Learn to Play “Before I Forget” by Slipknot

Take your guitar skills to the next level with Licklibrary’s detailed and powerful note-for-note breakdown of “Before I Forget” by Slipknot. This dynamic lesson dissects every riff, lick, and technique found in the Grammy-winning track, offering players an immersive way to build precision, aggression, and musicality into their playing. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists, this song-based tutorial is loaded with high-impact metal guitar techniques that will sharpen your chops and expand your musical vocabulary. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarists

Released in 2004 on Slipknot’s acclaimed third studio album Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), “Before I Forget” is a landmark in modern metal. Known for its relentless drive, crushing riffs, and melodic undercurrents, the song captures the balance between raw aggression and tight composition that defines Slipknot's sound.

The guitar work in this track is handled by the formidable duo of Jim Root and Mick Thomson. Their combined approach delivers a mix of brutal rhythm playing and tasteful lead flourishes. Root is known for his fluid lead phrasing and dynamic stage presence, while Thomson is the architect of Slipknot's heavier-than-heavy riff foundations. Together, their playing has inspired a generation of modern metal and alternative guitarists with its precision, power, and personality.

Technique Focus: What You’ll Learn

Palm Muting

This lesson places a strong emphasis on palm muting, a fundamental metal technique used to tighten up rhythm sections and inject percussive punch into riffs. You’ll develop tighter right-hand control and improve your ability to create tension and groove in your playing.

👉 Palm Muting

Alternate Picking

“Before I Forget” is packed with alternate picking patterns. These rapid-fire passages are essential for keeping up with the song’s fast tempo and aggressive feel. Learning this will boost your picking accuracy and stamina, especially in down-tuned riffing environments.

👉 Alternate Picking

Power Chords

The backbone of many Slipknot riffs, power chords are used extensively throughout the track. You’ll learn to voice them in tight, rhythmically complex ways that serve both heaviness and clarity.

👉 Power Chords

Slides

Slipknot often use slides to create fluid transitions between chords and riffs. In this lesson, slides are used to enhance the groove and provide a dynamic, expressive touch to static riffing patterns.

👉 Slides

String Bending

A few lead moments in the track involve controlled string bending, helping you work on pitch control and expressive lead technique under high-gain conditions.

👉 String Bending

Harmonics and Pinched Harmonics

This lesson touches on harmonics and the aggressive use of pinched harmonics, adding sharp, squealing accents that punch through the mix. Great for players looking to enhance articulation and dynamics in heavy styles.

👉 Harmonics

👉 Pinched Harmonics

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the defining traits of Slipknot’s riffing is their syncopated rhythmic approach. You’ll learn to lock in with off-beat accents and shifting patterns that challenge your timing and enhance rhythmic awareness.

👉 Syncopated Rhythms

Open String Riffs

“Before I Forget” features low-tuned open string riffs that drive the song’s aggressive momentum. These riffs will help you develop right-hand accuracy and left-hand muting to ensure a clean, punchy attack.

👉 Open String Riffs

Vibrato

In lead passages, vibrato is used to add sustain and emotion. This technique allows your notes to sing and gives your playing character and confidence.

👉 Vibrato

Why Learn This Song?

Studying “Before I Forget” gives guitarists real-world application of essential metal techniques in a tightly arranged and musically engaging context. Not only will you learn to play a powerful modern metal classic, but you’ll also:

• Improve your timing and picking speed
• Strengthen fretting hand endurance and articulation
• Gain confidence with down-tuned, aggressive riffing
• Expand your vocabulary for writing heavy music
• Develop more expressive and dynamic lead guitar skills

Every lick and riff has been broken down in detail in this Licklibrary lesson, allowing players to build their skills progressively and understand the mechanics of what makes Slipknot’s guitar work so effective.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• 👉 Palm Muting
• 👉 Alternate Picking
• 👉 Power Chords
• 👉 Slides
• 👉 String Bending
• 👉 Harmonics
• 👉 Pinched Harmonics
• 👉 Syncopated Rhythms
• 👉 Open String Riffs
• 👉 Vibrato

Mastering “Before I Forget” through Licklibrary’s in-depth lesson not only allows you to recreate a cornerstone of modern metal — it sets the foundation for growth in multiple advanced guitar techniques. Plug in, turn up, and let’s break it down.