Learn to Play “Cheap Sunglasses” by ZZ Top

Step into the groove-filled world of classic rock with ZZ Top's “Cheap Sunglasses”, a track packed with swagger, slick tones, and deeply rooted blues-rock guitar work. At LickLibrary.com, we offer a note-for-note breakdown of this iconic tune, guiding guitarists through every lick, riff, and solo. This lesson is perfect for players eager to explore gritty Texas blues-rock and sharpen their phrasing, tone, and rhythmic feel. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Band

Originally released on ZZ Top’s 1979 album Degüello, “Cheap Sunglasses” is one of the band’s most recognisable tracks. With its funky rhythm, laid-back attitude, and biting guitar lines, the song captures the essence of ZZ Top’s signature sound—equal parts blues, rock, and attitude.

Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top’s lead guitarist and vocalist, is the driving force behind the band’s sound. Known for his masterful tone, impeccable groove, and expressive playing, Gibbons has influenced generations of guitarists. His style is rooted in the blues, but with a modern, gritty twist that makes every lick instantly recognisable. Learning to play “Cheap Sunglasses” gives players a deep dive into Gibbons’ unique phrasing, tone control, and his effortless command of blues-rock language.

Lesson Breakdown – Guitar Techniques Explored

In our in-depth guitar lesson for “Cheap Sunglasses,” players will explore a wide range of techniques. Each section of the song presents a chance to master new skills or polish foundational ones, making this lesson a valuable addition to any player’s journey.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Billy Gibbons is a master of expressive string bending, and “Cheap Sunglasses” is filled with smooth and aggressive bluesy bends. Learning these techniques will help you develop pitch control and emotional expression in your soloing. These bends are all about feel, helping guitarists bring their playing to life with subtlety and grit.

Slides and Vibrato

Another staple of Gibbons’ style, slides create seamless transitions between notes, giving the guitar a vocal, lyrical quality. When combined with slow, controlled vibrato, these techniques breathe soul into your phrasing. Practicing these nuances helps improve sustain and tone shaping.

Double Stops and Double-Stop Bends

Double stops add thickness to riffs and solos, and in “Cheap Sunglasses,” they’re used to great effect. You’ll also encounter expressive double-stop bends that add tension and release, a cornerstone of the blues-rock sound. Mastering these will enhance your rhythm and lead vocabulary while improving your ability to harmonise on the fly.

Palm Muting and Groove Playing

Rhythm plays a huge role in this track. Gibbons locks into a tight pocket using tasteful palm muting, injecting percussiveness into the groove. This technique teaches players how to control dynamics and articulate riffs with more clarity and punch, especially in funkier or blues-inspired settings.

Power Chords and Open-String Riffs

The song’s crunchy rhythm guitar is driven by punchy power chords and infectious open-string riffs. These foundational tools are essential for any rock guitarist, teaching players how to create driving, resonant rhythm sections.

Pinched Harmonics

To add some extra grit and flash, the lesson also covers pinched harmonics—a signature Gibbons move. These squealing overtones add flair and attitude, and learning them helps develop pick control and accuracy.

Why This Lesson Matters

Whether you're a classic rock enthusiast or a blues-inspired player, mastering “Cheap Sunglasses” provides a comprehensive look at expressive guitar playing. This lesson hones your phrasing, timing, tone, and articulation—all essential for building a mature, musical style. By the end, you’ll not only play the song note-for-note, but you’ll also understand how and why it works, elevating your playing far beyond the notes themselves.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Double-Stop Bends
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Open-String Riffs
• Pinched Harmonics

Ready to sharpen your tone and unleash your inner Texas blues-rocker? Head to LickLibrary.com and start your note-for-note guitar journey with “Cheap Sunglasses” today.