Hysteria by Muse

Muse’s “Hysteria” is a modern rock classic and a tour de force of aggressive bass-driven riffs, dynamic guitar textures, and technical prowess. In our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary, we break down every guitar part of this high-energy track to help you master the techniques and tones that make it so iconic. This lesson is ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to improve their rhythm precision, articulation, and fretboard dexterity. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Originally released in 2003 on the album Absolution, “Hysteria” has become one of Muse’s most recognised songs. While the song is heavily bass-driven, the guitar layers add texture, aggression, and melodic depth. The guitar work, while not overly complex on the surface, relies on tight rhythmic playing, intricate technique, and high-octane execution. In this LickLibrary lesson, we focus on reproducing these elements exactly, giving guitarists the tools to replicate the feel and energy of the track.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

One of the key skills to master in “Hysteria” is alternate picking. The guitar part often follows the syncopated and rapid-fire rhythm of the bass line, requiring clean and consistent picking across strings. Developing this technique will help improve your speed, accuracy, and endurance when playing fast-paced rock and metal riffs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is another central technique, providing the tight, chuggy tone that underpins the heavier sections of the song. Learning to control your palm muting, as taught in our lesson, allows for dynamic expression and greater control over your tone — essential for hard rock rhythm playing.

Slides

The melodic embellishments in the verse and bridge sections often use slides to add smooth transitions between notes. This technique helps improve fretboard navigation and can add a more fluid and vocal quality to your playing.

Vibrato

To replicate the expressive phrasing found in the lead lines of “Hysteria,” players must master vibrato. This technique adds emotion and sustain to held notes and can elevate even simple phrases into something impactful and memorable.

String Bending

Subtle but essential in lead sections, string bending is used to shape notes expressively. You'll learn how to bend to pitch accurately, making your solos sing with the same intensity found in the original recording.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the melodic phrases and fills, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used for smoother legato playing. These techniques not only enhance fluidity but also allow for faster playing with less effort, helping you tackle more advanced solos down the line.

Legato

The use of legato phrasing throughout the lead parts builds phrasing speed and smooth articulation. Our lesson teaches you how to keep your legato clean and controlled for both rhythmic and melodic playing.

About the Guitarist: Matt Bellamy

The mastermind behind Muse’s guitar sound is Matt Bellamy, a guitarist known for blending classical influences with progressive rock and electronic textures. Bellamy’s playing is characterised by technical skill, melodic sensibility, and sonic experimentation — all of which are showcased in “Hysteria.” His unique approach to combining effects with tight guitar work has inspired countless modern guitarists. By studying “Hysteria,” players can gain insight into how Bellamy crafts guitar parts that support and enhance powerful songwriting.

Why Learn “Hysteria”?

Learning “Hysteria” is more than just mastering another song — it’s a chance to refine a set of essential rock guitar skills. This lesson helps you:

• Tighten your rhythmic control through precise alternate picking and palm muting.
• Improve expression and dynamics with slides, vibrato, and bending techniques.
• Develop lead technique with hammer-ons, pull-offs, and legato phrases.
• Understand how to integrate melodic phrasing into riff-based rock.

With our in-depth breakdown, you’ll not only be able to play this modern classic note-for-note, but you’ll also gain transferable skills that will benefit your playing across genres.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Legato

This comprehensive guitar lesson gives you everything you need to capture the energy and emotion of Muse’s “Hysteria” — a must-learn for any serious rock guitarist.