Outshined by Soundgarden
Soundgarden’s “Outshined” remains one of the defining tracks of the early 1990s grunge explosion—a perfect storm of heavy riffing, moody melodies, and rhythmic sophistication. This Licklibrary.com note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every element of Kim Thayil’s distinctive guitar work, offering players the chance to learn each riff, fill, and solo in precise detail. From the thundering main riff to the soulful soloing and gritty tone, this lesson captures everything that makes Outshined a masterpiece of modern rock guitar.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Soundgarden’s musical style or to expand your technical vocabulary, this in-depth tutorial will guide you through the techniques, tones, and nuances that define the track. Each section is carefully taught, ensuring that every note and rhythmic variation is clear and achievable at your pace. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitar Work in “Outshined”
The song’s main riff immediately showcases Soundgarden’s signature sound: drop D tuning, driving power chords, and a syncopated groove that’s both heavy and hypnotic. Kim Thayil’s playing fuses the aggression of metal with the unconventional phrasing and dark harmonies of alternative rock. The rhythm guitar lays a dense, percussive foundation while the lead lines cut through with expressive bends, slides, and sustain-rich melodies.
This lesson walks you through each section—from the dynamic intro to the brooding verse parts and the soaring chorus riffs. You’ll also explore Thayil’s use of space and texture, understanding how his minimalist yet powerful approach adds depth to every section of the song.
Key Guitar Techniques Explored
String Bending and Expressive Phrasing
The solo in Outshined is a masterclass in controlled string bending and expressive note shaping. Practicing this technique improves your sense of pitch, tone, and control, giving your lead playing an emotional, vocal-like quality.
Slides and Legato Lines
Thayil’s use of smooth slides and legato passages creates seamless transitions between melodic phrases. Mastering these movements enhances fluidity, allowing you to link ideas naturally without interrupting your musical flow.
Vibrato and Sustain Control
Long, sustained notes punctuated by expressive vibrato are central to the Soundgarden sound. Learning how to apply vibrato correctly not only improves tone and control but also develops the ability to convey emotion through phrasing.
Alternate Picking for Rhythmic Precision
The main riffs rely on tight alternate picking and impeccable timing. Strengthening this technique boosts accuracy and endurance, ensuring you can maintain clarity and groove even at faster tempos.
Power Chords and Palm Muting
Heavy, driving power chords combined with precise palm-muting form the backbone of the rhythm section. These techniques build right-hand strength and control, enabling you to create dynamic contrasts between tight, muted sections and open, ringing chords.
Hammer-Ons, Pull-Offs, and Slides
Subtle use of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides adds melodic flair to Thayil’s phrasing. Developing these movements improves coordination and articulation, helping you play faster and smoother without relying solely on picking.
Open-String Riffs and Syncopation
The song’s groove benefits from clever use of open-string riffs and syncopated rhythms. Working through these patterns will strengthen your timing, sense of groove, and ability to lock in with a drummer—key skills for any rhythm guitarist.
About Kim Thayil and Soundgarden’s Influence
Kim Thayil’s guitar style was instrumental in shaping Soundgarden’s unique identity. Drawing inspiration from classic metal, punk, and psychedelic music, Thayil crafted a sound that was simultaneously raw and experimental. His use of alternate tunings, unusual chord progressions, and dense textures helped define the Seattle grunge scene, influencing countless guitarists in the decades that followed.
Thayil’s interplay with Chris Cornell’s rhythm work and Ben Shepherd’s basslines gave Soundgarden its distinctive harmonic weight. His tone—fuzzy, dark, and full of character—remains a touchstone for players looking to combine heaviness with musical depth. Learning Outshined not only strengthens technical ability but also provides insight into creative songwriting and tone shaping.
Benefits of Learning “Outshined”
Learning Outshined note-for-note is more than just playing a grunge anthem—it’s an opportunity to expand your technique, rhythm, and expressive control. The combination of alternate tuning, heavy riffing, and nuanced lead playing provides a well-rounded challenge for guitarists at any level.
By studying Thayil’s parts, you’ll develop better right-hand discipline, improve your dynamic control, and understand how to blend groove with melody. You’ll also gain a practical understanding of how tuning, phrasing, and rhythm interact to create one of the most powerful sounds in modern rock.
Techniques Covered 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’...