That's Entertainment by The Jam

"That's Entertainment" by The Jam is one of the most iconic songs from the British rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song is a brilliant showcase of Paul Weller's unique songwriting and guitar playing. With its memorable chord progression and a blend of folk and punk influences, "That's Entertainment" offers an excellent opportunity for guitar players to enhance their skills while diving into the musical style that defined a generation. Our Licklibrary note-for-note guitar lesson of this classic track breaks down the essential techniques that are crucial for mastering the song. Below, we'll explore the various techniques you'll learn in this lesson, along with their benefits, and delve into Paul Weller's guitar playing style and its impact. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Techniques in "That's Entertainment"

Chord Progressions

The song is primarily driven by a series of open and barre chords, creating its distinctive rhythmic flow. Learning to master these chord progressions will significantly improve your ability to play a variety of songs from different genres. The combination of open chords with barre chords helps build dexterity in both fretting and strumming hands. Understanding the chord structure of this song will deepen your knowledge of song arrangement and harmonic choices.

Strumming Patterns

Paul Weller's strumming technique in "That's Entertainment" features a laid-back but consistent rhythm, often employing syncopated rhythms to create the song's driving feel. The strumming style is a great study in dynamics, teaching you how to maintain consistent tempo while adding expression through accents and varying pressure. Developing a strong sense of rhythm through these patterns will enhance your ability to groove with other musicians and create rhythmic interest in your playing.

Palm Muting

Throughout the song, Weller subtly uses palm muting to dampen certain chords, adding texture and nuance to the arrangement. This technique is essential for controlling the sustain of your notes and creating contrast between sections of the song. It helps refine your right-hand coordination and control, making your overall playing cleaner and more precise.

Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking

The guitar part in "That's Entertainment" also introduces elements of fingerpicking, as Weller creates melodic lines alongside rhythmic chords. Fingerpicking not only adds to the song’s folk-inspired sound but also develops your hand independence, allowing you to play both melodies and accompaniments simultaneously. For those looking to challenge themselves further, you can incorporate hybrid picking, which combines the use of a pick with fingerpicking, giving you even more versatility in your playing.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

Weller employs subtle slides and hammer-ons during the melodic phrases in the song, giving the track its smooth transitions between notes. These techniques help improve finger agility and add fluidity to your playing. When combined, hammer-ons and slides create a more connected sound, essential for building expressive solos and melodic runs.

Open String Riffs

The use of open-string riffs throughout the song creates resonance and depth in the guitar part. Open strings allow for a fuller sound, adding natural overtones that enrich the harmony. Learning to incorporate open strings in your riffs and melodies opens the door to a wider range of tonal possibilities, enhancing your creativity as a guitarist.

About Paul Weller and The Jam

Paul Weller, the primary guitarist and songwriter for The Jam, is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. Known for blending the energy of punk rock with the melodic sensibilities of British rock and mod revival, Weller’s playing is a masterclass in taste and restraint. His ability to weave together different musical influences—from punk and new wave to folk and R&B—makes him a versatile guitarist and an important figure in shaping the sound of the late 70s and early 80s.

Weller’s use of rhythmic strumming, dynamic shifts, and simple yet effective lead work in songs like "That's Entertainment" highlights his skill at maximising emotional impact with minimalistic techniques. By studying Weller’s approach to guitar, you'll not only enhance your technical proficiency but also gain insight into crafting memorable and effective guitar parts that serve the song.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each of the guitar techniques covered in our lesson for "That's Entertainment" provides its own unique benefits:

• Chord Progressions: Strengthen your knowledge of music theory and song structure while improving your hand dexterity.
• Strumming Patterns: Develop better timing, dynamic control, and rhythm consistency.
• Palm Muting: Learn how to add texture and contrast to your playing, creating a cleaner sound.
• Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking: Enhance your ability to combine melody and harmony, creating fuller, more complex arrangements.
• Slides and Hammer-Ons: Improve fluidity and agility in your playing, allowing for smoother transitions between notes.
• Open String Riffs: Explore new tonal possibilities and enhance the resonance of your guitar parts.

Each of these techniques is not only key to mastering "That's Entertainment" but will also help you become a more versatile and skilled guitarist across various styles of music.

Guitar Techniques Used in "That's Entertainment"

• Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

By working through this lesson, you'll not only master one of The Jam’s most iconic songs but also gain a deeper understanding of guitar techniques that are applicable to a wide range of musical styles.