She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult

The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" is a timeless anthem with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. The song, released in 1985 on their Love album, is driven by a captivating mix of psychedelic tones, rhythmic strumming, and innovative use of effects that laid the foundation for a new wave of alternative rock. This LickLibrary guitar lesson provides a note-for-note breakdown, focusing on the essential techniques found throughout the song. By mastering these techniques, guitarists will not only be able to play this classic track but also expand their overall guitar-playing proficiency. Andy James breaks down this iconic rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind "She Sells Sanctuary"

The magic behind "She Sells Sanctuary" comes largely from the hands of guitarist Billy Duffy. Duffy’s playing on this track blends elements of post-punk, hard rock, and alternative, using effects like delay and reverb to create a rich, atmospheric sound. His style was pivotal in shaping The Cult's early sound, and he remains an influential figure in rock guitar for his ability to combine aggressive, powerful playing with melodic sensibilities.

Billy Duffy's influence extends far beyond The Cult, having inspired countless guitarists to experiment with effects pedals and dynamic playing. His work on She Sells Sanctuary is a masterclass in creating mood and texture, showcasing how a few well-chosen notes can leave a lasting impression.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques Used in "She Sells Sanctuary"

1. Power Chords and Open String Riffs

The main riff of "She Sells Sanctuary" relies heavily on the use of power chords and open-string riffs, creating a dynamic that is both rhythmically powerful and melodically memorable. Power chords are essential for providing the backbone of the song, while the open strings give the riff a ringing, open-ended quality that contrasts with the thicker chords.

Benefit: Learning power chords and integrating open-string riffs will enhance your ability to build strong, driving rhythms in your playing, making it easier to play rock and alternative styles.

2. Palm Muting

Throughout the song, Billy Duffy uses palm muting to create tight, percussive rhythms, especially in the verses. This technique involves resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, controlled sound. In this track, palm muting helps emphasize the rhythmic pulse, providing a balance between the atmospheric lead work and the driving groove.

Benefit: Mastering palm muting gives you control over dynamics and helps you build tension in your playing, making your rhythm parts more versatile and punchy.

3. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro of "She Sells Sanctuary" features a beautiful arpeggiated chord progression. By picking out individual notes from the chords, Duffy creates an intricate, flowing sound that builds tension and adds to the song's ethereal feel. Arpeggios are a key element of this song’s texture and help create its haunting atmosphere.

Benefit: Practicing arpeggios improves finger dexterity and coordination, making it easier to navigate chord shapes across the fretboard and enhance your ability to blend rhythm with lead playing.

4. Slides

Slides are used throughout the song, particularly in transitions between chords and during lead lines. Sliding from one note to another adds a smooth, fluid element to your playing. Duffy uses slides to create a seamless, connected feel between his melodic lines, contributing to the song's hypnotic nature.

Benefit: Mastering slides adds a legato quality to your playing, making your transitions between notes smoother and enhancing the expressiveness of your solos and riffs.

5. String Bending and Vibrato

While not as pronounced as in some other rock tracks, subtle string bending and vibrato techniques are employed by Duffy in the lead sections of the song. These techniques allow for added expression, giving notes a vocal-like quality. String bending allows the pitch to be manipulated in real-time, while vibrato adds depth and sustain to held notes.

Benefit: String bending and vibrato are crucial for expressive playing. Mastering these techniques will give your solos a more emotional impact, adding personality to each note.

6. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic structure of "She Sells Sanctuary" features syncopation, especially in the strumming patterns. Syncopation involves accenting off-beats or unexpected beats, giving the song a dynamic, driving feel. This technique makes the song feel more engaging and energetic, keeping listeners hooked throughout.

Benefit: Syncopation will help you improve your rhythm skills, making your playing more dynamic and giving you the tools to add excitement to even the simplest chord progressions.

Conclusion

The guitar lesson for "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult will not only teach you how to replicate this legendary track but also sharpen a range of techniques essential for rock and alternative guitarists. From mastering rhythmic precision with power chords and palm muting to refining your lead work with slides, arpeggios, and string bending, this lesson offers something for every player. Additionally, you'll develop a better understanding of how to use syncopated rhythms to create a more dynamic, engaging sound.

By the end of the lesson, you'll not only be able to play one of rock's most iconic anthems but also add these versatile techniques to your guitar-playing arsenal.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms