Slipknot – Dead Memories

LickLibrary proudly presents a note-for-note guitar lesson on Slipknot’s haunting and melodic track Dead Memories. This mid-tempo metal anthem showcases a unique blend of heavy riffing and melodic phrasing that is both emotive and technically demanding. Perfect for guitarists who want to deepen their playing skills and explore the stylistic nuances of modern metal, this lesson walks you through every part of the song in detail — covering riffs, chord voicings, melodic lines, and solos with precision. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

Dead Memories features the dual guitar work of Jim Root and Mick Thomson, two of the most respected guitarists in the modern metal world. Their contrasting styles create a sonic landscape that is rich with texture and power. Jim Root’s playing leans toward expressive phrasing, tasteful melodic ideas, and tight rhythm work, while Mick Thomson brings aggressive, precision-driven riffing to the table, heavily grounded in his deep knowledge of metal guitar. Together, they form a dynamic partnership that drives Slipknot’s signature sound — combining brutality with melody.

Rhythm Guitar Work

The foundation of Dead Memories lies in its tight rhythmic phrasing and syncopated grooves. The track makes extensive use of palm-muting to create dynamic shifts in intensity, a hallmark of Slipknot's approach to songwriting. The muted chug of the verse riff helps establish a foreboding atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the open, melodic chorus.

Why learn it?

Practicing these rhythm parts sharpens your sense of timing and groove. You'll develop better right-hand control and a deeper understanding of how muted articulation adds contrast and punch to your playing.

Melodic Lead Phrases

In the chorus and bridge sections, Root and Thomson introduce soaring lead lines that utilise expressive slides and wide vibrato to bring out the emotion of the song. The lead motifs are simple but incredibly effective, focusing on sustain and phrasing over speed.

Why learn it?

These techniques build expressive control in your playing. Mastering vibrato and slides adds emotional depth and realism to your solos, allowing you to better communicate musical ideas.

Guitar Solo Breakdown

The guitar solo in Dead Memories is a standout feature. It blends melodic themes with fast alternate picking and smooth legato runs. There are several descending licks that incorporate pull-offs and hammer-ons in rapid succession, creating fluidity and speed without excessive picking.

Why learn it?

This solo is perfect for players who want to build speed and articulation. Learning how to blend picking with legato allows for faster, cleaner phrasing that’s less fatiguing and more expressive.

Harmonic Techniques

Slipknot is known for injecting subtle harmonics into their compositions, and Dead Memories is no exception. You’ll encounter both natural harmonics and pinched harmonics that add a biting edge and harmonic sparkle to the track.

Why learn it?

Mastering harmonics gives you an expanded sonic palette. They’re essential for adding texture and depth to riffs and leads, particularly in heavier music genres.

Chord Progressions and Layering

This track also features a more melodic and structured chord progression than many other Slipknot songs. There’s a clear movement between darker, minor tonalities and brighter major resolutions, making it a great song to study if you're interested in chord progressions and how they influence mood.

Why learn it?

Understanding how to construct and play effective chord progressions enhances your songwriting and composition skills. It helps you create emotional contrast and flow in your own music.

Takeaway for Guitarists

Whether you're a metalhead looking to expand your technical repertoire or a melodic player aiming to add more aggression to your style, Dead Memories is a perfect study piece. With its balance of heavy rhythm guitar, expressive lead work, and textured harmonics, this lesson offers something for every intermediate to advanced player.

By diving deep into this LickLibrary lesson, you’ll not only master a modern metal classic but also pick up essential guitar techniques that will elevate your overall playing ability.

Techniques Used in the 'Dead Memories' Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Pinched Harmonics
• Harmonics
• Chord Progressions

This in-depth lesson on Dead Memories will not only help you learn a killer Slipknot track but give you a valuable toolkit of guitar techniques to use across all genres of rock and metal.