Supermassive Black Hole – Muse

Muse’s Supermassive Black Hole is one of the band’s most iconic tracks, blending elements of alternative rock, electronica, and funk-infused grooves into a distinctive sound that has captivated guitarists and fans alike. Our Supermassive Black Hole guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com offers an in-depth, note-for-note tutorial designed to help guitarists of all levels master the unique and powerful techniques used in this standout song.

From the hypnotic main riff to the groove-laden rhythm parts and expressive lead lines, this lesson is a goldmine for players wanting to improve precision, groove, and creative phrasing. The techniques covered not only help you nail this Muse classic but also build a toolkit you can carry into your own playing and songwriting. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques Explored in Supermassive Black Hole

Palm Muting

One of the most distinctive elements of the song is its tight, chugging rhythmic style created through palm muting. This technique dampens the strings to produce a muted, percussive sound that adds rhythmic drive and precision to riffs. Learning palm muting sharpens your timing and control, especially useful for playing funk-rock hybrids like this Muse track.

Slides

The hypnotic riff that drives Supermassive Black Hole features seamless slides between notes, helping to create its seductive, flowing movement. Mastering slide technique is essential for achieving smooth transitions across fret positions, enhancing both lead and rhythm guitar fluidity.

Vibrato

Muse's guitarist uses expressive vibrato to add emotion and depth to sustained notes. Vibrato is a crucial expressive tool that adds character and vocal-like quality to lead guitar work. Practicing it will help you develop a more personal and emotive sound in your soloing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The song’s intricate phrasing incorporates both hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for fast and fluid melodic movement. These legato techniques are perfect for building speed and smooth articulation. They also reduce picking fatigue and open up dynamic possibilities for phrasing.

String Bending

To emulate the expressive nuances heard in the original recording, string bending plays a vital role. It’s an expressive staple for lead playing and helps you add nuance and emotion to solos, creating vocal-like pitch shifts that are key in Muse’s dramatic style.

Power Chords

The heavy rhythm sections rely heavily on power chords for their thick, driving tone. Power chords are a foundational part of rock guitar, and mastering them gives you the ability to confidently anchor any rhythm part with clarity and authority.

About the Guitarist – Matt Bellamy

The mastermind behind Muse’s genre-bending guitar work is frontman Matt Bellamy. Known for his virtuosic playing, futuristic tones, and fearless experimentation, Bellamy fuses classical influence with high-gain rock aggression. His unique approach includes blending effects, alternative tunings, and expressive lead phrasing to push the boundaries of what a guitar can sound like.

Bellamy’s playing in Supermassive Black Hole showcases his rhythmic discipline, command of dynamics, and innovative use of tone and space. Studying his playing in this track provides insight into how to use minimalism and groove effectively—proving that sometimes, less truly is more.

Why Learn Supermassive Black Hole?

This lesson is more than just a transcription—it's an opportunity to improve your control, feel, and creativity. By focusing on rhythmic precision, expressive dynamics, and tasteful phrasing, this lesson gives you a deeper understanding of how to construct compelling guitar parts that serve the song.

Whether you’re a fan of Muse or simply looking to expand your guitar vocabulary, learning Supermassive Black Hole will challenge and inspire you, helping you develop as a more well-rounded guitarist.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Power Chords

Ready to unlock the gritty grooves and hypnotic hooks of Supermassive Black Hole? Dive into the lesson now and elevate your technique while learning a modern rock classic.