"Psychosocial" by Slipknot

If you’re a fan of modern metal and looking to sharpen your technique, learning “Psychosocial” by Slipknot is a powerful way to boost your guitar playing skills. At LickLibrary.com, we offer a comprehensive, note-for-note guitar lesson for this heavy-hitting track, breaking down every riff, rhythm, and lead part that makes this song such a staple in Slipknot’s discography.

Slipknot’s “Psychosocial” is a relentless, groove-laden anthem that blends aggression with precise rhythmic intricacy. The song’s riffs are as punishing as they are memorable, providing a treasure trove of techniques for intermediate to advanced guitarists to master. With our lesson, you’ll not only nail the exact parts played on the record but also gain a deeper understanding of the techniques that bring the song to life — many of which are key pillars in modern metal playing. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Jim Root and Mick Thomson

Slipknot’s twin-guitar assault is led by Jim Root and Mick Thomson, two of metal’s most formidable axemen. Jim Root brings a fusion of jazz-influenced phrasing and metal sensibility, while Mick Thomson delivers razor-sharp precision and brutal rhythm playing. Together, their playing on “Psychosocial” showcases a dynamic interplay of crushing riffs, melodic overlays, and tight harmonies that define Slipknot’s sound.

Their influence stretches far beyond Slipknot, with countless metal guitarists citing them as inspirations for their tone, technical proficiency, and stage presence. Studying this song is not just about playing along — it’s about tapping into the DNA of modern metal guitar.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Palm Muting

Psychosocial features tight, chugging riffs that rely heavily on palm muting to create rhythmic definition and dynamic contrast. This technique helps you control your tone and build groove, especially in fast-paced metal riffs.

Power Chords

The song's backbone is built on aggressive power chords, making it perfect for players looking to solidify their control over this essential technique. Power chords offer a thick, focused sound and are the foundation of most metal riffs.

Alternate Picking

Many of the riff passages involve tight, rhythmic alternate picking. Mastering this technique will enhance your precision, stamina, and synchronisation between your picking and fretting hands — a must-have for playing fast, cleanly executed metal parts.

Pinched Harmonics

Thomson and Root spice up their riffing with searing pinched harmonics, adding a fierce, squealing quality to select notes. This technique allows you to inject aggressive expression into your playing.

Slides

There are several transitions and fills in Psychosocial that incorporate slides, which help connect phrases smoothly while adding a dramatic flair. Slides also improve finger control and position shifting on the fretboard.

String Bending

Subtle string bending adds a vocal-like quality to some of the lead moments in the song. Learning proper bending technique helps with pitch control and emotional expression.

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the track’s defining features is its use of syncopated rhythms. The staggered chugs and off-beat accents challenge your internal timing and rhythmic accuracy, crucial for locking in with a drummer or backing track.

Pick Slides

Characteristic pick slides appear throughout the track, adding raw, gritty textures that enhance the overall heaviness. This technique boosts your stage-ready sound design and dramatic effect.

Harmonics

Both natural and pinched harmonics are used to add eerie textures. These give your playing a wider tonal palette and can enhance intros, breakdowns, and transitions.

Benefits of Learning “Psychosocial” on Guitar

By studying “Psychosocial” through our in-depth lesson, you’ll develop:

• Stronger rhythm precision through disciplined palm muting and syncopated phrasing.
• Greater technical control via alternate picking, slides, and pick accuracy.
• Expressive playing from mastering harmonics, bends, and dynamics.
• Improved metal tone awareness by focusing on tone control and gain-based articulation.

Each section of the song presents new challenges and rewards. Whether it's the pounding main riff, the syncopated bridge, or the melodic breakdown, you’re constantly engaged with a broad spectrum of techniques — making this lesson not only fun but massively beneficial to your overall playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in “Psychosocial”

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Pick Slides
• Harmonics

Dive into this powerful track and elevate your metal guitar game with our full “Psychosocial” guitar lesson — only at LickLibrary.com.