Plug In Baby – Muse

Plug In Baby by Muse is one of the most iconic guitar-driven rock songs of the early 2000s. With its instantly recognisable lead riff, explosive energy, and dynamic playing, this track is a perfect study piece for guitarists looking to level up their technique and musicality. In this in-depth LickLibrary guitar lesson, we break down Plug In Baby note-for-note, covering all the technical challenges and stylistic nuances that make it a modern guitar classic.

This lesson is perfect for intermediate to advanced guitar players who want to push their technical boundaries and gain insight into the unique playing style of Muse’s frontman, Matt Bellamy. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Matt Bellamy

Matt Bellamy, Muse’s lead guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter, is known for his innovative guitar work, combining alternative rock, classical influences, and electronic effects. His playing is often theatrical and highly expressive, characterised by intricate riffs, fast legato runs, and creative use of effects like whammy pedals and delays.

Bellamy has cited influences ranging from Tom Morello and Jimi Hendrix to classical composers like Chopin and Liszt. His fearless experimentation has helped redefine the boundaries of modern rock guitar and continues to inspire guitarists around the world.

Riff Breakdown – Opening Riff

The iconic intro riff of Plug In Baby is instantly recognisable and an excellent challenge for guitarists looking to master alternate picking and legato phrasing. The riff’s flowing, scalar motion is built around a natural minor tonality and requires precision, control, and stamina.

Why this matters: Practicing this riff helps build speed and accuracy in your picking hand, while also improving your fretboard fluency. It’s a great workout for synchronising both hands and playing fluidly at tempo.

Legato Runs and Melodic Fills

Throughout the verses and instrumental sections, Bellamy uses smooth legato lines, incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs to keep the phrasing seamless. These passages add melodic flavour while giving the song a virtuosic edge.

Why this matters: Learning to execute legato lines cleanly can dramatically improve your phrasing and fluidity. It also reduces tension in your picking hand, which is vital for longer performances or fast-paced songs.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song’s heavier sections feature aggressive power chords delivered with tight palm muting. These parts give Plug In Baby its driving, rock-centric energy and dynamic contrast.

Why this matters: Mastering palm muting alongside power chords is crucial for tight rhythm playing. It allows for controlled aggression and adds punch to your tone, especially in rock and metal genres.

Slides and Vibrato

Bellamy’s lead parts often employ slides and expressive vibrato to add nuance to phrases. These subtle yet vital techniques give the song its emotive edge and help lines "sing" in a vocal-like way.

Why this matters: Adding vibrato and slides to your playing can make your solos and riffs feel more expressive and professional. These are essential techniques for any lead guitarist.

Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

The guitar solo and bridge sections explore harmonics and whammy bar tricks, both of which are signature techniques in Bellamy's style. He uses these tools to create otherworldly textures and expressive soundscapes.

Why this matters: Incorporating harmonics and whammy bar techniques into your arsenal expands your sonic palette and lets you create more atmospheric and experimental sounds on the guitar.

Creative Rhythms and Syncopation

Rhythmically, Plug In Baby showcases Bellamy’s use of syncopated rhythms to keep things interesting and groove-driven. The blend of tight, fast patterns with looser melodic lines creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Why this matters: Developing rhythmic awareness and the ability to play syncopated figures helps guitarists improve timing, groove, and versatility in both lead and rhythm roles.

Summary of Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

The Plug In Baby lesson is a goldmine for learning a wide range of guitar techniques. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll work on, with links to in-depth definitions and demos from the LickLibrary glossary:

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Syncopated Rhythms

Whether you're learning this track to tighten up your technique, build your repertoire, or simply enjoy playing one of modern rock’s greatest riffs, Plug In Baby is an essential addition to any guitarist’s journey. Join us at LickLibrary for this detailed lesson and bring the power of Muse’s sound to your own playing.