Get the Funk Out by Extreme
"Get the Funk Out" by Extreme is an iconic track that blends rock, funk, and metal, showcasing some of the finest guitar work of the late '80s and early '90s. This guitar lesson delves deep into the technical mastery of guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, guiding players through every riff, lick, and solo with a focus on the advanced techniques that bring the song to life. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist looking to enhance your skills or a fan eager to learn this iconic tune, our lesson will take you through the key elements that make this song such a timeless classic. Andy James breaks down this iconic rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Nuno Bettencourt and His Influence
Nuno Bettencourt is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and technically proficient guitarists of his generation. His playing on "Get the Funk Out" is a perfect example of his unique ability to fuse funk rhythms with hard rock aggression. Bettencourt's work with Extreme has influenced countless guitarists, known for his precise alternate picking, blazing fast legato runs, and rhythmic syncopation that push the boundaries of what rock guitar can sound like. His use of two-handed tapping, wide vibrato, and intricate harmonic techniques make him a standout among his peers.
By studying Bettencourt's playing, you'll not only improve your technical skills but also gain a better understanding of how to blend styles and create a sound that's both powerful and groovy.
Guitar Techniques Featured in "Get the Funk Out"
Funky Rhythm Playing
One of the defining elements of "Get the Funk Out" is its funky rhythm guitar, driven by tight, syncopated strumming patterns and muted percussive hits. Bettencourt's rhythm playing is all about groove, combining fast-moving riffs with palm-muting to achieve a punchy, staccato sound that cuts through the mix.
Benefit: Learning these funk-influenced rhythms will improve your timing and ability to play syncopated rhythms, helping you lock in with the drums and bass.
Power Chords and Barre Chords
Throughout the song, power chords and barre chords provide the foundation for Bettencourt's riffs. These chord shapes are essential for rock and metal guitarists, offering a solid base for rhythm playing, especially when combined with palm-muting.
Benefit: Mastering these chord shapes will strengthen your hand coordination and give you the ability to move smoothly across the fretboard, essential for rhythm guitar in any genre.
Alternate Picking
Bettencourt’s intricate riffs often rely on fast alternate picking to maintain a sharp, articulated sound. This technique allows him to play rapid sequences of notes without sacrificing clarity or precision.
Benefit: Alternate picking helps develop speed, precision, and endurance, essential for playing fast riffs without becoming fatigued.
Learn more about alternate picking
Legato and Hammer-Ons/Pull-Offs
Nuno frequently uses legato playing to create fluid, lightning-fast lines in his solos. This technique involves using hammer-ons and pull-offs to sound notes without picking, resulting in a smooth, connected sound.
Benefit: Legato improves finger strength and dexterity, allowing you to play fast passages with less effort and a more fluid sound.
Two-Handed Tapping
The solo in "Get the Funk Out" is a masterclass in two-handed tapping, where Bettencourt taps notes on the fretboard with both hands to achieve rapid, cascading sequences that would be difficult to execute with standard picking techniques.
Benefit: Two-handed tapping opens up a whole new realm of technical possibilities, allowing you to extend your reach across the fretboard and create more complex solos.
Learn more about two-handed tapping
Pinched Harmonics
Bettencourt often uses pinched harmonics to accentuate certain notes, adding a sharp, squealing quality to his playing that cuts through the mix. These harmonics are produced by lightly touching the string with the edge of the thumb while picking, creating an overtone.
Benefit: Pinched harmonics add an aggressive, expressive quality to your playing, especially useful in rock and metal genres.
Learn more about pinched harmonics
Vibrato
Nuno’s vibrato is wide and expressive, giving his notes a rich, vocal quality. His use of vibrato is especially prominent in the slower, more melodic sections of the song, where he lets the notes sing.
Benefit: Vibrato adds emotion and expression to your playing, helping you sustain notes and create a more dynamic, engaging sound.
Slides and String Bending
Slides and string bending techniques are used throughout the song to create smooth transitions between notes and give phrases a more vocal-like quality. String bending, especially bluesy bends, allows Nuno to hit pitches that aren't available through fretting alone.
Benefit: Mastering slides and bends adds articulation to your playing, helping you transition between notes smoothly and emulating a more human, vocal sound.
Learn more about string bending
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Andy James
Andy James needs little introduction as one of the most popular LickLibrary tutors, respected the world over for his unbelievable technical skills and teaching material. "As a player Andy has released a string of solo albums, the last being 2012's ""Andy James"" on Transcend Music which was met with huge...