Got Me Under Pressure by ZZ Top – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

ZZ Top’s Got Me Under Pressure is a hard-hitting, riff-driven rock anthem that stands out as one of the punchiest tracks from the band’s 1983 mega-album Eliminator. A showcase of energy, tight musicianship, and that unmistakable Billy Gibbons tone, this track blends Texas blues grit with modern 80s rock polish. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson walks you through every rhythmic punch and sizzling lick with clarity and precision—perfect for guitarists looking to lock in rock-solid rhythm chops and lead phrasing.

In this lesson, we focus on four key techniques featured throughout the song: double stops, pull-offs, palm muting, and string bending. These elements not only shape the tone and vibe of Got Me Under Pressure, but they’re also core components of a well-rounded guitarist’s toolkit. Whether you’re developing control, speed, or expressiveness, these techniques will level up your ability to deliver guitar parts that are tight, expressive, and full of attitude. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Double Stops

Double stops feature heavily in the main riff and add grit, attitude, and fullness. Gibbons uses two-note voicings to add harmonic weight while keeping the part tight and aggressive.

Benefit to the player: Double stops strengthen your ability to blend rhythm and lead techniques. They help make riffs sound bigger, add harmonic colour to solos, and sharpen your fretting accuracy and pick control.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are used throughout the lead passages in this track, particularly in fast, bluesy licks where Gibbons blends picking with fluid legato phrasing.

Benefit to the player: Pull-offs improve finger strength and fluidity, allowing you to play faster phrases without relying on constant picking. This leads to smoother, more expressive soloing and better coordination between both hands.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a crucial part of the tight, punchy rhythm guitar in Got Me Under Pressure. Gibbons uses subtle muting to make the riff groove hard without losing clarity or attack.

Benefit to the player: Learning palm muting enhances rhythmic precision and dynamic control. It’s essential for playing tight rock and metal riffs and helps refine your picking hand technique for better articulation and timing.

String Bending

String bending plays a key role in the lead guitar moments of the track. Gibbons’ bends are controlled and expressive, often followed with wide vibrato for extra sustain and character.

Benefit to the player: String bending helps develop pitch control and expressive phrasing. It allows you to give your solos a vocal-like quality and adds emotional depth to your playing.

About the Song and Guitar Style

From the moment Got Me Under Pressure kicks in, it’s clear this is no laid-back blues shuffle. The track barrels ahead with pounding drums, driving bass, and Gibbons’ signature overdriven guitar tone cutting through the mix with precision and bite. The main riff is tight and aggressive, powered by rhythmic double stops and palm-muted bursts that keep the energy high. It’s a masterclass in combining groove with grit.

This track is perfect for guitarists looking to tighten up their rhythm playing, learn how to apply classic blues-based lead techniques in a modern context, and study the way Gibbons combines simplicity with groove for maximum impact. Our lesson walks you through the intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and solo note-for-note, offering expert guidance and technique tips at every stage.

About the Guitar Player – Billy Gibbons

Billy Gibbons is the soul of ZZ Top’s unmistakable sound. With a career spanning decades, his blend of Texas blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and tone mastery has earned him legendary status among guitar players. What makes Gibbons stand out is his ability to keep things simple yet striking. He plays what the song needs—no more, no less—and does it with impeccable tone and phrasing.

In Got Me Under Pressure, Gibbons turns up the energy and grit. His riffs are tight and rhythmic, and his lead playing balances bluesy licks with aggressive articulation. It’s a track that proves Gibbons isn’t just a bluesman—he’s a rock guitarist with serious edge. Studying this song is a deep dive into how to control tone, rhythm, and lead phrasing in a high-energy context.

Summary

Our Got Me Under Pressure guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down one of ZZ Top’s fiercest tracks, delivering a complete roadmap to mastering its tight rhythms and scorching leads. This song is perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to tighten their timing, boost their technique, and learn how to play with edge and control.

The combination of double stops, pull-offs, palm muting, and string bending covers both rhythm and lead territory, offering valuable takeaways that can be applied across blues, rock, and hard rock styles. With detailed breakdowns, technique guidance, and phrasing tips, this lesson helps you not just learn the notes—but play them with attitude, groove, and tone.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Pull-Offs
• Palm Muting
• String Bending

Plug in, turn it up, and lock into the groove—master Got Me Under Pressure with LickLibrary’s note-for-note lesson, and bring some serious ZZ Top energy to your playing.