Toxicity by System of a Down - Guitar Lesson Breakdown
System of a Down's "Toxicity" is an iconic song from the early 2000s, renowned for its powerful mix of heavy metal, alternative, and progressive elements. This guitar lesson focuses on breaking down the complex and dynamic guitar techniques employed in "Toxicity," helping guitarists of all skill levels master its challenging parts. The lesson delves into essential techniques that define the song's unique sound, such as alternate picking, palm muting, and power chords, all crucial to capturing the essence of System of a Down's distinct style.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, learning to play "Toxicity" will enhance your overall guitar playing skills by improving technique, speed, rhythm, and control. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Daron Malakian and His Influence
The song features the distinctive guitar work of Daron Malakian, the lead guitarist of System of a Down, whose style blends elements of metal, punk, and traditional Armenian music. Malakian's playing is highly creative, combining technical precision with emotive, almost chaotic energy. His use of non-traditional scales, complex rhythms, and sharp transitions between soft melodic passages and heavy riffs makes him one of the most influential guitarists in modern metal. His playing in "Toxicity" is an excellent example of how to fuse aggression and melody in a way that challenges conventional songwriting, inspiring guitarists to think outside the box.
Techniques Used in Toxicity
1. Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is one of the foundational techniques for playing "Toxicity." The verses and many riffs are built on fast alternate-picked notes that provide a rhythmic pulse to the song. This technique allows for precise control over speed and articulation, making it ideal for fast, syncopated parts like the chugging verse riffs.
Learning alternate picking can help players improve both speed and accuracy. It trains your picking hand to develop a consistent, efficient motion that reduces tension, allowing you to play faster without losing clarity.
2. Power Chords
The main riff of "Toxicity" relies heavily on power chords, a staple of heavy metal and hard rock. These chords provide a strong, aggressive tone while maintaining clarity, even when played with distortion. The repetitive use of power chords throughout the song gives it a driving, punchy feel.
Mastering power chords is essential for any rock or metal guitarist. It builds finger strength and teaches proper fretting technique, especially when transitioning quickly between chords. This is crucial for songs like "Toxicity," where the rhythm guitar maintains a constant, forceful presence.
3. Palm Muting
Palm muting is another key technique in "Toxicity," especially during the heavier, rhythm-driven sections. By lightly resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, Malakian achieves a tight, controlled sound that enhances the percussive quality of the riff.
Palm muting helps players refine their control over dynamics and articulation. It’s a critical technique for creating contrast between muted and open notes, adding a layered texture to your playing.
4. Syncopated Rhythms
One of the standout features of "Toxicity" is its use of syncopated rhythms. The song has a complex time signature that shifts between 6/8 and 4/4, creating an off-beat feel that adds tension and unpredictability to the arrangement. The syncopation in the verse riff, combined with Malakian's precise picking, creates a groovy yet aggressive atmosphere.
Practicing syncopated rhythms improves timing and rhythmic awareness, challenging players to think beyond traditional straight-time riffs. This is especially valuable for guitarists looking to add more variety and complexity to their rhythm playing.
5. Harmonics
In certain sections, natural harmonics are used to add an eerie, ringing quality to the guitar tone. These harmonic notes are created by lightly touching the string at specific points while plucking, generating bell-like overtones.
Learning harmonics not only expands your tonal palette but also helps develop precision in your fretting and picking hand coordination. Harmonics add texture and can be used creatively in riffs or as accents in songs.
6. Tremolo Picking
The song's rapid, fast-paced sections often employ tremolo picking, where a single note or power chord is played repeatedly in rapid succession. This technique gives the song its frenetic energy during the more intense moments.
Tremolo picking builds stamina and precision in the picking hand. It’s an excellent exercise for improving speed and control, especially in faster songs like "Toxicity."
Benefits of Learning the Techniques in "Toxicity"
Learning the techniques used in "Toxicity" offers several key benefits to guitarists:
- Improved Speed and Precision: Techniques like alternate picking and tremolo picking are fundamental to developing faster, more accurate playing. They help improve your control over the instrument, especially when playing at high speeds.
- Better Rhythmic Awareness: The syncopated rhythms and unusual time signatures in "Toxicity" challenge players to stay locked into the groove, enhancing overall rhythmic proficiency.
- Enhanced Tone Control: Techniques such as palm muting and harmonics allow players to explore different textures and dynamic ranges, improving their ability to shape their sound.
- Strength and Endurance: Power chords and palm muting build finger strength and picking hand endurance, which are essential for playing heavy, riff-driven songs like this one.
Mastering these techniques will help you not only replicate the signature sound of System of a Down but also integrate them into your broader guitar playing repertoire, making you a more versatile and confident player.
Guitar Techniques Used in Toxicity
By mastering the techniques used in "Toxicity," guitarists will elevate their playing, gain new skills, and enhance their understanding of rhythm, tone, and control.
List of Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons
This lesson is more than just learning to play a song; it's about embracing the spirit of innovation and intensity that Daron Malakian brought to rock music through his guitar. Dive into our "Learn to Play Toxicity by System of a Down" course today and transform your musicality on the guitar.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Sam Bell
Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...