You're A Lie – Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators
In this LickLibrary note-for-note guitar lesson, Richard Shaw breaks down “You’re A Lie” by Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, a hard-hitting modern rock track that perfectly showcases Slash’s aggressive riff writing, blues-rooted lead playing, and unmistakable tone. This song blends driving rhythm guitar parts with expressive lead phrases, making it an ideal study for players looking to develop both power and feel within a contemporary rock context.
Throughout this lesson, you’ll learn every riff, chord shape, and lead line exactly as performed on the recording. The focus is on understanding how Slash combines classic rock vocabulary with modern production and attitude, while locking tightly with the rhythm section. From the punchy intro riffs through to the soaring lead passages, this lesson helps you capture the nuance, phrasing, and authority that defines Slash’s playing style.
Song Overview and Guitar Approach
“You’re A Lie” is built around muscular, groove-based rhythm guitar parts that rely on tight timing, strong muting, and confident execution. The riffs are bold and direct, yet packed with subtle details that elevate them beyond simple rock patterns. The song’s energy comes from the way the rhythm guitars push and pull against the beat, creating a relentless forward motion that underpins the vocal and lead guitar elements.
Slash’s lead work in this track is expressive rather than overly technical, focusing on phrasing, sustain, and attitude. The solos and fills are designed to enhance the song rather than dominate it, making this lesson a perfect example of how to serve the music while still sounding unmistakably iconic.
Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson
Power Chords and Palm Muting
The backbone of “You’re A Lie” is its use of power chords combined with controlled palm muting. These techniques create the song’s aggressive rhythmic drive while keeping the riffs tight and focused. Learning to balance muting pressure with clarity helps you achieve a punchy, articulate rhythm sound that translates well across many rock and metal styles.
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is used extensively to maintain speed and precision during the faster riff sections. This technique allows for consistent attack and endurance, especially when playing repeated patterns at higher tempos. Mastering alternate picking improves overall picking efficiency and timing accuracy.
Syncopated Rhythms
Many of the riffs feature syncopated rhythmic figures that shift emphasis away from the downbeat. These rhythms add groove and tension, giving the song its modern edge. Studying syncopation strengthens your internal timing and helps you lock in more effectively with a drummer and bassist.
String Bending and Bluesy Bends
Slash’s lead style is deeply rooted in expressive string bending. In this lesson, you’ll explore both standard and blues-influenced bends that add vocal-like character to the guitar lines. Developing control over pitch and vibrato during bends is essential for expressive soloing.
Vibrato and Sustain
Vibrato plays a crucial role in giving notes life and emotion. Slash’s wide, controlled vibrato helps notes sing and sustain, especially during slower lead phrases. Learning this technique improves note control and adds professional polish to your playing.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Legato techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, fluid phrases within the lead lines. These techniques reduce picking strain and help develop left-hand strength and coordination, resulting in more connected and expressive playing.
Slides
Slides are used to connect positions smoothly across the fretboard. They add momentum and attitude to both rhythm fills and lead phrases. Practising slides improves fretboard navigation and enhances phrasing continuity.
Pinched Harmonics
Pinched harmonics are a signature part of Slash’s tonal vocabulary. These aggressive, squealing accents add excitement and edge to riffs and lead phrases. Learning to control them helps you add dynamic flair and personality to your playing.
About the Guitarists and Their Influence
Slash is one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, known for blending blues, hard rock, and metal influences into a highly personal style. His playing on “You’re A Lie” reflects decades of experience, combining raw energy with refined phrasing. Slash’s emphasis on feel, tone, and melody has inspired generations of guitarists to focus on expression as much as technique.
Myles Kennedy, while primarily known as a vocalist, plays a crucial role in shaping the band’s musical identity. His melodic sensibilities and songwriting approach influence the structure and dynamics of the guitar parts, ensuring that the riffs and leads always serve the song. Together with The Conspirators, they create a tight, powerful sound that bridges classic and modern rock.
Why Learn “You’re A Lie”?
This lesson is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want to strengthen their rhythm playing while developing expressive lead techniques. It provides a real-world example of how classic guitar vocabulary can be applied in a modern rock setting, making it both practical and inspiring. By mastering this song, you’ll gain greater control, confidence, and stylistic awareness that can be applied across countless genres.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Rich Shaw
Richard is most well known as the guitarist and co-songwriter for UK metal band, Cradle of Filth, from 2014 until 2022. In his time with the band, he co-wrote and performed on the albums ‘Hammer of the Witches’ (2015), ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay’ (2017), and ‘Existence is Futile’...