Love Song - Marilyn Manson

Learn to Play "Love Song" Note for Note

Marilyn Manson’s Love Song is a dark, brooding track from the Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death) album, known for its heavy guitar tones, eerie atmosphere, and powerful chord progressions. This song is a fantastic study for guitarists looking to expand their technique, develop a strong rhythmic foundation, and master the aggressive playing style that defines Manson’s sound.

This lesson on Love Song takes you through the song note for note, breaking down the guitar parts and highlighting essential techniques that will enhance your playing ability. Whether you are a fan of Marilyn Manson or looking to improve your overall guitar skills, this lesson will offer invaluable insights into heavy rock and industrial guitar techniques. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Love Song"

Love Song features the guitar work of John 5 and Twiggy Ramirez, two of the most influential players in Manson’s lineup. John 5, known for his technical prowess and versatility, brings a blend of shredding, eerie melodic lines, and precise execution to the song. His background in various styles, including country and metal, allows him to infuse creative elements into the riffs and solos.

Twiggy Ramirez, on the other hand, contributes to the song’s thick and sludgy rhythm parts, adding depth and a raw, aggressive feel to the track. His bass work and guitar rhythms complement John 5’s lead playing, creating a heavy and dynamic sonic landscape.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Love Song"

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of Love Song, providing the song’s driving force and heavy feel. These simple yet effective chords are a staple in rock and metal music. Mastering power chords improves left-hand strength and right-hand precision, making your rhythm playing tighter and more aggressive.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively in the song to create a chugging, percussive effect. This technique adds definition to the riffs and enhances the overall intensity of the track. Developing a strong palm muting technique will give your playing a more controlled and articulate sound, perfect for rock and metal genres.

Slides

Throughout the song, slides are used to connect power chords and create smooth transitions between sections. Learning slides helps with fluidity and expressiveness in your playing, allowing you to move between notes seamlessly.

String Bending

Although not as prominent as in a blues or classic rock song, string bending is subtly used in Love Song to add tension and emphasis to certain notes. Practicing string bends strengthens your fingers and improves pitch control, making your lead playing more expressive.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song features rhythmic variations that break away from standard patterns, creating a sense of unpredictability. Understanding syncopation improves your timing and ability to play complex rhythms, making your strumming more dynamic and engaging.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Some sections of the song incorporate arpeggiated chord progressions to add texture and depth. Arpeggios help develop finger dexterity and picking accuracy, which are essential for more intricate guitar work.

Chromaticism

Chromatic passing notes are used in the riffs to create an unsettling, eerie feel that is characteristic of Manson’s music. Practicing chromaticism enhances finger agility and expands your musical vocabulary, allowing you to incorporate unique tonal colours into your playing.

Altered Tuning

The song is played in a dropped tuning, which contributes to its dark and heavy sound. Understanding altered tunings opens up new possibilities for songwriting and allows you to explore a wider range of tonalities on the guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Love Song"

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism
• Altered Tuning

By mastering these techniques, you will not only be able to play Love Song accurately but also develop skills that will enhance your overall guitar playing ability. Dive into the lesson and take your playing to the next level!