Looks That Kill by Mötley Crüe

Step into the raw power and attitude of '80s heavy metal with “Looks That Kill” by Mötley Crüe, an iconic anthem driven by hard-hitting riffs and blazing lead guitar work. In this exclusive LickLibrary note-for-note guitar lesson, we take you deep into every riff, lead line, and technique used in this classic track. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson not only teaches you how to play the song exactly as recorded, but also helps you develop key techniques that are essential for rock and metal guitarists. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song & Guitar Work

Originally released on the 1983 album Shout at the Devil, “Looks That Kill” helped define Mötley Crüe’s sound and establish their presence on the metal scene. The track’s unmistakable intro riff, crushing power chords, and menacing melodic phrasing make it a must-learn for any fan of the genre.

This guitar lesson deconstructs every element of the song, allowing you to master each section and understand how its components work together to deliver such a powerful sonic punch.

Mick Mars – The Man Behind the Riffs

Mick Mars, Mötley Crüe’s longtime guitarist, is the driving force behind the band’s signature guitar sound. Known for his gritty tone, razor-sharp riffing, and blues-inspired soloing, Mars brought a unique mix of technicality and attitude to the band. His work on “Looks That Kill” showcases his precise rhythm playing and melodic sensibility, blending heavy metal aggression with blues-based phrasing. Learning this song is an excellent introduction to Mars’ influential style and a gateway to understanding the roots of '80s metal guitar.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Power Chords

The foundation of “Looks That Kill” is built around aggressive power chords, which give the song its heavy and commanding tone. Mastering these is crucial for any aspiring rock or metal guitarist, as they form the backbone of countless classic riffs.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds dynamics and groove to the track’s rhythm guitar parts. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, producing a chunky, percussive sound. Palm muting gives the riffs their rhythmic drive and tightness, making it essential for building tension and emphasising groove.

Slides

Mick Mars incorporates several slick slides between notes and chords, especially in the intro and transition licks. Slides help to create fluid, vocal-like movements on the fretboard and are great for improving fret-hand control and precision.

String Bending

Expressive string bending is a core part of the lead guitar work in “Looks That Kill.” Mars bends into notes with intensity and accuracy, adding a vocal quality and emotional depth to his solos. Practicing bends enhances your intonation and helps you develop ear training.

Pinched Harmonics

You’ll hear searing pinched harmonics throughout the song, giving the guitar tone that snarling, squealing effect that’s become a staple of heavy metal. This technique, achieved by catching the string with your thumb after picking, is excellent for injecting attitude into your playing.

Vibrato

Mars’s tasteful use of vibrato adds sustain and emotion to his lead lines. Learning how to control and vary your vibrato is a hallmark of mature playing and separates good lead guitarists from great ones.

Unison Bends

One standout feature in the lead work is the use of unison bends, a technique that produces a powerful, screaming effect by bending one string to match the pitch of another. These are ideal for developing finger strength and pitch control.

Double Stop Bends

Double stop bends appear in the solo section and add a thick, harmonised quality to lead lines. This technique involves bending two notes simultaneously or holding one steady while bending another, demanding control and strength but delivering high-impact results.

Pull-Offs

Mick Mars uses pull-offs to articulate quick licks and descending lines. This technique is crucial for building speed and fluidity in your playing, especially when tackling fast-paced solos or connecting melodic phrases.

Why You Should Learn This Song

“Looks That Kill” is not only a classic metal track but also a masterclass in tight rhythm playing and expressive lead work. By learning this song, you’ll:

• Improve your palm muting and power chord transitions
• Gain control and expression through vibrato and bends
• Add harmonic flair with pinched and tapped harmonics
• Develop greater fretboard fluency and articulation

Each section of the lesson breaks down the techniques in real time, showing you how to integrate them into your own playing with confidence and accuracy.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends
• Pull-Offs

Unlock the firepower of Mick Mars’s guitar style and learn a true metal anthem note-for-note with this in-depth lesson. “Looks That Kill” isn’t just a song—it’s a rite of passage for any guitarist looking to sharpen their chops and embrace the spirit of heavy rock.