Heard It On The X

"Heard It On The X" by ZZ Top is a classic song that encapsulates the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and southern charm. This Lick Library guitar lesson provides an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of the song, focusing on the unique techniques used by Billy Gibbons that have made this track so iconic. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, this lesson will help you enhance your guitar skills by mastering the signature licks and rhythms found in this song. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Billy Gibbons: The Guitar Genius Behind the Song

Billy Gibbons, the lead guitarist and vocalist for ZZ Top, is known for his gritty blues tone, unconventional techniques, and impeccable sense of rhythm. His playing style is heavily influenced by blues legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker, but Gibbons adds his own Texas twist to create something entirely his own. Gibbons is renowned for his tasteful use of pinch harmonics, smooth legato phrasing, and dynamic control, all of which are on full display in "Heard It On The X."

Gibbons' playing on this track is both simple and sophisticated, combining tight rhythmic riffs with expressive lead work. His influence can be seen in countless rock and blues guitarists, from Joe Bonamassa to John Mayer, making him a cornerstone of modern rock guitar.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

In this detailed lesson, you'll learn a range of guitar techniques that are essential to playing "Heard It On The X" with accuracy and style. Each technique not only helps you play the song but also builds your overall guitar-playing skills.

Power Chords

One of the most fundamental techniques used in "Heard It On The X" is power chords. Power chords are perfect for delivering the driving rhythm and punchy sound heard in this track. Mastering power chords will improve your ability to lock in with a band and create a strong foundation for any rock or blues song.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Billy Gibbons is a master of string bending, and this technique is a key part of his expressive playing in "Heard It On The X." String bending allows you to create soulful, vocal-like expressions on the guitar, emulating the sound of the human voice. Bluesy bends are a great way to add feeling and emotion to your playing, and this song offers multiple examples of how to use them tastefully.

Pinched Harmonics

Gibbons’ signature use of pinched harmonics gives this track its distinctive "squealing" sound. These harmonics add an extra layer of bite and aggression to your playing. Learning how to execute pinched harmonics effectively will improve your control over the guitar's tonal possibilities, especially in rock and blues contexts.

Vibrato

No blues-rock guitar performance is complete without vibrato, and "Heard It On The X" is no exception. Vibrato adds sustain and emotional depth to the notes you play. Developing a strong vibrato technique will give your playing more character and personality, allowing you to create a lasting impression on your listeners.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the rhythmic sections of the song to add dynamic control and percussive accents. This technique is essential for keeping your playing tight and articulate, especially in fast-moving or complex riffs. It helps to separate the heavy sections from the more open, ringing chords and solos, giving the song depth and texture.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The use of hammer-ons and pull-offs in this song adds fluidity and speed to the licks. These legato techniques are crucial for playing fast runs and for adding a smooth, flowing quality to your solos. Once you master these techniques, you’ll be able to play lead lines with more efficiency and less pick-hand movement, which is critical for speed and accuracy.

Double Stops

Billy Gibbons incorporates double stops to create harmonic richness in the lead sections of the song. Playing two notes simultaneously adds depth to your lead playing and makes your solos sound fuller. Mastering double stops is an excellent way to develop finger independence and improve your ability to create harmony within a solo.

Slides

Slides are another key feature in this track. Using slides effectively can give your playing a smooth, slurred sound and create a natural transition between notes. This technique can be used to emphasise specific notes or phrases, adding a sense of flow to your solos and riffs.

Why Learn These Techniques?

By learning the techniques in this lesson, you'll not only be able to play "Heard It On The X" with accuracy, but you'll also gain essential skills that will serve you in a wide range of musical genres. Techniques like string bending, vibrato, and pinch harmonics are universal tools in blues, rock, and even metal guitar playing. Additionally, mastering rhythm techniques like palm muting and power chords will help you develop tighter rhythm guitar skills, making you a more versatile player overall.

Guitar Techniques in "Heard It On The X"

Below is a list of guitar techniques used in this lesson. Click on each technique to learn more about how to practice and apply it in your playing:

• Vibrato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends

By practicing these techniques, you'll not only be able to play "Heard It On The X" flawlessly but also expand your guitar-playing abilities for future songs and solos. Get ready to add that classic ZZ Top edge to your guitar playing!