“Self Esteem” by The Offspring
Explore the energy and attitude of 90s punk rock with our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson for “Self Esteem” by The Offspring at LickLibrary.com. This detailed breakdown gives you everything you need to play this fan-favourite anthem with authenticity and confidence, covering every riff, chord, and rhythmic twist as played by the original guitarist.
Perfect for intermediate players, this lesson doesn’t just teach you the song — it also focuses on key guitar techniques that form the foundation of punk and alternative rock. Each section of the lesson brings new musical ideas into play, helping you grow as a guitarist while building a killer repertoire. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Song Overview
“Self Esteem” is one of The Offspring’s most iconic tracks, taken from their 1994 breakout album Smash. Its gritty, mid-tempo groove, emotional lyrical delivery, and instantly recognisable guitar riff made it a defining song of the era.
At its core, the guitar work in “Self Esteem” relies on raw power, attitude, and tight rhythmic execution. Built around a driving chord progression and heavy use of palm muting, the song also incorporates expressive techniques like pick slides, sustain, and dynamic changes to elevate the otherwise straightforward arrangement.
The structure alternates between chugging verses and soaring choruses, creating a punchy contrast that’s perfect for live performance and great for guitarists to study as an example of effective songcraft through rhythm guitar.
About the Guitarist – Noodles (Kevin Wasserman)
The Offspring’s lead guitarist, Noodles (real name Kevin Wasserman), is a key figure in the 90s punk rock movement. Known for his no-frills, high-energy style, Noodles combines classic punk power with just enough flair and nuance to give each track its own identity.
In “Self Esteem,” his guitar playing is both restrained and powerful. He avoids complex solos, instead focusing on tone, rhythm, and dynamics to serve the song. Noodles' style is a masterclass in how to make a massive impact with minimalistic parts — making him a perfect player for students who want to learn how to sound great without needing to shred.
His work has influenced a generation of punk, pop-punk, and alternative rock guitarists who aim to balance aggression with melody.
Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Palm Muting
Used throughout the verse sections, palm muting gives the song its rhythmic groove and low-end punch. It’s essential for developing tight, articulate rhythm guitar playing, especially in punk and rock contexts.
Power Chords
Power chords form the backbone of “Self Esteem.” These simple two- or three-note chords are used extensively to create a thick, aggressive wall of sound. Mastering them boosts a player’s ability to perform across all rock-based genres.
Slides
Slides add movement and transition between chords or notes, enhancing phrasing and creating a more fluid sound. In this song, they’re used to give life to the chord changes and to add a gritty edge.
Pick Slides
This dramatic, punk-favourite technique involves dragging the edge of the pick along the strings to produce a screaming sound effect. It’s an easy but highly expressive move that adds raw attitude and dynamics to your playing.
Sustain
Letting notes or chords ring out is a simple but effective tool used throughout the chorus. Learning to control sustain helps players add drama and variation to their performances.
Chord Progressions
Understanding how the song moves from section to section helps players grasp the basics of songwriting. The lesson breaks down the chord progression and shows how simplicity and repetition can still be musically engaging.
Why These Techniques Matter
By learning the techniques used in “Self Esteem,” guitarists develop real-world playing skills that can be applied across punk, grunge, rock, and alternative styles. These techniques not only strengthen your rhythm guitar chops but also improve timing, tone control, and dynamic awareness — all essential elements for performing in a band or writing original music.
Whether you're gigging, jamming, or just practicing at home, this lesson gives you the tools to play like a pro with maximum energy and clarity.
Techniques Used in “Self Esteem” Guitar Lesson:
Get started now and learn “Self Esteem” the right way — with the techniques, tone, and feel that made The Offspring legends of punk rock. Only at LickLibrary.com.
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’...