I Gotsta Get Paid by ZZ Top

Dive into the gritty, bluesy style of ZZ Top with our note-for-note guitar lesson for I Gotsta Get Paid. Originally performed by the legendary Billy Gibbons, this track fuses Texas blues-rock with deep Southern groove, providing a wealth of techniques that can elevate your guitar playing. This lesson is designed to break down each part of the song and introduce you to the powerful techniques used by Gibbons, giving you the tools to capture the soul and power of ZZ Top’s signature sound. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top's Influence

ZZ Top, founded by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard, has been a powerhouse in the rock and blues genre since the early 1970s. Known for their gritty blues riffs, funky rhythms, and Texas-sized tone, the band’s music incorporates elements of rock, blues, and boogie. Billy Gibbons, the band's lead guitarist, is celebrated for his innovative use of guitar tone, unique phrasing, and deep, authentic blues feel. His playing on I Gotsta Get Paid showcases his mastery over heavy riffs and subtle inflections, making this song a perfect study for aspiring guitarists aiming to capture the essence of rock and blues.

Technique Breakdown for I Gotsta Get Paid

1. Vibrato

One of the most defining aspects of Billy Gibbons’ style is his expressive vibrato. In this song, the vibrato is used to add depth and sustain to individual notes, giving them a soulful, vocal-like quality. Practicing vibrato helps improve control over pitch and sustain, allowing you to hold notes with greater emotion and fluidity, an essential skill for blues and rock players.

2. Alternate Picking

This lesson places a strong emphasis on alternate picking, a technique that Gibbons uses to articulate the fast-paced blues riffs. Alternate picking enhances picking efficiency, especially at higher tempos, and is key to achieving a clean, even sound across notes. Mastering this technique will allow you to tackle faster phrases with precision, making your playing sound both sharp and controlled.

3. Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics, or squeals, are a hallmark of Gibbons’ style and can be heard in several parts of I Gotsta Get Paid. These harmonics add a sharp, high-pitched edge to certain notes, creating a gritty, attention-grabbing effect. Learning this technique will expand your tonal palette, allowing you to add a distinctive flair to your playing and making solos more dynamic.

4. String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending and bluesy bends are essential to achieving the expressive quality of Gibbons’ playing. These bends mimic the sound of a human voice, adding a soulful dimension to the music. Practicing string bending not only improves finger strength and control but also helps you develop a sensitive ear for pitch, a crucial skill for playing in tune with authentic blues feel.

5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

In this track, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, flowing passages between notes. These techniques reduce the need for continuous picking, making phrases sound legato and fluid. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs is fundamental for any guitarist looking to add speed and expression to their solos and licks.

6. Double Stops

ZZ Top’s music often incorporates double stops, and I Gotsta Get Paid is no exception. Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, adding harmonic richness to the lead lines. Practicing double stops will help you develop better finger independence and bring a fuller, more dynamic sound to your playing.

7. Palm Muting

Gibbons uses palm muting to create a punchy, rhythmic feel in the riff sections. This technique involves resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, creating a dampened, percussive sound. Palm muting adds definition to riffs, helping to separate rhythm from lead and making your playing more versatile.

8. Slides

Slides are used throughout I Gotsta Get Paid to add a smooth, gliding effect between notes. This technique gives a bluesy feel to the music, imitating the slide of a bottleneck or slide guitar. Mastering slides will improve your fretboard knowledge and create a smooth transition between notes, ideal for both blues and rock styles.

9. Power Chords

The song also makes extensive use of power chords to establish its powerful, driving rhythm. These chords, often found in rock and metal, are essential for creating a thick, aggressive sound. Learning power chords will enhance your rhythm playing and give you the tools to drive songs with energy and intensity.

10. Octave Melodies

Octave melodies are another staple in ZZ Top’s style, often used to reinforce melodic lines. Playing in octaves adds richness to solos and provides a unique, full sound that cuts through the mix. Practicing octave melodies helps develop accuracy, making it easier to jump across strings while staying in tune.

11. Syncopated Rhythms

I Gotsta Get Paid utilises syncopated rhythms, creating a groove that makes the riff stand out. Syncopation involves placing accents on off-beats, adding a distinct rhythmic feel to the music. Mastering syncopation will enhance your timing and groove, allowing you to play with more rhythmic creativity.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Octave Melodies
• Syncopated Rhythms

Mastering these techniques in I Gotsta Get Paid will give you a strong foundation in blues-rock guitar, allowing you to channel the gritty energy of ZZ Top and capture the essence of Billy Gibbons' iconic style.