Learn to Play "My Curse" by Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage’s "My Curse" is a modern metalcore classic, filled with high-octane riffs, powerful melodies, and tight rhythmic precision. At LickLibrary.com, we offer a note-for-note guitar lesson that dissects every section of this iconic track, giving you the tools and techniques needed to play it just like the original. Whether you're looking to develop your rhythm chops, master melodic lead playing, or expand your metal vocabulary, this lesson will take your guitar playing to the next level. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

"My Curse" features the impeccable guitar work of Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, the dynamic duo behind Killswitch Engage’s signature sound. Adam D, the band’s producer and lead guitarist, is known for his technical proficiency, melodic sensibilities, and tight riff writing. Joel, with his rhythmic precision and complementary playing style, provides the heavy groove and intricate harmonies that define the band's music.

Together, they’ve influenced a generation of metal and hardcore players with their blend of aggression and melody. Learning this track offers valuable insights into their approach, tone, and technique.

Song Breakdown and Techniques

Intro and Main Riff

The intro of "My Curse" opens with a powerful open-string riff that sets the stage for the track’s energy. It combines rhythmic precision with melodic intent, laying the groundwork for the rest of the song. This section is a great exercise in palm-muting, helping players lock in with the drums and stay tight in fast-paced settings.

Benefit: Mastering palm muting and open-string riffing teaches control and rhythmic discipline—essential for any metal rhythm guitarist.

Verse Riffing

The verse is built on a bed of power chords, with clever use of alternate picking to add percussive clarity. The tight, chugging feel is intensified by muted notes and staccato playing, which test your timing and picking accuracy.

Benefit: Alternate picking at moderate-to-high tempos improves your synchronisation between both hands, building stamina and clarity in your riffing.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus

Here, the song shifts into more melodic territory with dual guitar harmonies and a soaring, anthemic lead line. This section utilises string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons, showcasing expressive playing that contrasts the aggressive verses.

Benefit: Learning to blend melodic phrasing with aggressive rhythm work gives players a fuller expressive range and improves lead guitar fluency.

Bridge and Breakdown

The breakdown features a crushing, syncopated rhythm with low-end palm-muted chugs and chromaticism. The precise accents and downpicked riffs challenge your timing and stamina, while pushing you to play with feel and intensity.

Benefit: Practicing these sections improves your ability to handle complex rhythmic figures and builds endurance in downpicking-heavy riffs.

Lead Guitar Section

The lead part showcases legato phrasing with pull-offs, slides, and trills, giving the line a smooth, flowing quality. It finishes with some tasteful pinched harmonics, adding aggression and character to the phrasing.

Benefit: Legato playing enhances fluidity and finger strength, while techniques like trills and harmonics improve articulation and tonal variation in lead playing.

Why You Should Learn "My Curse"

This guitar lesson is more than just learning how to play a song—it’s about dissecting the components that make Killswitch Engage’s music so compelling. You’ll not only walk away with a faithful rendition of "My Curse" under your fingers, but also a deeper understanding of how to construct riffs, layer harmonies, and create dynamics in heavy music.

Whether you’re a budding metal guitarist or an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills, this lesson offers technical and musical growth. Plus, learning to emulate guitarists like Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel is a masterclass in itself.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm-Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Open-String Riffs
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Legato
• Slides
• Trills
• Pinched Harmonics
• Chromaticism
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Take your playing to the next level with the full guitar lesson for "My Curse" at LickLibrary.com, and bring the energy, precision, and emotion of Killswitch Engage straight into your own playing.