"Crawling" by Linkin Park

Linkin Park’s Crawling is one of the most emotionally charged and iconic songs from the nu-metal era, blending haunting melodies with heavy guitar textures. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down Crawling in detail, making it accessible for guitarists eager to master the expressive techniques and dynamics that define this unforgettable track. Whether you're a fan of Linkin Park or looking to enhance your modern rock playing, this lesson delivers powerful insights and hands-on learning. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 2001 on Linkin Park’s debut album Hybrid Theory, Crawling earned the band a Grammy and became a staple of their live performances. The song features a mix of clean, ambient tones and aggressive distorted sections that showcase a wide range of guitar techniques. This combination makes it a fantastic piece for guitarists looking to develop versatility and control.

Guitar Work in “Crawling”

The guitar part in Crawling is subtle but incredibly effective, relying on dynamics, feel, and layered textures rather than flashy solos. The main guitar lines support the emotional intensity of the lyrics, using carefully placed techniques that help deliver the song’s message of internal struggle and vulnerability.

Clean Arpeggios and Ambient Textures

The intro and verse sections use clean-toned, delay-laden arpeggios that float beneath the vocals. These arpeggios require precise timing and clean finger placement, making this section an excellent opportunity for guitarists to work on clarity and musical phrasing. Learning this part builds an appreciation for space in guitar playing — knowing when not to play is just as powerful as the notes themselves.

Power Chords in the Chorus

When the chorus hits, the energy surges with crunchy power chords. This technique emphasises the song's emotional peaks and give the chorus its driving force. Practicing this section helps develop rhythmic accuracy and right-hand control, which are essential skills in both rock and metal playing.

Sliding and Sustained Notes

Transitions between sections often use slides and sustained notes that ring out over the backing track. These seemingly simple gestures add a haunting quality to the arrangement. Learning to control your slide technique and sustain ensures that your playing is expressive and connected to the song’s mood.

Harmonics and Effects

While subtle, the use of harmonics adds texture and atmosphere to the track. In our lesson, we break down how and where these appear and show you how to produce them clearly. Mastering harmonics not only improves your technique but opens up your sound palette.

About the Guitarist: Brad Delson

Brad Delson, Linkin Park’s lead guitarist, is known for his minimalist approach and focus on texture over technical flash. Rather than overwhelming the mix with complex solos, Delson crafts guitar parts that serve the song. His playing in Crawling is a perfect example of this philosophy — subtle, emotional, and impactful.

Delson’s influence lies in his restraint and tone, prioritising emotional weight and sonic layering. For aspiring guitarists, studying his style encourages a more mature, song-serving approach to guitar playing — a refreshing contrast to the "play faster" mentality.

Benefits of Learning "Crawling" on Guitar

Taking the time to learn Crawling offers several key benefits:

• Dynamic control: Switching between clean and distorted tones refines your feel and volume control.
• Improved timing: Playing ambient arpeggios demands precision and metronomic discipline.
• Rhythmic accuracy: The palm-muted sections sharpen your rhythm guitar chops.
• Expressive techniques: Harmonics, slides, and sustain deepen your expressive vocabulary.

This song is ideal for intermediate players looking to bridge the gap between rhythm and lead guitar, while also focusing on emotion-driven playing.

Techniques Used in the “Crawling” Guitar Lesson

Below is a list of guitar techniques covered in this lesson, each linking to a full glossary entry to help you master them:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Sustain
• Harmonics
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions

Learn to play Crawling from Linkin Park the right way — note for note, with tone guidance and technique breakdowns, only at LickLibrary.com. Whether you're refining your technique or diving into expressive, atmospheric playing, this lesson gives you the tools and inspiration to grow as a guitarist.