The End Of Heartache - Killswitch Engage

Learn how to master Killswitch Engage’s metalcore masterpiece “The End Of Heartache” with our note-for-note guitar lesson, exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This track is a standout from the band’s 2004 album of the same name and showcases the emotionally charged and technically rich playing of guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and former guitarist Joel Stroetzel. Whether you're a fan of melodic metal or want to sharpen your modern metal guitar technique, this lesson covers it all—from tight rhythm work to soaring melodic leads and expressive phrasing. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel form the core of Killswitch Engage’s guitar sound. Known for blending metalcore aggression with melodic sensibility, they’ve become key figures in modern metal guitar. Adam’s dynamic playing style is deeply rooted in technical precision, incorporating progressive and metalcore elements with a producer’s ear for sonic clarity. Joel complements this with tight rhythm playing and tasteful harmonies. Together, they’ve influenced a generation of guitarists with their use of dual guitar harmonies, palm-muted riffing, and intricate melodic phrasing.

Song Overview

“The End Of Heartache” is a genre-defining track that combines crushing riffs with heartfelt melodies. It’s a perfect study in blending rhythmically tight playing with emotive lead guitar work, offering aspiring guitarists the opportunity to explore a wide array of techniques and expressive tools. The lesson is broken down into digestible sections, covering everything from the iconic intro riff to the melodic lead lines and breakdown sections.

Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is central to the track’s rhythmic power. You'll learn how to use controlled muting to create that tight, chugging low-end that defines metalcore rhythm guitar. This technique adds precision and clarity to your riffs, helping you develop stronger rhythm chops.

Alternate Picking

Several of the riffs and lead lines require clean and consistent alternate picking. Practicing this technique will improve your speed, accuracy, and coordination, making it easier to handle fast and intricate passages.

Power Chords

The song leans heavily on power chords for its heavy, punchy foundation. Learning this technique helps with building stamina and understanding chordal movement in a metal context.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

You’ll find expressive hammer-ons and pull-offs throughout the leads and fills. These legato techniques allow you to execute smoother, more fluid melodic runs while enhancing your finger strength and dexterity.

Vibrato

Adding tasteful vibrato is key to delivering the song’s melodic sections with feeling. This lesson teaches you how to use vibrato to add emotion, sustain, and expressiveness to single notes.

Pinched Harmonics

Killswitch Engage are known for their signature squeals and screams—these are achieved using pinched harmonics. You'll learn how to execute these with precision, adding intensity and flare to your lead playing.

Slides

Slides are used for transitions and to create vocal-like phrasing. This technique adds a smooth, connected feel between notes, enhancing the melodic lines in both the intro and solo sections.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the chord progressions behind the song’s arrangement helps build your knowledge of harmony. It also improves your ability to write riffs and develop your own compositions in a similar style.

Trills

Brief yet effective, trills add a burst of energy to specific licks. Mastering this technique boosts your finger independence and allows for faster, more aggressive phrasing.

Octave Melodies

This track makes use of octave melodies, particularly in the song’s bridge. These add harmonic richness and are a great way to create lead lines that cut through a mix.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

A hallmark of Killswitch Engage’s sound, dual guitar harmonies bring a layered, anthemic quality to the track. Learning to play harmonised lines improves your ear training and lead interplay, making you a more versatile band member.

Why Learn “The End Of Heartache”?

Learning this song not only helps you develop core metal guitar techniques, but it also teaches how to balance emotion and aggression in your playing. From syncopated rhythms to melodic lead phrasing, you’ll gain a well-rounded toolkit for writing and performing modern metal music. Whether you're jamming with a band or looking to take your playing to the next level, this lesson provides a comprehensive breakdown that reinforces both technical skill and musicality.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Trills
• Octave Melodies
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Ready to dive in? Head to LickLibrary.com and start your lesson on “The End Of Heartache” today. Whether you're polishing your metal technique or learning it for the first time, this is a must-play track that delivers on both challenge and reward.