T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown) – Motley Crue

Motley Crue’s “T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown)” might be short in length, but it packs a punch both musically and technically. This explosive instrumental track opens the band’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood, setting a gritty, aggressive tone with its industrial edge and razor-sharp guitar work. At Licklibrary, we’ve dissected this track in a comprehensive guitar lesson that focuses on the key techniques found within the piece, helping you refine your skills while immersing yourself in the sleazy sonic world of 80s Sunset Strip metal. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist

The guitar work on “T.N.T.” is performed by none other than Mick Mars, the ever-underrated axe-slinger of Motley Crue. Known for his thick, snarling tone and inventive riffing, Mars brought a blues-meets-metal approach to the Crüe’s sound. While often overshadowed by his bandmates' antics, Mars was the backbone of the group’s sonic identity. His playing on Dr. Feelgood showcased his ability to blend catchy riffs with subtle technical flair, making him a vital influence on generations of rock and metal guitarists. His precise, gritty tone and use of effects helped set the mood for tracks like “T.N.T.,” showing that brevity can be just as powerful as a ten-minute solo when done right.

Breakdown of Techniques in the Lesson

Palm Muting

In “T.N.T.,” palm muting is used to inject percussive force and rhythmic precision into the riffing. By lightly resting the edge of the picking hand near the bridge, you create a tight, chuggy tone that emphasises attack and control. This is especially effective in industrial-tinged hard rock tracks like this one. Learning palm muting improves timing, articulation, and dynamic control, making your rhythm playing far more expressive and aggressive.

Pick Slides

One of the defining sounds of “T.N.T.” comes from dramatic pick slides, where the pick is dragged along the strings to create a chaotic, grinding noise that adds raw texture. It’s not just a stylistic trick—it’s a punctuation mark. Mastering this technique helps guitarists add attitude and flair to their performance, especially in live settings or recording lead-ins.

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of Mars’ riffing. These power chords offer maximum punch with minimal fuss, and are perfect for distorted tones. They create a wall of sound, great for both rhythm and lead sections. By perfecting power chords, learners gain essential tools for rock and metal rhythm guitar playing.

Slides

Mars uses slides to connect notes in a smooth, flowing fashion. This adds both style and fluidity to lead lines and transitions. Incorporating slides into your playing enhances legato movement and can make solos and riffs more expressive and natural-sounding.

Harmonics

While “T.N.T.” is brief, Mars cleverly incorporates harmonics to add sonic contrast. These bell-like tones offer a shimmering counter to the gritty rhythm work. Learning harmonics teaches control over string vibration and adds a polished, professional edge to your tone.

Vibrato

Mick Mars uses expressive vibrato to give sustained notes a vocal-like quality. A good vibrato separates average players from pros. It adds life, character, and feeling to your leads, and mastering it boosts your ability to convey emotion through your instrument.

String Bending

Though not overtly flashy on this track, string bending adds subtle bluesy nuances that bring Mars' style to life. Bending helps with pitch control and expressive phrasing, essential skills for any rock or blues guitarist.

Why Learn This Track?

Even though “T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown)” is only just over a minute long, the techniques embedded in its riffs offer valuable learning material for any guitarist looking to improve tone, accuracy, and attitude. This is a great track for intermediate players wanting to refine foundational techniques that appear across a wide range of rock and metal genres.

You’ll come away with improved precision in your right hand, a better understanding of dynamics and tone shaping, and a toolkit of stylistic devices that can make your own playing more engaging and professional.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Pick Slides
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Vibrato
• String Bending

This focused guitar lesson from Licklibrary is a must-watch for anyone wanting to capture the gritty, raw spirit of Motley Crue and sharpen their command of core rock guitar techniques. Dive in and bring the terror and tinsel to your playing.