Learn to Play "Peg" by Steely Dan

Steely Dan's Peg is a masterclass in sophisticated groove, intricate chord voicings, and fluid melodic phrasing. Found on their classic Aja album, this song showcases the band's signature fusion of jazz harmony and pop sensibilities. The guitar work on Peg is nothing short of legendary, featuring session guitarists delivering precision-crafted solos and intricate rhythm playing. In this Licklibrary guitar lesson, you'll learn Peg note-for-note, while mastering essential techniques that will elevate your playing. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Peg"

The standout guitar solo on Peg was performed by Jay Graydon, a top-tier session guitarist known for his jazz-influenced phrasing, impeccable technique, and melodic sensibility. His solo is one of the most famous in Steely Dan's catalog, featuring smooth articulation, double-stops, and expressive bends. Graydon was just one of several world-class guitarists who contributed to Aja, a testament to Steely Dan’s meticulous approach to production. Understanding his solo work gives insight into the precision required for session playing and jazz-fusion soloing.

Guitar Techniques in "Peg"

Chord Progressions and Arpeggiated Voicings

Peg revolves around rich jazz-influenced chord progressions that move seamlessly between major and dominant harmonies. Learning these progressions will improve your ability to transition between complex voicings while keeping your rhythm tight. The song also incorporates subtle arpeggiation, allowing individual notes within a chord to ring out clearly, adding texture to the rhythm playing.

Double-Stops and Smooth Articulation

One of the defining features of Graydon’s solo is his use of double stops—playing two notes simultaneously to create harmonised licks. This technique adds richness and depth to solos, making your phrasing sound fuller and more expressive. Incorporating double stops into your playing will enhance your lead lines and give your solos a more dynamic quality.

String Bending for Expressive Phrasing

Jay Graydon's solo is filled with precise and expressive string bending techniques. These bends add emotion and vocal-like phrasing to the guitar lines, allowing for a more fluid and expressive solo. Developing accurate bending control improves intonation and helps create a more soulful lead guitar style.

Vibrato for Smooth, Singing Tones

To add even more character to the bends and sustained notes, Graydon employs a subtle yet effective vibrato technique. Vibrato enriches the sound of held notes, making them feel alive and expressive. Practicing controlled vibrato will give your playing a more polished, professional touch.

Slides for Seamless Transitions

Throughout Peg, slides between notes create smooth, connected phrases that flow naturally within the melody. Slides are an essential technique for making lead lines sound more fluid and natural, mimicking the phrasing of vocal lines.

Syncopated Rhythms for a Funky Feel

The rhythm guitar in Peg uses syncopated rhythms to create a tight, grooving feel. Syncopation—playing off the beat—adds a sense of movement and swing to the track. Mastering syncopation is key for developing a more rhythmic and dynamic approach to playing, especially in funk, jazz, and pop styles.

Why Learn "Peg"?

Learning Peg will challenge and refine multiple aspects of your playing, from complex chord work to sophisticated soloing techniques. By studying this song, you'll improve:

• Rhythm playing: Mastering the groove and chord transitions will enhance your timing and funk feel.
• Lead phrasing: Techniques like bending, double stops, and slides will develop your melodic control.
• Musical articulation: Vibrato and syncopation will give your playing a more polished, expressive quality.

If you're looking to expand your skills in jazz-influenced pop and rock, Peg is an essential song to study.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Peg"

• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only be able to play Peg authentically but also expand your versatility as a guitarist. Ready to dive in? Start your note-for-note lesson today at Licklibrary.com!