giving it a distinctive rock edge. Bellamy incorporates rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs in the solo, demanding precision and speed from the guitarist.

Hysteria

"Hysteria" presents a masterful blend of bass and guitar that complements each other. The song is in the key of A major and features an infectious bassline that drives the song. Bellamy uses the A major and minor scales to add depth to the melodies and the solo. The guitar work includes high-energy riffs and intricate syncopated rhythms that require tight palm-muting to articulate each note clearly.

Stockholm Syndrome

"Stockholm Syndrome" is an aggressive track that highlights Bellamy’s heavier guitar style. It's in the key of E minor and features fast-paced riffs using the E minor scale. The guitar solo is a high-octane display of skills, utilizing the E harmonic minor scale to produce a tense, almost frantic sound. Bellamy’s use of tremolo picking and rapid alternate picking is front and center in this track, requiring both endurance and precision from the player.

Knights of Cydonia

"Knights of Cydonia" is an epic in Muse’s catalog, combining influences from spaghetti westerns to progressive rock. The song employs various scales, including the E Phrygian dominant, giving it a mystical, ancient quality. The wide range of guitar techniques, such as finger-picking during the verses and heavy, power-chord-driven choruses, showcases Bellamy’s versatility. The solo, while brief, is impactful, utilizing the E minor pentatonic scale and featuring wide bends and rapid legato runs.

Supermassive Black Hole

"Supermassive Black Hole" stands out with its fusion of glam rock, electronic, and falsetto vocals. The guitar work, while more restrained, is rhythmically complex, with an emphasis on tight riffs and funky chord progressions. The song is in the key of E minor, and the guitar parts utilize the E blues scale, adding a sultry feel to the track. The focus here is on rhythm and groove, with Bellamy using techniques like slides and vibrato to add texture rather than relying on high-speed soloing.

Matt Bellamy's Contribution

Matt Bellamy, as the lead guitarist and vocalist, significantly shapes Muse’s sound. His guitar work is known for combining traditional rock guitar techniques with a more classical sensibility, often using arpeggios and scales typically found in classical music, like harmonic minor and Phrygian dominant. His innovative use of technology, including MIDI controllers and Kaoss Pads integrated into his guitars, allows him to create sounds that blur the line between guitar and synthesizer, adding a unique dimension to Muse's music.

Bellamy often uses a range of altered tunings, which contribute to the band's distinctive sound. His ability to combine these elements seamlessly with more traditional rock guitar sounds helps Muse stand out in the modern rock landscape.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Tremolo Picking
• Finger-picking
• Altered Tunings
• Arpeggios
• Chromaticism

These lessons will not only help you learn some of Muse's most iconic songs but also introduce you to a variety of techniques and concepts that can dramatically improve your playing and understanding of the guitar. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, "Learn To Play Muse" has something to offer every guitarist.