Left Behind – Slipknot

Slipknot’s Left Behind is a ferocious blend of aggression, melody, and technicality—making it a must-learn track for any guitarist wanting to dive into the heavier side of modern metal. In our exclusive LickLibrary note-for-note lesson, we break down every riff, rhythm, and solo from this iconic track, teaching you not only how to play the song, but also how to master the essential techniques used throughout. With guidance from expert tutors, you’ll gain both the mechanical skill and musical insight needed to sound like Slipknot's formidable guitar duo. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

Left Behind features the crushing guitar work of Mick Thomson and Jim Root, two of metal’s most distinctive and technically proficient guitarists. Mick’s style leans into tight, palm-muted rhythms and razor-sharp precision, while Jim brings a more melodic and experimental edge with his solos and harmonies. Together, their contrast creates the brutal-yet-beautiful sonic landscape that defines Slipknot’s sound. Their influence on the metal genre is monumental, with countless players citing them as a driving force behind the evolution of modern heavy guitar playing.

Breakdown of the Guitar Lesson

Rhythm Riffing and Palm Muting

The song opens with a crushing riff built around tight, aggressive palm-muting. This technique not only tightens up your rhythm playing but also adds a percussive bite that gives metal its signature attack. Practicing this will develop your right-hand control and synchronisation with the fretting hand.

Syncopated Rhythms

Throughout Left Behind, the rhythm guitar parts often play off the drums with clever syncopated rhythms. Mastering these patterns enhances your timing and sense of groove—essential skills for playing in tight, riff-heavy ensembles or bands.

Power Chords and Open-String Riffs

The core of many riffs in this track lies in driving power chords and cleverly voiced open-string riffs. Learning these helps build left-hand strength and teaches you how to make simple shapes sound huge through rhythm and dynamics.

Alternate Picking Precision

The faster riff sections demand clean, articulate alternate picking. This is an essential picking technique for any metal guitarist looking to improve speed and consistency. Our lesson focuses on breaking this down at a manageable pace, so you can build it up with accuracy.

Pinched Harmonics and String Bending

Slipknot’s guitar tone is full of screaming pinched harmonics and expressive string bending. These techniques add emotional expression and flair to your playing. You’ll learn how to control the location and angle of your pick to nail harmonics, as well as how to bend notes in tune with confidence.

Vibrato and Slides

In the more melodic moments, subtle vibrato and slides bring out the emotion in slower lead lines. Developing these techniques will give your playing a professional polish and a more vocal-like quality.

Trills and Legato Passages

Some of the lead licks incorporate rapid trills and smooth legato runs. These techniques promote finger independence and fluidity, making your solos sound fast and seamless.

Tapped Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

Adding even more excitement to the solos are moments of tapped harmonics and wild whammy bar tricks. These techniques might seem flashy, but with our clear guidance, you’ll be executing them with style and confidence—expanding your expressive vocabulary as a guitarist.

Why Learn This Song?

Whether you’re into Slipknot or not, Left Behind offers a complete workout for any intermediate to advanced player. It combines essential rhythm guitar techniques with expressive lead playing, all wrapped in a high-energy metal context. By learning this song note-for-note, you’ll not only develop critical skills like timing, articulation, and speed—but you’ll also unlock the stylistic secrets that make Slipknot’s guitar work so impactful.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Trills
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs

With this in-depth lesson from LickLibrary, you'll be able to break down Slipknot’s Left Behind with confidence. Whether you're aiming to improve your technique, tighten your rhythm chops, or just learn a killer metal track, this lesson has everything you need. Dive in and discover the power behind one of Slipknot’s most iconic songs.