"Get the Funk Out" by Extreme: Guitar Lesson

The 1990 song "Get the Funk Out" by Extreme, from their album Extreme II: Pornograffitti, is a quintessential example of high-energy rock and funk fusion. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt showcased an amalgamation of virtuosic guitar techniques, all while maintaining a sense of musicality that would be hard to top. Sam Bell digs into the complexities and nuances of this song in a way that guitarists would appreciate.

Chords and Scales

"Get the Funk Out" employs a wide range of chord progressions, from straightforward power chords to more complex and extended chords, giving the song an incredibly dynamic foundation. Dominant 7th, 9th, and even 13th chords make frequent appearances. This diversity is typical of funk rock, as it adds colour to the otherwise straight-ahead rock rhythms. The main scales you'll find here are Mixolydian and Dorian, adding that 'funky' flavour.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The guitar solo in this song is an explosive mix of fast alternate picking runs, sweeping arpeggios, and melodic phrasing. Nuno kicks off the solo with a sequence of tapped harmonics, establishing the virtuosic tone right off the bat. He ventures into legato runs and uses double-stop bends, which not only show off his technical prowess but also add a bluesy touch to the otherwise rock-centric tone. The use of diminished arpeggios brings a sense of tension and urgency, resolving nicely into a series of melodic bends. Finally, the solo culminates with a series of unison bends and vibrato, ending on a sustained high note that is pure eargasm for any guitar aficionado.

Nuno Bettencourt’s Style

Nuno Bettencourt is a master of integrating various guitar techniques seamlessly into his solos, all while making them musical and emotive. His unique style consists of a blend of rock, funk, and blues, coupled with a high level of technical proficiency. The intricate passages, the clarity of each note, and the rhythmic tightness demonstrate a player who has control over his instrument. His picking hand and fretting hand are in perfect sync, allowing him to perform complex runs and arpeggios with ease. In "Get the Funk Out," Nuno's style is on full display: dynamic, expressive, and highly skilled.

Techniques Used

In this song, a plethora of guitar techniques are on display, each contributing to the unique flavor of the song. Here's a breakdown with internal links to each technique:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

The coalescence of these techniques makes the song not just a feast for the ears but also a valuable learning resource for any aspiring guitarist. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding how different techniques can be applied musically in a single composition, making "Get the Funk Out" a must-study for guitarists looking to up their game.