Marilyn Manson – Disposable Teens

Unleash your inner rebel with Licklibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson for Disposable Teens by Marilyn Manson — a track that’s as iconic as it is riff-heavy. Known for its industrial metal punch and gritty attitude, this lesson captures the essence of the song while giving guitarists a practical toolbox of techniques to master. Whether you're looking to improve your rhythm playing or want to tap into the raw aggression that defines early 2000s metal, this lesson breaks it all down in a clear, structured way. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

Disposable Teens, released in 2000 on Manson’s Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), is a bold anthem of angst and rebellion. The guitar work on the track is spearheaded by John 5 (John Lowery), a formidable player known for his technical prowess, genre versatility, and theatrical stage presence. His work with Marilyn Manson cemented his reputation as a player who could combine aggressive riffing with intricate technique, and he has continued to be a respected figure in both the metal and shred communities.

John 5’s influence on modern guitar playing can’t be overstated — he bridges the gap between old-school metal chops and avant-garde noise, often incorporating country licks, chromatic runs, and unorthodox phrasing into his playing. This lesson not only pays homage to his work on Disposable Teens, but also invites guitarists to step into his world of dark textures and high-energy execution.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

The backbone of Disposable Teens lies in its power chord driven riffing — a signature sound in industrial and alternative metal. Power chords are simplified chords that use just the root and fifth notes, providing a heavy, punchy tone perfect for distorted guitars.

Why it matters: Learning power chords helps build a strong foundation for rhythm playing and is crucial for any guitarist wanting to dive into rock or metal genres.

Palm Muting

Rhythmic palm muting is used throughout the song to create a tight, chugging feel. This percussive technique helps accentuate the groove and keeps the guitar part locked in with the drums.

Why it matters: Mastering palm muting enhances your control and articulation, giving your playing that essential metal crunch.

Slides

Slides are used to add tension and dynamic movement between chords and riffs. They’re subtle but crucial to capturing the gritty vibe of the track.

Why it matters: Slides increase your fretboard awareness and allow for more expressive phrasing in both rhythm and lead contexts.

String Bending

Though less prominent than in lead-heavy tracks, string bending appears subtly in certain transitional licks, adding character and tension.

Why it matters: String bending helps develop pitch control and expressive technique, essential for emotive soloing and phrasing.

Pinched Harmonics

John 5’s use of pinched harmonics injects squealing aggression into select riff sections. These high-pitched squeals slice through the mix, adding a savage edge to the track.

Why it matters: Pinched harmonics allow you to add emphasis and texture to your playing, giving you that pro-level metal sound.

Vibrato

The lesson touches on vibrato, especially in sustaining single-note lines. It adds flavour and helps maintain interest during slower phrases.

Why it matters: Vibrato is key for emotional expression, turning static notes into living, breathing sounds.

Syncopated Rhythms

Disposable Teens makes great use of syncopated rhythms, giving the guitar parts a stuttering, rebellious feel that matches the lyrical content.

Why it matters: Understanding syncopation sharpens your timing and helps you groove tighter with a drummer or backing track.

What You'll Learn

By diving into this lesson, you’ll walk away with a tight grasp on several essential rock and metal techniques, all tied together in a memorable and aggressive performance. It’s not just about learning to play a song — it’s about improving your musical vocabulary, your timing, and your ability to confidently approach heavy, riff-based guitar playing.

This track is ideal for intermediate players looking to get their hands dirty with gritty tones, chunky riffs, and aggressive attitude — all under the guidance of a professional Licklibrary instructor who breaks down every part note-for-note.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms

Whether you're a long-time Marilyn Manson fan or just want to strengthen your rock guitar chops, this lesson is a powerful way to expand your skills while learning a true nu-metal classic. Get ready to crank up the gain and throw yourself into the world of Disposable Teens — riff by riff.