Muse - Plug In Baby - Guitar Lesson

Practice Studio

Muse - Plug In Baby - Guitar Lesson

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Key E minor
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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.

Muse Alternative Rock E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Plug In Baby


"Plug In Baby" is a song by English rock band Muse, released as the lead single from their second studio album, Origin of Symmetry, in 2001. It is widely recognized for its aggressive, distinctive guitar riff that drives the entire track. For electric guitarists, the song is a rewarding study in powerful riff construction, alternate picking, and the kind of riff-led songwriting that defines Muse's early sound.

  • The opening guitar riff of 'Plug In Baby' is one of the most recognizable in early 2000s rock, essential repertoire for electric guitarists.
  • 'Plug In Baby' was released as the lead single from Origin of Symmetry, Muse's second studio album.
  • The song was released first in Japan on 28 February 2001, followed by a UK release on 12 March 2001.
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.