"Get the Funk Out" by Extreme: A Guitarist's Analysis
Introduction
"Get the Funk Out" by Extreme is a quintessential piece that showcases the band's eclectic blend of rock, funk, and metal influences. Released in 1990 as part of their critically acclaimed album "Extreme II: Pornograffitti," this song is a tour de force in terms of guitar prowess and musicality. As a guitarist, delving into this track offers a rich learning experience, combining intricate rhythms, blistering solos, and catchy riffs. In this analysis, we'll explore the chords, scales, and soloing techniques employed in this iconic song, as well as dive into the distinctive style of Extreme's lead guitarist, Nuno Bettencourt. George Marios walks you through every note in this exclusive Lick Library tutorial.
Chords and Scales
"Get the Funk Out" predominantly revolves around a groove-driven riff anchored in the key of E minor. The main riff features a fusion of power chords, utilising variations of E5, D5, and C5, punctuated by rhythmic stabs and syncopated accents. This riff establishes the song's infectious groove, setting the stage for the electrifying guitar work that follows.
Within the context of the song, Nuno Bettencourt incorporates various scales to add color and texture to his solos. The E minor pentatonic scale serves as the foundational framework for many of the song's melodic passages, lending a bluesy edge to the guitar solos. Additionally, Bettencourt skillfully incorporates the E blues scale, injecting a sense of grit and attitude into his phrasing. These scales, combined with Bettencourt's impeccable sense of melody and dynamics, contribute to the song's dynamic range and emotional depth.
Guitar Solo Analysis
The guitar solo in "Get the Funk Out" is a masterclass in virtuosity and expression. Spanning several sections, the solo seamlessly weaves together melodic phrases, lightning-fast runs, and tasteful embellishments. Bettencourt's soloing approach is characterised by fluid legato runs, lightning-fast alternate picking, and expressive vibrato, showcasing his exceptional technical proficiency and musicality.
The solo begins with a blistering flurry of notes, showcasing Bettencourt's impeccable alternate picking technique. As the solo progresses, Bettencourt introduces tasteful bends, slides, and trills, infusing each note with emotion and intensity. One of the standout moments in the solo is the use of tapped harmonics, where Bettencourt effortlessly produces cascading harmonics using his picking hand, creating a mesmerising sonic effect.
Throughout the solo, Bettencourt demonstrates a keen sense of phrasing and dynamics, effortlessly transitioning between fast-paced runs and melodic passages. The solo builds to a climax with a series of lightning-fast arpeggios and sweeping phrases, culminating in a jaw-dropping display of technical prowess and musicality.
Nuno Bettencourt's Playing Style
Nuno Bettencourt is renowned for his innovative playing style and versatile approach to the guitar. Influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including rock, funk, and blues, Bettencourt seamlessly blends technical precision with raw emotion, creating a unique sonic signature that is instantly recognisable.
Bettencourt's playing style is characterised by his dynamic use of dynamics and articulation, effortlessly shifting between clean, melodic passages and blistering, high-energy solos. His inventive approach to guitar techniques, such as two-handed tapping, whammy bar tricks, and harmonics, showcases his boundless creativity and mastery of the instrument.
Beyond his technical prowess, Bettencourt's playing is infused with a sense of passion and emotion, elevating each note to new heights of expressiveness. Whether he's delivering soulful ballads or high-octane rock anthems, Bettencourt's playing resonates with a depth and sincerity that captivates audiences around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Get the Funk Out" by Extreme stands as a testament to the band's musical prowess and Nuno Bettencourt's exceptional guitar skills. From its infectious groove to its electrifying solos, this song is a must-learn for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire and hone their craft. By dissecting the chords, scales, and soloing techniques employed in this iconic track, guitarists can gain valuable insights into the artistry of one of rock's most innovative guitarists. So, pick up your guitar, crank up the volume, and get ready to funk out with Extreme!
Guitar Techniques Used:
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
George Marios
George Marios is an upcoming recording guitarist and songwriter based in London, endorsed by the industry's finest guitarists. George moved to Leeds from Greece in 2007, so as to attend the prestigious Leeds College of Music. While studying in LCM, he wrote and produced his debut instrumental album 'Between' two...