Freak on a Leash by Korn

Freak on a Leash by Korn is one of the most iconic tracks in the nu-metal genre, coming from the band's breakthrough album Follow the Leader. With its haunting melodies, heavy riffs, and rhythmic complexity, it has cemented itself as a fan favourite. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Freak on a Leash" delves into every section of the song, guiding you through the techniques used by Korn's guitarists, Munky (James Shaffer) and Head (Brian Welch). This lesson is designed to help guitarists of all levels master the song while also understanding the core techniques that define Korn’s unique sound. Sam Bell breaks down this classic nu-metal song in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial,

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Freak on a Leash"

Power Chords

The backbone of "Freak on a Leash" lies in its heavy, distorted power chords. These chords are essential in creating the deep, aggressive tone that characterises Korn's music. Power chords, usually consisting of the root note and its fifth, are simple yet effective for creating a punchy and driving sound. Learning to play power chords will improve your rhythm playing and allow you to master the foundational elements of many rock and metal songs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively throughout the song, particularly in the verses and breakdowns. By gently resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you dampen the sound, creating a tight, percussive effect. In Freak on a Leash, palm muting adds a rhythmic intensity and helps build tension between sections. This technique is crucial for any guitarist looking to add more dynamic control and precision to their playing, especially in heavy genres like metal.

Alternate Picking

Speed and precision are key to many of the riffs in this song, and alternate picking is essential to maintaining both. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick, allowing for faster and more fluid playing. By mastering alternate picking, you'll be able to handle more complex riffs and improve your overall picking efficiency, which is especially important when playing faster passages in the song.

Pinched Harmonics

One of the standout elements in Freak on a Leash is the use of pinched harmonics to create high-pitched squeals. These harmonics are produced by lightly grazing the string with your thumb as you pick, resulting in a sharp, almost screaming sound. This technique adds an extra layer of aggression to the riffing, making the notes really pop. Learning pinched harmonics will not only enhance your tone but also give you more control over how you express certain notes or accents in a song.

Tapped Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

In the song’s atmospheric bridge section, tapped harmonics are combined with whammy bar tricks to create eerie, ethereal tones. Tapped harmonics involve lightly tapping the string over the fret wire at specific points to produce bell-like tones, while the whammy bar allows for pitch bending and dramatic sound effects. Mastering these techniques adds a new level of creativity to your playing, enabling you to explore unique sonic textures and effects that can elevate your musical expression.

Syncopated Rhythms

A defining feature of Korn’s sound is the use of syncopated rhythms, and "Freak on a Leash" showcases this throughout its riffing. Syncopation involves placing accents on off-beats or unexpected parts of the measure, creating a sense of rhythmic complexity and groove. By learning to play these syncopated riffs, you'll develop better timing, groove, and the ability to make your rhythm playing more interesting and dynamic.

Guitar Players Behind the Sound: Munky and Head

James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch are the dual guitarists behind Korn’s unique, down-tuned, and rhythm-driven sound. Together, they pioneered the use of seven-string guitars in nu-metal, helping to craft the genre’s deep, low-end tone. Munky and Head’s playing is characterised by aggressive riffs, dissonant harmonies, and innovative uses of rhythm and effects. Their partnership has influenced countless guitarists within the rock and metal communities.

While their style is heavy and groove-oriented, they are also known for their ability to inject melodic elements and experimental techniques into their songs. "Freak on a Leash" is a perfect example of their ability to balance heaviness with atmosphere, creating a sound that is both hard-hitting and hauntingly melodic.

Benefits of Learning "Freak on a Leash"

Learning "Freak on a Leash" will help guitarists develop a range of essential skills for rock and metal playing. The song offers a chance to practice power chords, palm muting, and alternate picking, all while improving your timing with syncopated rhythms. Additionally, mastering pinched harmonics and whammy bar tricks will open up new sonic possibilities, allowing you to add your own creative flair to your playing.

By working through the techniques used in this song, you'll not only be able to play one of nu-metal’s most iconic tracks but also gain valuable skills that will transfer to countless other songs in the genre. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your rhythm and precision or a more advanced player wanting to explore unique sounds and textures, this lesson provides the perfect blend of challenges and rewards.

List of Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Tapped Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Syncopated Rhythms

Mastering these techniques will help you improve your playing and give you the tools to handle a wide range of rock and metal songs, making you a more versatile and confident guitarist.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

Here is a comprehensive list of guitar techniques covered in our lessons. Explore each one through the links provided to deepen your understanding and proficiency:

• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Alternate Tunings

In conclusion, the "Learn to Play Freak on a Leash by Korn" guitar lesson on Licklibrary.com is not just about mastering a song but about immersing yourself in the techniques that define an entire genre of music. This tutorial is designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate your guitar skills, preparing you to both perform and understand music at a deeper level. Join us to unlock your potential and embrace the powerful, innovative world of Korn's music.