Down with the Sickness by Disturbed
"Down with the Sickness" by Disturbed is a heavy metal classic, delivering one of the most iconic riffs of the 2000s. Known for its aggressive rhythm, catchy chorus, and signature energy, this song has become a must-learn for guitarists who are looking to dive into hard rock and metal. In this lesson, we will break down each part of the song and focus on the essential guitar techniques used by Disturbed's guitarist, Dan Donegan, to bring the song to life. Whether you're a beginner exploring the genre or a more advanced player aiming to refine your metal techniques, this detailed breakdown will guide you through the core elements of the track. John Connearn breaks down this modern metal classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Guitar Techniques Used in "Down with the Sickness"
Power Chords and Palm Muting
At the heart of "Down with the Sickness" is the extensive use of power chords, a hallmark of rock and metal guitar. Power chords are simple, movable shapes that provide a full, heavy sound with minimal fretting hand movement. They are used throughout the song to drive its aggressive sound, making them essential for mastering the rhythm sections.
Palm muting is another critical technique featured prominently in this song. By lightly placing the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can create a percussive, muted sound that gives the riffs a tight, controlled chug. This technique is especially important in metal, where palm muting can add dynamics and intensity to your playing. Learning how to palm mute effectively will help you control your sound and add variation to your rhythm playing.
String Bending and Vibrato
During the lead guitar sections of "Down with the Sickness," string bending and vibrato are used to add expressive flair to the solos. String bending involves pushing the string up or down to raise the pitch of a note, creating a vocal-like quality that adds emotion to your playing. Combined with vibrato, which adds a subtle variation in pitch after bending, this technique helps to sustain notes and give them a richer, more dynamic sound.
Mastering these techniques will significantly improve your lead guitar skills, allowing you to add more expression and emotion to your solos. By incorporating bends and vibrato, you can bring life to the melody, much like Dan Donegan does in his lead parts.
Harmonics
Donegan also makes use of harmonics in "Down with the Sickness," adding texture and depth to the track. Harmonics are produced by lightly placing your finger on a string at specific points along the fretboard and picking the string, which results in bell-like tones. These harmonics can be used to create unique, airy sounds that stand out in the midst of heavier riffs.
Learning to execute harmonics properly will expand your tonal palette and give you a wider range of sounds to work with. This technique can add atmosphere and complexity to your playing, helping you create more interesting and textured riffs.
String Bending and Slides
In addition to string bending, slides are another expressive technique found in "Down with the Sickness." Sliding involves moving your finger along the string while maintaining pressure to smoothly transition between notes. This technique is used in lead lines to give a flowing, connected feel to the notes, making it easier to move between frets without interrupting the melody.
By mastering slides, you will improve your fretboard navigation and add a smooth, fluid quality to your lead playing. It's a simple yet effective way to transition between notes with a professional touch, as Donegan demonstrates in this track.
Guitarist Spotlight: Dan Donegan
Dan Donegan, the lead guitarist for Disturbed, is known for his powerful, precise playing and innovative use of effects. His ability to craft memorable riffs and solos, while maintaining the energy and aggression that defines metal, has earned him a place among modern metal's most respected guitarists. In "Down with the Sickness," Donegan showcases his ability to blend heavy rhythm guitar with expressive leads, using techniques like palm muting, power chords, and string bending to create a sound that is both aggressive and melodic.
Donegan's style is influenced by classic metal and hard rock, but he also brings a modern, experimental edge to his playing. Learning his approach will not only improve your technical ability but also broaden your understanding of how to balance rhythm and lead guitar in a song.
Benefits of Learning "Down with the Sickness"
Learning "Down with the Sickness" is a great opportunity to develop your metal guitar skills. The song focuses on fundamental techniques like power chords and palm muting, which are crucial for any aspiring metal guitarist. These techniques will help you build a strong foundation in rhythm guitar and give you control over your dynamics. Additionally, the lead parts that utilise string bending, vibrato, and harmonics will enhance your lead guitar playing, allowing you to add more expression and emotion to your solos.
This song is ideal for both beginner and intermediate players who want to improve their timing, precision, and expressive playing. By breaking down each technique, you’ll not only be able to play this iconic track but also apply these skills to other songs and styles.
Techniques Covered in this Lesson:
Slides
By learning the techniques featured in "Down with the Sickness," you’ll not only master a classic metal track but also develop a set of skills that will enhance your overall playing ability. From tight rhythm playing to expressive soloing, these techniques will become valuable tools in your guitar arsenal.
List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons
This lesson is a gateway to mastering some of the most effective techniques in rock guitar playing, tailored by the experts at LickLibrary to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Dive in to discover the secrets of metal guitar playing and bring your skills to a new level!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
John Connearn
John Connearn is a guitarist, composer and producer from the Midlands, U.K. Growing up with a guitar in almost every room led John to be a passionate musician, performing and writing songs from a very early age. John began his solo career in 2020 with his debut single, “First Things...