Rattlesnake Shake by Mötley Crüe – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Dive into the gritty, blues-infused hard rock of Mötley Crüe with our in-depth guitar lesson for “Rattlesnake Shake.” This LickLibrary exclusive note-for-note tutorial dissects every riff, solo, and rhythm part from this groove-heavy track, giving you the tools to not only play the song exactly as recorded but to understand and internalise the powerful guitar techniques behind it. Whether you're a die-hard Crüe fan or a guitarist looking to expand your skills, this lesson packs valuable insights for players of all levels. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Style

"Rattlesnake Shake" is a standout track from Mötley Crüe’s Dr. Feelgood album, showcasing a swaggering mix of sleaze-rock attitude and bluesy riff work. The song weaves together chunky rhythm guitar, dynamic lead phrasing, and expressive solos that ooze charisma. It’s a perfect example of late-'80s hard rock guitar, where raw feel meets technical flair.

Guitarists on the Track

The song features Mick Mars, Mötley Crüe’s longtime guitarist and one of the most underrated tone masters in rock. Known for his dark, bluesy style and unique phrasing, Mars brings a gritty edge to everything he plays. In “Rattlesnake Shake,” his work is an excellent blend of controlled aggression, subtle technique, and blues-based vocabulary.

Mick Mars’ influence extends beyond Mötley Crüe’s catalog. He’s inspired generations of players with his no-frills tone, clever use of effects, and tastefully crafted solos. This track is a great study of how feel and attitude can be just as important as speed or complexity.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

Power Chords

The foundation of the song lies in its punchy, riff-based rhythm guitar driven by power chords. These give the track its driving, aggressive energy. Learning to use power chords efficiently helps players tighten up their rhythm playing and build control over muting and chord transitions.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the verse sections to create groove and tension. Palm muting adds a percussive element to your playing and is essential for mastering dynamics in riff-based rock and metal.

Slides

Mars employs slides both in the rhythm work and lead sections to connect notes smoothly and create fluid phrasing. Mastering slides improves fretboard navigation and gives your solos a vocal-like quality.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

This track makes use of hammer-ons and pull-offs for quick, expressive licks in the solos. These techniques are fundamental for building speed and fluidity without relying solely on picking.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is one of Mick Mars’ go-to expressive tools. He uses both traditional string bending and bluesy bends to add emotion and edge to the solos. Learning proper bending technique is critical for developing expressive lead phrasing.

Vibrato

Mars uses wide, deliberate vibrato to emphasise sustained notes. Controlled vibrato adds personality and helps your playing stand out—an essential skill for any lead guitarist.

Pinched Harmonics

You’ll also find aggressive pinched harmonics that punctuate riffs and add a searing quality to certain notes. These harmonics give your playing attitude and are a staple in rock and metal vocabulary.

Unison Bends

Unison bends appear in the solo section, a signature move that adds drama and tension. These bends improve your pitch accuracy and fretting hand strength, while giving solos a screaming, vocal-like quality.

Double Stop Bends

Mick Mars also throws in gritty double stop bends to thicken up his phrasing. Learning this technique enhances your ability to harmonize and adds a bluesy character to solos.

Why Learn “Rattlesnake Shake”?

Learning “Rattlesnake Shake” helps players focus on groove, expression, and phrasing—key ingredients often overlooked in modern guitar playing. The techniques featured in this song offer valuable lessons in building attitude and feel into your guitar work. You'll sharpen your timing, improve control over bends and vibrato, and learn to phrase licks with swagger, all while having fun playing a high-energy rock anthem.

This lesson is a perfect gateway into Mick Mars' unique style and is ideal for players looking to blend classic rock feel with gritty, blues-influenced licks. By mastering this track, you’ll gain insights into how to make your playing stand out—not just with speed, but with soul.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends

Explore “Rattlesnake Shake” at LickLibrary today and bring some serious attitude to your playing!