"Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" is a timeless rock classic, showcasing a blend of iconic riffs, infectious rhythms, and energetic guitar techniques that have inspired guitarists for decades. Our note-for-note guitar lesson of "Brown Sugar" focuses on teaching you the essential techniques that drive the song's signature sound, helping you master both rhythm and lead guitar parts. This comprehensive lesson will enable you to unlock the distinctive style of The Rolling Stones, while improving your overall guitar skills. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Players Behind "Brown Sugar"

"Brown Sugar" was primarily driven by Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist known for his innovative use of open tunings and raw, blues-influenced playing. Alongside Richards, Mick Taylor played a pivotal role, adding a more refined, melodic touch to the song. The combination of their styles creates a dynamic and layered sound that is both gritty and sophisticated. Richards’ love for open G tuning shines throughout the track, offering a more resonant and fuller sound compared to standard tuning. Taylor’s slide guitar and bluesy phrasing give "Brown Sugar" its distinctive flavour, blending rock and roll with deep roots in blues.

Both guitarists have had a massive influence on generations of players, with Richards’ unique approach to rhythm guitar and Taylor’s technical finesse becoming staples in rock guitar playing. Learning "Brown Sugar" is not just about mastering a single song but also gaining insight into the techniques of two iconic guitarists.

Techniques Focused in "Brown Sugar"

Open G Tuning

One of the standout features of "Brown Sugar" is the use of open G tuning. This tuning creates a rich and open sound that gives the chords a full-bodied resonance. Playing in open G requires a slightly different approach, which is beneficial for developing a broader understanding of guitar voicings. In this lesson, you will learn how to adjust to this tuning and execute the main riffs in a way that captures the original feel of the track.

Benefits: Mastering open G tuning will expand your repertoire and provide fresh ideas for creating unique chord shapes and riff patterns.

Sliding and Bluesy Bends

Throughout the song, you’ll encounter multiple instances of slides and bluesy bends, both of which are fundamental to rock and blues playing. Sliding between notes helps connect different parts of the fretboard seamlessly, while bending adds expressiveness to your playing by allowing you to hit microtones that give your playing that distinctive bluesy character.

Benefits: Learning these techniques improves your control over note transitions and adds emotion and soul to your lead playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Brown Sugar" is built on syncopated, driving rhythms that keep the song's energy flowing. Syncopation is when you play off the main beats of the rhythm, creating a groove that feels loose but locked into the overall beat. Keith Richards' rhythm work is a masterclass in syncopation, and breaking down this part will significantly improve your ability to play rhythmically complex music.

Benefits: Mastering syncopation helps you develop tighter timing, better rhythmic feel, and the ability to play more intricate patterns with ease.

Alternate Picking and Chord Progressions

The song features a steady mix of alternate picking and classic chord progressions. Richards' choppy, rhythmic alternate picking gives "Brown Sugar" its characteristic groove, while the chord progression itself is straightforward but powerful, emphasising the roots of rock and blues music.

Benefits: Practicing alternate picking will improve your picking accuracy and speed. Understanding chord progressions will help you create and analyse songs more effectively.

Double Stops and Power Chords

The iconic riff of "Brown Sugar" includes the use of double stops and power chords. Double stops involve playing two notes at once, giving your playing more harmonic depth, while power chords are essential for generating a big, full sound, especially when playing rock music.

Benefits: Double stops will enhance your ability to play harmonised notes, while power chords provide the foundation for playing rhythm guitar in a variety of styles.

Vibrato

Throughout the song, vibrato is used to give sustained notes more character and expression. Vibrato involves rapidly oscillating the pitch of a note, which adds emotion and sustain. It's subtle but essential for creating a professional, polished sound.

Benefits: Developing vibrato will add depth and emotion to your playing, making your solos and sustained notes stand out.

List of Guitar Techniques Covered

Here’s a list of the guitar techniques that you’ll encounter and master during the "Brown Sugar" guitar lesson. Each of these techniques is a crucial part of rock and blues guitar playing, and links are provided for additional resources to deepen your understanding:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering the techniques found in "Brown Sugar," you’ll not only be able to play this classic track with confidence but also incorporate these foundational techniques into your own playing, enriching your overall musicianship and stylistic versatility.