Falling Away From Me – Korn

Dive into the aggressive, moody, and atmospheric world of Korn with our Falling Away From Me guitar lesson, only at LickLibrary.com. This in-depth, note-for-note breakdown unpacks one of the band’s most iconic tracks, exploring the heavy textures and inventive guitar techniques that define the nu-metal genre. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson helps you unlock the rhythmic drive and emotional weight of Korn’s signature sound — all while sharpening your guitar skills with essential and unique techniques. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitar Work

Released in 1999 as the lead single from Korn’s Issues album, Falling Away From Me showcases the band's unmistakable fusion of down-tuned metal riffing, ambient textures, and hip-hop-inspired grooves. The guitars are tuned down to create a deep, resonant punch that supports the dark lyrical themes. This song is a masterclass in how rhythmic precision and atmospheric layering can elevate a heavy track into something both brutal and emotive.

Guitarists Behind the Sound

The song features the twin guitar assault of James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch, whose interplay and sound design helped shape Korn’s pioneering nu-metal style. Known for embracing extended-range guitars (7-strings) and experimenting with effects, their work on Falling Away From Me is both aggressive and nuanced. Their influence stretches across the genre, inspiring generations of metal, alt-rock, and djent players who strive for that blend of crushing heaviness and eerie ambiance.

Lesson Focus: Techniques in Falling Away From Me

Power Chords

The foundation of the song is built upon driving, detuned power chords. These are used throughout the intro and verses to create a thick wall of sound. Learning this technique helps students understand how to craft heavy rhythms with simplicity and precision, which is vital for mastering any form of metal or rock.

Palm Muting

Korn’s rhythmic chugging is rooted in dynamic palm muting, particularly during the verses and breakdowns. This technique gives players control over percussiveness and note separation, enhancing rhythmic accuracy and tightness in their playing.

Slides

Shaffer and Welch often use slides to transition between chords and create eerie, flowing movements. This adds to the haunting atmosphere of the song. Practicing slides refines finger strength and enhances control over expressive playing.

Altered Tuning

The guitars are in an altered tuning, A standard with a 7-string setup. This allows for deeper tonal range and heavier resonance. Learning songs in alternate tunings expands a guitarist's sonic palette and prepares them for more modern metal compositions.

Harmonics

Throughout the song, both natural and occasional pinched harmonics are used to create eerie overtones that enhance the unsettling mood. Mastering harmonics enables players to add texture and colour to their tone, creating a more dynamic soundscape.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar work uses heavily syncopated rhythms, especially during the breakdowns. These off-beat accents contribute to the song’s groove-oriented yet unsettling feel. Learning this technique improves timing and rhythmic versatility, making your playing feel tighter and more intentional.

Open String Riffs

Korn's riffs often rely on open string riffs, allowing for fast, percussive chugs while maintaining sonic clarity. This technique encourages left-hand freedom and boosts right-hand speed and accuracy.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique used in Falling Away From Me serves as a building block for developing a robust and modern metal guitar vocabulary:

• Power chords enhance chordal understanding and rhythm playing.
• Palm muting sharpens dynamic control and tightens performance.
• Slides add expression and fluency between notes.
• Altered tuning broadens creative options and challenges fretboard familiarity.
• Harmonics offer new tonal textures.
• Syncopated rhythms deepen timing awareness and groove.
• Open string riffs refine right-hand discipline and speed.

These tools are not just genre-specific—they’re foundational skills for any guitarist looking to develop accuracy, creativity, and expression in their playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Altered Tuning
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

Unlock the haunting groove and powerful aggression of Korn’s Falling Away From Me and elevate your playing with our comprehensive guitar lesson. Only at LickLibrary.com — your ultimate resource for mastering rock and metal guitar.