"Eliminator" by ZZ Top - A guitarists perspective

"Eliminator," released in 1983, is the eighth studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top. This album marked a significant departure from their previous sound, incorporating elements of new wave, punk rock, and synthesizers.

LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Billy Gibbons’ legendary guitar riffs and lead lines from the tracks; “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs”, to the feel-good classic “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” In this article, we'll delve into the depths of "Eliminator" from a guitarist's perspective, focusing on the scales, techniques, and solos, while also exploring the contribution of the band's lead guitarist, Billy Gibbons.

Track by Track Analysis

1. Gimme All Your Lovin'

"Gimme All Your Lovin'" is a straightforward rock song driven by a catchy riff in the key of C major. The main riff utilizes palm-muted power chords, creating a tight, rhythmic groove. The song's guitar solo is performed in the C major pentatonic scale, featuring classic Gibbons techniques like string bending, vibrato, and slides. Gibbons also incorporates some pinched harmonics for added texture.

2. Got Me Under Pressure

"Got Me Under Pressure" is a high-energy rock tune in the key of E minor. The driving riff uses palm muting and a combination of power chords and single-note lines. The song's solo is performed in the E minor pentatonic scale, showcasing Gibbons' signature bluesy phrasing with slides, string bending, and vibrato.

3. Sharp Dressed Man

"Sharp Dressed Man" features a memorable riff in the key of C minor. The riff is built around a power chord structure with some added chromaticism, giving the song a bluesy feel. The solo, performed in the C minor pentatonic scale, showcases Gibbons' trademark string bending, vibrato, and pinched harmonics.

4. I Need You Tonight

"I Need You Tonight" is a slow blues song in the key of A minor. The song features a tasteful use of arpeggios, giving it a more melodic feel. Gibbons' solo in the A minor pentatonic scale demonstrates his ability to convey emotion through his playing, with a focus on string bending, vibrato, and slides.

5. I Got The Six

"I Got The Six" is an upbeat rocker in the key of E major. The main riff uses power chords and palm muting, giving it a driving feel. The solo in the E major pentatonic scale showcases Gibbons' speed and dexterity, with the use of alternate picking, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, as well as his trademark vibrato and string bending.

6. Legs

"Legs" is a synth-driven pop-rock song in the key of G major. The guitar work is more understated in this track, with Gibbons using arpeggios to create a melodic foundation. The solo, played in the G major pentatonic scale, includes double stops, slides, and vibrato, demonstrating his versatility as a guitarist.

7. Thug

"Thug" is a gritty, heavy rock song in the key of E minor. The main riff incorporates palm muting and power chords to create a dark, menacing sound. The solo, played in the E minor pentatonic scale, features aggressive string bending, pinched harmonics, and vibrato.

8. TV Dinners

"TV Dinners" is a quirky, mid-tempo rock song in the key of G minor. The main riff employs a combination of power chords and single-note lines, giving it a catchy, syncopated feel. Gibbons' solo in the G minor pentatonic scale showcases his mastery of string bending, slides, and vibrato.

9. Dirty Dog

"Dirty Dog" is an up-tempo rocker in the key of A minor. The riff utilizes power chords and palm muting to create a driving rhythm. The solo, played in the A minor pentatonic scale, features Gibbons' signature string bending, vibrato, and slides, as well as some double stops for added texture.

10. If I Could Only Flag Her Down

"If I Could Only Flag Her Down" is a bluesy rock song in the key of E major. The main riff features open-string riffs and power chords, providing a solid foundation for Gibbons' emotive soloing. The solo, played in the E major pentatonic scale, showcases his expert use of string bending, vibrato, and slides, along with some well-placed pinched harmonics for added flair.

11. Bad Girl

"Bad Girl" is a high-energy rock song in the key of A minor. The main riff uses power chords and palm muting to create an infectious groove. The solo in the A minor pentatonic scale highlights Gibbons' command of string bending, vibrato, slides, and double stops.

Billy Gibbons - Lead Guitarist

Billy Gibbons, the lead guitarist and vocalist for ZZ Top, is well known for his unique playing style and tone. Throughout "Eliminator," Gibbons showcases his ability to blend bluesy, soulful licks with aggressive rock techniques, creating memorable solos that resonate with listeners.

His signature guitar tone on this album is achieved through a combination of vintage and modern equipment, including a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard and a 1961 Fender Stratocaster, paired with Marshall amplifiers. Gibbons is also known for using a Mexican peso coin as a pick, which contributes to his distinctive sound.

In conclusion, "Eliminator" by ZZ Top is a landmark album that showcases the band's evolution in sound and style. For guitarists, this album offers a treasure trove of inspiration, with memorable riffs and solos that demonstrate Billy Gibbons' exceptional skill and creativity. The variety of techniques used throughout the album highlights Gibbons' versatility as a guitarist and serves as an excellent resource for players looking to broaden their own technique and musicality.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Eliminator"

Throughout the album, Gibbons employs a variety of guitar techniques to create his signature sound. Here is a list of the techniques used, along with their corresponding links to the Lick Library glossary:

• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• String bending
• Pinched harmonics
• Palm muting
• Power chords
• Double stops
• Arpeggios
• Open-string riffs

These techniques, combined with Gibbons' melodic and rhythmic sensibilities, make "Eliminator" a must-listen for guitarists looking to expand their playing style and repertoire.