You Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones

Learn to Play The Rolling Stones' Classic Hit

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is one of The Rolling Stones' most iconic songs, featuring a blend of folk, rock, and gospel influences. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com breaks down the techniques used in this masterpiece, helping you capture the essence of Keith Richards' and Mick Taylor’s legendary guitar work. By mastering these techniques, you will not only be able to play the song with accuracy but also enhance your overall guitar playing, improving your touch, expression, and musicality. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists Behind the Song

The song showcases the unmistakable style of Keith Richards, whose rhythm playing and chord voicings are essential to the Stones' sound. Accompanying him is Al Kooper on acoustic guitar, adding a rich texture to the track. Mick Taylor, though not prominently featured in this song, was a significant influence on the band's sound during this era. Richards' use of open tunings, groove-driven strumming, and fluid chord progressions continues to inspire guitarists worldwide. Learning their approach will give you deeper insight into the art of classic rock guitar playing.

Key Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Open Chord Progressions

The song heavily relies on rich, ringing open chord progressions, which provide warmth and depth to the acoustic guitar parts. Understanding these progressions will help you develop a strong foundation in chord transitions and open-position voicings, making your playing sound more full and harmonically rich.

Fingerpicking

The introduction features delicate fingerpicking, creating a melodic and intricate texture. Developing your fingerpicking technique improves coordination between your picking hand and fretting hand, leading to greater dexterity and precision in your playing.

Slides

Throughout the song, subtle slides between chord shapes and melodic phrases add a fluid, expressive quality. Mastering slides will enhance your phrasing and help you create seamless transitions between notes, making your solos and rhythm parts sound more polished.

String Bending

While not as prominent as in other Stones tracks, controlled string bending appears in the lead guitar sections. Practicing bends helps you develop finger strength and precision, allowing you to express notes with vocal-like articulation.

Barre Chords

The use of barre chords allows for fluid movement across the neck while maintaining harmonic consistency. Learning this technique will expand your chord vocabulary and help you play more dynamically across different keys and registers.

Syncopated Rhythms

The groove of the song relies on syncopated rhythms, where accents fall between the beats, creating a laid-back yet engaging feel. Developing your rhythmic awareness in this style will enhance your ability to play funk, blues, and rock with a better sense of timing and groove.

Why Learn These Techniques?

By mastering the techniques found in "You Can't Always Get What You Want," you'll gain valuable skills applicable to a wide range of musical styles. From the intricate fingerpicking to the expressive slides and bends, these elements contribute to making your playing more dynamic, expressive, and technically proficient. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your rhythm playing or an experienced guitarist wanting to refine your articulation and feel, this lesson offers something for everyone.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• Fingerpicking
• Slides
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms

Start learning today with our note-for-note lesson and bring this timeless classic to life on your guitar!