Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Marilyn Manson

Dive into the hauntingly heavy sounds of Marilyn Manson's Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) with our note-for-note guitar lesson, exclusively at LickLibrary. Originally a synth-pop classic by Eurythmics, Manson's darker, industrial metal cover turned this song into an eerie anthem. Our lesson breaks down every riff, power chord, and atmospheric texture, allowing guitarists to capture the essence of this modern classic while learning essential techniques that build both style and skill. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Power Chords

At the core of Marilyn Manson’s version of Sweet Dreams is its gritty, distorted use of power chords. These foundational shapes are perfect for players looking to build a strong rhythm guitar style. Learning to play power chords cleanly and with solid timing is essential for rock and metal guitarists, and this track is a perfect case study.

Palm Muting

The track makes great use of palm muting to create tension and contrast. This technique involves lightly resting the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, creating a chunky, percussive sound. Palm muting is crucial for dynamic control and groove in heavier styles, and mastering it in the context of this song helps develop precise rhythm playing.

Slides

Subtle slides between notes contribute to the song’s sinister atmosphere. By sliding from one fret to another, guitarists can add expressive, vocal-like movement to their phrases. Slides are also a great way to improve fretboard navigation and finger coordination.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The lesson features hammer-ons and pull-offs in melodic and riff sections, which bring fluidity and sustain to the lines. These techniques are staples of legato playing, helping to make phrases smoother and more expressive while building finger strength and dexterity.

String Bending

Manson’s version also incorporates expressive string bending, which adds tension and drama to lead parts. Bending is a vital skill for players who want to inject emotion into their solos or emulate vocal-like phrasing. This lesson offers a great opportunity to practice accurate pitch control and vibrato within your bends.

Sustained Notes

The eerie vibe of the track is amplified by heavy use of sustain. Letting notes ring out allows for atmosphere and mood to shine through in your playing. Learning when and how to sustain notes enhances musical phrasing and timing awareness.

Altered Tuning

Manson’s rendition of Sweet Dreams uses altered tuning (typically drop D or similar) to achieve a deeper, more aggressive tone. This tuning not only makes power chord shapes easier to execute but also introduces new sonic possibilities. The lesson explains the tuning setup and how it changes your approach to riffs and chords.

About the Guitarist: Twiggy Ramirez (Jeordie White)

The guitar work on Sweet Dreams is largely credited to Twiggy Ramirez (Jeordie White), Marilyn Manson’s longtime bassist and guitarist. Known for his eerie, minimalist approach and strong grasp of tone, Twiggy brought a dark, cinematic quality to the track. His playing avoids flashy technique in favour of mood and weight, making him a master of atmosphere and groove. His influence lies in the ability to use space, distortion, and dynamics to create something truly memorable and haunting. Studying his playing style helps guitarists understand how less can be more, especially in darker, industrial-tinged rock.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Learning Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) offers guitarists a unique blend of technique and musicality. The song’s slower tempo and atmospheric arrangement make it an ideal vehicle for focusing on articulation, tone, and phrasing. It’s a perfect study in how rhythm guitar can be both simple and powerful, while also introducing techniques that are applicable across a wide range of rock and metal styles.

This lesson isn’t just about replicating a song—it’s about developing the skills that make a guitarist more expressive and dynamic. From the crushing power chords to ambient slides and bends, you’ll walk away with a deeper command of your instrument.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Sustain
• Altered Tuning

This comprehensive lesson from LickLibrary is designed to elevate your guitar playing through the unique stylings of one of industrial rock’s most iconic tracks. Whether you're refining your rhythm chops or learning to channel emotion through minimalism, Sweet Dreams is the perfect song to explore.