Learn to Play "Josie" by Steely Dan

Steely Dan's "Josie", from their iconic 1977 album Aja, is a masterpiece of jazz-rock fusion, blending smooth grooves, sophisticated harmonies, and intricate guitar work. The track features some of the most tasteful and expressive guitar lines in Steely Dan’s catalog, making it an essential study for any guitarist looking to expand their technical and musical vocabulary.

In this LickLibrary lesson, we take a deep dive into the song's guitar parts, breaking down the nuances of the phrasing, articulation, and soloing techniques used throughout "Josie." This lesson will help you develop a more refined touch, improve your phrasing, and introduce you to advanced guitar concepts that will enhance your playing in multiple styles. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Josie"

"Josie" features legendary session guitarist Larry Carlton, whose work with Steely Dan has become the gold standard for smooth yet expressive jazz-influenced rock playing. Carlton's signature phrasing, impeccable note choices, and ability to blend bluesy bends with sophisticated chord tones make his work on "Josie" particularly outstanding. His influence stretches far beyond Steely Dan, as he has played with artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to The Crusaders and beyond.

Carlton’s playing is a perfect example of how taste and restraint can create an unforgettable guitar solo. His approach seamlessly combines blues phrasing, jazzy note selections, and melodic storytelling—an invaluable study for any aspiring guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Explored in "Josie"

This lesson focuses on a variety of guitar techniques that will not only help you master "Josie" but also enhance your overall playing ability. Below are the key techniques covered:

1. String Bending

String bending is a crucial element in Larry Carlton’s playing, allowing for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. By bending a string up to a target pitch, you can add emotion and personality to your lead lines. Learning this technique will improve your control, pitch accuracy, and ear training.

2. Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the defining characteristics of a guitarist’s personal style. In "Josie," Carlton’s smooth, controlled vibrato adds warmth and sustain to his notes. Mastering vibrato will give your playing a professional, polished sound while making your phrases sing.

3. Double Stops

Double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—add harmonic depth to lead lines. In "Josie," double stops are used to create rich, melodic phrases. Learning to incorporate double stops into your playing will improve your fretboard knowledge and make your solos sound fuller.

4. Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in "Josie" showcase Steely Dan’s jazz-infused harmonic complexity. These progressions are an excellent way to expand your understanding of chord voicings and voice leading, giving you more options when writing or improvising.

5. Slides

Sliding between notes creates a smooth, fluid sound that enhances the expressiveness of a solo. Carlton’s use of slides in "Josie" adds a lyrical quality to his phrasing. Practicing slides will help you develop better note transitions and improve your overall technique.

6. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar parts in "Josie" often include arpeggiated chord progressions, which break up standard strumming patterns into individual note runs. This technique helps create a more dynamic and textured rhythm sound, useful across multiple styles of music.

7. Hybrid Picking

Carlton frequently blends pick and finger techniques to achieve a fluid and nuanced tone. Hybrid picking enhances your ability to play intricate lines and arpeggiated chords with clarity and speed.

Why Learning "Josie" Will Improve Your Guitar Playing

Studying "Josie" will not only help you develop technical skills but also refine your sense of musicality. Here are some of the benefits:

• Enhanced Phrasing – Larry Carlton’s solos are a masterclass in tasteful phrasing, teaching you how to build musical ideas dynamically.
• Improved Touch and Feel – The song’s intricate playing demands control over vibrato, bends, and articulation, improving your overall expression.
• Expanded Harmonic Knowledge – Steely Dan’s sophisticated chord changes provide valuable insight into jazz-influenced harmony.
• Increased Versatility – The techniques found in "Josie" apply to blues, jazz, rock, and fusion, making you a more well-rounded guitarist.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Here is a list of the key techniques used in "Josie", along with links to learn more about each one:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Hybrid Picking

Mastering "Josie" will give you a deeper appreciation for Larry Carlton’s genius while significantly improving your technical and musical abilities. Dive into our note-for-note lesson and take your playing to the next level!