Rose Of Sharyn – Killswitch Engage

Learn to master the crushing riffs and melodic leads of Killswitch Engage's "Rose Of Sharyn" in this in-depth guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This note-for-note breakdown captures every nuance of the original performance, giving you the tools to confidently perform one of metalcore’s most iconic tracks. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to improve your technique or an advanced player refining your metal vocabulary, this lesson offers a wealth of material to study and apply. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

"Rose Of Sharyn" is one of Killswitch Engage’s most celebrated tracks, featured on their breakthrough album The End of Heartache (2004). With its dynamic balance between aggression and melody, it perfectly showcases the band’s signature sound — blending thrash-inspired riffing with soaring choruses and tight rhythmic precision. This song is an ideal study for guitarists looking to explore modern metalcore techniques, arrangement styles, and tone.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

Killswitch Engage’s guitar section on "Rose Of Sharyn" features Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel, two of the genre’s most influential and innovative players. Adam D, also the band's producer, is known for his razor-sharp rhythm playing, creative lead lines, and clever use of effects. Joel complements Adam with his tight rhythm chops and melodic sensibility. Together, they create intricate yet accessible guitar work that helped shape the metalcore genre and continues to inspire players worldwide.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a critical part of this track’s rhythmic intensity. You'll learn how to control your picking hand to achieve that tight, percussive chug that underpins the verse and breakdown sections. Mastering palm muting improves rhythmic precision and helps develop better control over your tone.

Alternate Picking

Many of the riffs in "Rose Of Sharyn" rely on alternate picking to achieve speed and articulation. This technique is crucial for navigating the rapid downstroke/upstroke patterns that give the track its relentless drive. Strengthening this technique will enhance your speed, accuracy, and overall picking efficiency.

Power Chords

Throughout the song, you'll use power chords in a variety of forms — from tight, palm-muted riffs to wide, open-position progressions. Power chords are foundational in metal playing and developing fluency with them allows you to move through rhythm sections confidently and with strong tonal impact.

Harmonics

The intro and verses make excellent use of harmonics, adding an eerie texture to the song’s darker themes. You'll study both natural and pinched harmonic techniques in this lesson, which can bring unique character to your playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Killswitch Engage are known for their aggressive use of pinched harmonics, and this track is no exception. You'll learn how to execute these screaming accents in context, giving your playing more expression and attitude.

String Bending and Vibrato

In the lead sections, players will explore both string bending and vibrato to add emotional weight to melodic lines. These expressive techniques are essential for players aiming to replicate the feel and phrasing of the original solos.

Slides and Pull-Offs

The melodic phrases in this song are enhanced by smooth slides and fluid pull-offs. These help connect notes seamlessly and add a sense of flow to your solos and fills, improving your phrasing and legato technique.

Legato Phrasing

The melodic solo work in this song incorporates legato techniques, allowing for smooth, flowing runs without excessive picking. Developing your legato skills will make your solos sound more fluid and help with stamina during longer phrases.

Syncopated Rhythms

This track makes heavy use of syncopated rhythms to create groove and tension within the riffs. Understanding syncopation is key to developing tighter rhythm playing and mastering the dynamic feel that drives modern metal songs.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of Killswitch Engage’s signature elements is dual guitar harmonies. These harmonised lead lines create melodic depth and interest. You'll learn how to build and perform these harmonies, a valuable skill for playing in two-guitar setups or composing layered solos.

Why This Lesson is Essential

This lesson provides a complete, note-for-note breakdown of every riff, chord, and lead in "Rose Of Sharyn". Not only will you learn to play the song in its entirety, but you’ll also gain deep insight into how modern metal songs are constructed — from rhythm guitar techniques to harmonised leads. Whether you're refining your alternate picking or learning to add expressive vibrato to your leads, this lesson will strengthen your foundation and help you become a more versatile guitarist.

Techniques Covered

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Pull-Offs
• Legato
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Explore the full "Rose Of Sharyn" guitar lesson at LickLibrary and elevate your playing by mastering the key components of modern metal guitar!