Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name - Guitar Lesson

Practice Studio

Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name - Guitar Lesson

Sections · Loop · Speed · Metronome

Not in tune?

Select a Loop

Start of your loop
End of your loop

Speed Control

Speed
100%

Tools

BPM
Key E minor
PLAY WITH BACKING TRACK
·
–50¢ 0 +50¢
· Tap to start

Your browser will ask for microphone permission.

Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
AI tone preset

AI-selected preset based on genre and era — adjust the knobs to taste.

Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

Rage Against The Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Special Edition) album cover
Rage Against The Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Special Edition)
1992 5:14
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Killing in the Name


"Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine appears on the band's 1992 self-titled debut album. The track is built around aggressive drop-D guitar riffs and carries lyrics protesting police brutality, inspired by the beating of Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots. For electric guitarists, it is a foundational study in drop-D tuning, percussive rhythm playing, and the raw, politically charged sound that defined early 1990s alternative metal.

  • The song uses drop-D tuning, lowering the low E string to D for heavier, power-chord-driven riffs.
  • It was released on Rage Against the Machine's debut album in 1992, establishing their signature guitar-driven sound.
  • Tom Morello's guitar work blends heavy rhythm riffs with unconventional techniques, making it a rewarding challenge for intermediate players.
Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Tom Morello uses this 1982 Telecaster for RATM's funkier, cleaner rhythm parts, leveraging its bridge humbucker for articulate muting and percussive attack that cuts through dense arrangements.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

The JCM800's punchy midrange and aggressive natural clipping deliver RATM's signature thick, cutting distortion tone while staying tight enough for Morello's dynamic muting and noise experiments.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Morello exploits this wah pedal extensively for funk riffs and half-cocked tonal shaping, creating RATM's signature expressive sweeps and rhythmic articulation that define their groove.

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Pedal

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Morello uses the DD-3 for rhythmic repeats and spatial effects, adding depth and texture to RATM's complex arrangements without muddying the aggressive distortion tone.

MXR Phase 90
Pedal

MXR Phase 90

This phaser adds occasional swirling modulation to Morello's pedalboard, creating subtle psychedelic textures that enhance RATM's experimental moments without overwhelming their heavy rhythm focus.

DigiTech Whammy
Pedal

DigiTech Whammy

The Whammy pedal enables Morello's signature pitch-shifting, octave drops, and squealing harmonics that define RATM's innovative, experimental noise work and solo textures.

Play with Backing Track

Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)