Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) – Guitar Lesson

Learn to play “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” by Mötley Crüe with our exclusive, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary. This in-depth breakdown of one of glam metal’s most melodic tracks dives into the techniques used by legendary guitarist Mick Mars, offering players a chance to refine their skills, expand their technique vocabulary, and gain insight into one of the most influential rock guitar styles of the late '80s and early '90s. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

“Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” is one of Mötley Crüe’s standout singles from their 1989 album Dr. Feelgood. With its radio-friendly structure, catchy hooks, and blues-inspired lead guitar lines, it’s a perfect blend of hard rock swagger and pop sensibility. The track showcases both rhythm and lead guitar elements that are vital for any developing rock guitarist to understand.

Our lesson offers a step-by-step breakdown of each section — from the clean arpeggiated intro to the powerful chorus riff and expressive solo. Guitarists will not only learn how to play the song accurately but also develop a deeper understanding of the techniques that give the track its signature sound.

About the Guitarist – Mick Mars

Mick Mars, Mötley Crüe’s guitarist, is known for his gritty tone, bluesy phrasing, and tight riffing. Despite battling chronic health conditions throughout his career, Mars has consistently delivered iconic riffs and memorable solos. His playing combines classic rock fundamentals with unique flair — utilising expressive bends, clever rhythmic placement, and tasteful harmonics.

Mick’s influence on hard rock guitar cannot be overstated. His approach is melodic yet aggressive, making him a favourite among players who appreciate feel over flash. Learning Mars’ guitar parts provides an invaluable lesson in restraint, dynamics, and musical phrasing — qualities that elevate any guitarist’s playing.

Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Power Chords

A foundational element of rock guitar, power chords drive the rhythm throughout this song. Players will solidify their muting technique and fretting hand strength. Power chords teach players about chord shapes, timing, and riff construction, essential for rhythm guitarists.

Palm Muting

The punchy, percussive feel of the song’s main riff relies heavily on palm muting. This technique adds dynamic control and tightness to your rhythm playing, helping you play with more precision and groove.

Slides

Both subtle and expressive, slides are used throughout the lead guitar parts to create fluid transitions between notes. Learning slides will enhance your phrasing and help you connect licks more smoothly.

String Bending

Signature bends bring life to Mick Mars’ solo work. They add expression and emotion to your playing. Mastering string bending improves pitch control and builds strength in the fretting hand.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

These legato techniques are used in the licks and fills throughout the song, helping guitarists play faster and smoother lines without picking every note. They improve finger independence and overall playing efficiency.

Double Stops

Double stops provide a thicker, more harmonically rich sound and are frequently used in both the rhythm and lead sections of the track. Practicing these enhances finger coordination and harmony awareness.

Bluesy Bends

Blues-influenced phrasing, including expressive half-step and whole-step bends, adds emotion and character. This teaches players how to infuse feeling into their solos.

Vibrato

Used in the solo to add character to sustained notes, vibrato is a crucial expressive technique. Developing vibrato control helps bring a personal voice to your playing and elevates even the simplest phrases.

Arpeggios

Arpeggiated clean chords in the intro add a melodic layer to the arrangement. Learning to play these cleanly trains precision and chord visualization across the neck.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Studying “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” provides players with an excellent mix of rhythm and lead techniques. It’s an ideal piece for intermediate guitarists who want to develop both hands in sync, build soloing vocabulary, and learn how to combine rock rhythm with melodic lead playing. Plus, it's a fun and satisfying song to perform, especially with its dynamic shifts and infectious energy.

Guitar Techniques Used in this Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios

Whether you're a fan of classic rock or simply looking to expand your playing skills, this LickLibrary guitar lesson on “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” is a must for any serious guitarist aiming to capture the feel and sound of one of glam metal’s most enduring anthems.