Muse - Stockholm Syndrome - Intro - Guitar Lesson

Absolution

2003 4:56

Listen on Spotify

About Stockholm Syndrome - Intro

The intro to "Stockholm Syndrome" from Muse's 2003 album Absolution is one of the more demanding openings in Alternative Rock guitar. Tuned to Drop D, it centers on a driving, heavily palm-muted riff in G minor that uses the low dropped D string to generate a crushing, low-end weight you simply cannot replicate in standard tuning. At 85 BPM the tempo feels approachable at first, but the precision required for consistent muting across string changes catches players off guard. Getting the attack even and the muted notes tight is the real challenge, not the speed. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop the riff slowed down until your right hand muting feels automatic before you bring it back up to tempo. Pay close attention to where the muting releases into open, ringing notes: that contrast is exactly what gives the riff its tension and momentum. Nail those dynamics and the whole intro clicks into place.

• The intro riff relies on Drop D tuning, which lowers the sixth string to D and makes the heavy, low-register palm-muted figures far more practical to finger.
• Consistent right-hand palm muting with controlled releases is the core technique to master, as the contrast between muted and open notes defines the riff's character.
• At 85 BPM the tempo is moderate, but keeping your picking attack even across string changes requires slow, deliberate practice before playing at full speed.