Knights Of Cydonia – Muse

Muse’s “Knights of Cydonia” is a powerhouse of modern rock guitar, combining epic, cinematic soundscapes with ferocious playing and tight, inventive guitar work. At LickLibrary.com, our in-depth guitar lesson breaks down every note and nuance of this monumental track, allowing you to master the techniques and tones used by Matt Bellamy, the visionary guitarist behind Muse's sound.

With its progressive structure, genre-blending style, and dynamic shifts, Knights of Cydonia offers a rich learning ground for guitarists looking to enhance their technical skills and broaden their musical vocabulary. Whether you're a fan of Muse or simply looking to push your playing to the next level, this lesson delivers. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Matt Bellamy

Matt Bellamy, frontman and lead guitarist of Muse, is renowned for his genre-defying guitar style, fusing elements of classical music, alternative rock, progressive, and electronic textures. Known for his energetic stage presence and experimental approach to gear and effects, Bellamy’s playing on Knights of Cydonia showcases his ability to blend melody, technique, and raw power.

His influence on modern guitar playing is immense—pioneering a new wave of players who embrace both technology and traditional skills. Bellamy’s command over guitar effects and unorthodox techniques make him a key figure in contemporary rock and an inspiration to countless guitarists worldwide.

Lesson Breakdown & Techniques

Our Knights of Cydonia lesson dives deep into every section of the song—from the Spaghetti Western-style intro to the soaring, anthemic outro. Here’s a breakdown of the key techniques covered and why learning them is beneficial to your playing.

Galloping Rhythms

The main riff uses galloping rhythms, which are a staple of metal and rock. This rhythm style—based on a fast 16th-note feel with accent variations—adds drive and aggression to a part. Mastering galloping patterns improves your timing and picking control, particularly for faster tempos.

Palm Muting

This track features tight palm muting, especially during the verse and mid-section riffs. Learning to control your palm muting gives you the ability to dynamically control your tone, making your riffs punchy and aggressive or loose and open.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Bellamy makes dramatic use of whammy bar tricks throughout the song for dive bombs and pitch manipulations. Learning to control the whammy bar is essential for expressive lead playing and sound experimentation.

Slides

You'll find extensive use of slides in lead lines and transitions. Sliding helps your phrasing flow more smoothly and adds a vocal quality to your solos.

Alternate Picking

Tight, fast passages in this song make good use of alternate picking, a foundational technique that allows for efficient and accurate playing at speed. Practicing alternate picking improves your synchronisation between both hands and increases your overall speed.

Vibrato

Expressive vibrato is a hallmark of Bellamy’s playing. Learning to develop controlled, consistent vibrato enhances your musical expression and makes your lead lines come alive.

String Bending

The soaring lead melodies involve expressive string bending, which helps you hit exact pitches and adds emotion to your phrasing. Mastering bending is key to making your solos sing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Some of the fast licks in the solo utilise hammer-ons and pull-offs, key components of the legato technique. Practicing these techniques increases speed and fluidity in your solos without relying solely on picking every note.

Octave Melodies

The track features octave melodies, particularly during the build-up and outro, creating a thick, melodic sound. Learning octave lines enhances your ability to create full-sounding riffs and lead parts.

Why This Lesson Matters

Learning Knights of Cydonia isn’t just about learning a Muse song—it’s about building a versatile technical foundation. You'll gain:

• Stronger rhythm skills through galloping patterns and palm muting
• More expressive lead phrasing with bends, vibrato, and slides
• Better coordination and accuracy through alternate picking and legato
• Creative inspiration from Bellamy’s use of effects and dynamic shifts

By dissecting each part and applying it to your own playing, you’ll improve not only your technique but also your musicality and creativity.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Galloping Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Legato
• Octave Melodies

Ready to take your playing to new heights? Dive into our Knights of Cydonia lesson at LickLibrary.com and explore the creative power of Muse’s guitar mastery.