Learn to Play "The Nobodies" by Marilyn Manson

Take your playing into the dark and gritty realm of industrial rock with our in-depth guitar lesson for Marilyn Manson’s hauntingly powerful track, “The Nobodies.” This lesson on LickLibrary.com offers note-for-note breakdowns of the song’s guitar parts, capturing every nuance and technique used in the original recording. Whether you’re a fan of Manson's ominous aesthetic or just looking to expand your rhythmic and tonal versatility, this lesson delivers the goods. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

“The Nobodies,” from Marilyn Manson’s 2000 album Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death), is a politically charged anthem steeped in angst and nihilism. The song pairs brooding verses with explosive choruses, driven by gritty, textured guitar work and dissonant overtones that create an atmosphere of controlled chaos. For guitarists, it’s a prime example of how attitude, tone, and rhythm can be wielded as weapons.

Guitar Work and Techniques in "The Nobodies"

The guitar parts in “The Nobodies” combine industrial grit with tight rhythmic control, making it a fantastic piece to study if you're aiming to develop a heavier, more articulate playing style. Let’s dive into the specific techniques covered in this LickLibrary lesson and how they can benefit your guitar journey.

Power Chords

At the core of “The Nobodies” lies the relentless use of power chords. These simple yet aggressive chords form the backbone of the song’s verse and chorus sections. Mastering power chords allows players to deliver tight, punchy rhythms with maximum sonic impact. They're essential in rock and metal and help develop your fret-hand strength and picking precision.

Palm Muting

To inject a sense of groove and tension, the song heavily incorporates palm muting. This technique creates a percussive, chugging effect, adding dynamic contrast between sections. Palm muting improves your picking control and makes your rhythm playing tighter and more expressive.

Slides

Subtle yet effective, slides are used in transitions and lead lines throughout the track. Slides help add movement and fluidity to your playing while teaching you how to shift between positions seamlessly.

Pinched Harmonics

Manson’s music wouldn’t be complete without some aggressive bite, and pinched harmonics provide exactly that. These squealing accents are used to add attitude and sonic variety to the riffs. Learning pinched harmonics enhances your tonal control and helps you inject personality into your lead and rhythm parts.

Vibrato

In select melodic moments, vibrato is used to add emotional depth. A well-controlled vibrato breathes life into sustained notes and solos, making your playing more expressive and less mechanical.

String Bending

The lesson also touches on string bending techniques, which are used in both lead and ambient guitar textures. Bending improves your ear and finger strength, helping you achieve accurate pitch and dynamic expression.

Why You Should Learn These Techniques

Each technique covered in this lesson not only helps you master “The Nobodies” but also contributes to your overall guitar proficiency:

• Power chords and palm muting build rhythm skills and tone control.
• Slides and vibrato enhance your phrasing and note transitions.
• Pinched harmonics and string bending allow you to add expressive flair and signature rock tone to your playing.

These elements are crucial for any guitarist interested in industrial, alternative, or metal styles.

The Guitarists Behind the Sound

The guitar on “The Nobodies” is credited to John 5 (John Lowery), a versatile and technically gifted guitarist known for his work with Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and his solo projects. John 5’s style blends shred techniques with eerie soundscapes, injecting an otherworldly quality into every riff he writes. His ability to balance precision with chaos has made him one of the most respected players in modern rock and metal.

Learning this song offers insight into John 5’s creative use of tone, space, and dissonance, making it a great study for players who want to develop both technique and musical storytelling.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• String Bending

By diving into “The Nobodies,” you’re not just learning a song — you’re stepping into a world of raw emotion, cinematic intensity, and genre-defining guitar work. Whether you’re a Manson fan or simply want to expand your playing into darker, more dynamic territory, this LickLibrary lesson is an essential addition to your practice routine.