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Muse - Defector - Guitar Lesson

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Muse - Defector - Guitar Lesson

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Key E minor
Muse - Defector guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

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Muse Alternative Rock E minor
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Defector

"Defector" by Muse appears on Drones, the band's seventh studio album released on 5 June 2015 via Warner Bros. Records. Drones is a concept album tracing a soldier's journey through indoctrination and eventual defection, giving "Defector" a pointed narrative role within the record. For electric guitarists, the song offers a chance to explore Muse's characteristically aggressive riffing style, dynamic shifts, and the layered, high-gain textures that define their harder-edged work on this album.

  • Drones was produced by the band alongside Robert John "Mutt" Lange, known for shaping large, polished rock guitar tones.
  • The album was recorded at the Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, with orchestral parts tracked separately in Milan.
  • "Defector" sits within a concept album narrative, meaning its guitar parts carry deliberate dramatic weight tied to a story arc.
Vox AC30
Amp

Vox AC30

Bellamy uses the Vox AC30 for clean, chimey passages that contrast with his high-gain rig, providing warm tube breakup and natural chime on atmospheric sections. Its low-wattage headroom lets him achieve responsive, dynamic tones without sacrificing clarity.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

The Cry Baby wah is essential to Bellamy's lead vocabulary, particularly on "Knights of Cydonia," where it sweeps across his sustained, pitch-shifted tones. The pedal's responsive sweep complements his aggressive playing style and synth-like effects chain.

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
Pedal

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Bellamy pairs the Big Muff's smooth, sustaining fuzz with his bridge humbucker for soaring lead tones that retain clarity even under extreme gain. Its warm compression makes it ideal for long, singing sustain passages layered with the Fernandes Sustainer system.

DigiTech Whammy
Pedal

DigiTech Whammy

The Whammy is Bellamy's signature effect, enabling octave-shifted harmonies, pitch-shifted leads, and dramatic dive bombs used across nearly every Muse album. It transforms his sustained notes into orchestral layers that define Muse's progressive rock signature sound.

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