"Chop Suey" by System of a Down

System of a Down's "Chop Suey" is a true metal anthem that continues to captivate guitarists with its unique blend of aggressive riffing and melodic flourishes. In this lesson, we will break down the essential techniques found in the song to help you master the iconic sound of "Chop Suey" note for note. This lesson covers both the rhythm and lead guitar sections, focusing on building your technique through precise exercises. Each technique is not only useful for learning this song but also essential in shaping you as a versatile guitarist. Andy James breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Rhythm Techniques in "Chop Suey"

Power Chords

Power chords are a foundation of the rhythm guitar part in "Chop Suey." These simple, yet powerful, chord structures drive the heavy and aggressive tone of the song. In this lesson, we break down how to perform power chords with clarity and precision, especially when transitioning between different chord shapes. Mastering power chords will help you improve your ability to create driving, rock-solid rhythms in your playing.

Benefits: Power chords are essential for rock and metal guitarists, offering a straightforward way to play heavy, impactful chords. Learning them improves your fretting hand strength and your overall rhythm guitar playing.

Palm Muting

The main riff in "Chop Suey" employs palm muting, which adds dynamic control and rhythmic punch. By muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand, you can create tight, percussive sounds that contribute to the song’s signature heavy groove.

Benefits: Palm muting enhances your control over dynamics and articulation, making your playing tighter and more expressive, especially in rhythm-heavy genres like metal.

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the standout features of "Chop Suey" is its use of syncopated rhythms. These off-beat accents create a unique tension and drive that defines the song's intricate guitar work. This lesson will guide you through understanding syncopation and how to apply it effectively in the song’s rhythm sections.

Benefits: Mastering syncopation improves your timing, rhythm control, and ability to create complex grooves, which is essential for genres like metal, funk, and progressive rock.

Lead Techniques in "Chop Suey"

Alternate Picking

The lead guitar sections of "Chop Suey" feature rapid alternate picking to create precise, fast passages. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, enabling speed and consistency in your playing. Our lesson breaks down the exact picking patterns used in the song to help you develop fluidity and speed.

Benefits: Alternate picking is a must-learn technique for any aspiring lead guitarist. It improves your speed, accuracy, and efficiency, making it easier to tackle fast-paced solos and riffs.

Trills

Trills are prominently featured in some of the more intricate lead sections of the song. A trill involves rapidly hammering on and pulling off between two notes to create a fast, vibrating sound. We’ll show you the exact points in "Chop Suey" where trills are used and how to execute them cleanly.

Benefits: Practicing trills strengthens finger independence and agility, which is crucial for mastering fast, intricate lead guitar parts.

Harmonics

"Chop Suey" also incorporates harmonics to create sharp, high-pitched notes that cut through the mix. These can either be natural harmonics or pinched harmonics, depending on the section of the song. The lesson will teach you how to properly execute harmonics and how they add to the song's distinct texture.

Benefits: Learning to control harmonics enhances your ability to create unique tonal effects and adds depth to your playing, especially in metal and rock genres.

About the Guitarist

The guitar work on "Chop Suey" was performed by Daron Malakian, one of the most distinctive guitarists in modern metal. His approach blends traditional metal influences with Middle Eastern scales and unusual time signatures, giving System of a Down their unique sound. Malakian is known for his ability to switch between aggressive, down-tuned riffs and melodic passages, all while maintaining tight rhythmic control and expressive lead work. His playing has inspired countless guitarists to explore unconventional techniques and push the boundaries of genre.

Malakian's Influence

Daron Malakian’s playing is both technically impressive and creatively innovative. His ability to blend heavy, groove-laden riffs with melodic elements and syncopated rhythms has made him an influential figure in the metal community. Learning his guitar parts will not only improve your technique but also broaden your understanding of how to construct complex, engaging guitar music.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here are the essential techniques you will learn when studying "Chop Suey" by System of a Down:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Trills
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Chop Suey" but also enhance your overall guitar proficiency, giving you the tools to tackle other challenging songs across various genres.