"Jesus Just Left Chicago" by ZZ Top - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

"Jesus Just Left Chicago" is one of ZZ Top’s most iconic blues-rock songs, found on their 1973 album Tres Hombres. The slow, heavy groove and soulful playing of guitarist Billy Gibbons make this track a must-learn for any guitarist interested in the blend of Texas blues and rock. The song is a masterclass in subtlety and expression, featuring key guitar techniques such as double stops, slides, string bending, and vibrato. In this lesson, we break down these techniques, helping you to capture the heart and soul of Gibbons' playing while building your own guitar skills. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques Used

Double Stops

Double stops are a staple in Billy Gibbons’ playing, and in "Jesus Just Left Chicago," they add a thick, harmonized texture to the rhythm and lead parts. Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, which can either harmonize or add power to your playing. Throughout the track, Gibbons uses double stops to create rich, bluesy lines that are both melodic and powerful.

Mastering double stops will enhance your ability to play harmonized lines and thick, full-sounding rhythms. This technique is key in blues and rock music, giving your playing more depth and allowing you to create harmonies without needing a second guitarist. Learning double stops will also improve your finger independence and coordination, making your overall playing more versatile.

Slides

Slides are another essential technique featured in "Jesus Just Left Chicago." Gibbons frequently slides from one note to another, adding fluidity and a vocal-like quality to his phrasing. Slides help connect notes seamlessly, giving the listener a sense of movement and adding an expressive layer to the melody.

Slides are crucial for developing a more fluid, connected playing style. By mastering slides, you’ll be able to create smooth transitions between notes, allowing you to play with more expression and finesse. Practicing slides will also improve your fretboard navigation, helping you to move efficiently across different positions without losing the continuity of your playing.

String Bending

Billy Gibbons is a master of string bending, and "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is full of tasteful bends that bring out the emotion in his playing. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to raise the pitch, mimicking the vocal inflections often heard in blues music. In this track, Gibbons uses bends to add tension and release, giving his solos a dynamic and soulful feel.

String bending is essential for adding expression and emotion to your playing. Learning how to bend strings accurately will help you develop control over pitch and sustain, two critical aspects of blues and rock guitar. Mastering bends will also build finger strength and improve your intonation, as hitting the correct pitch requires precision. It’s a technique that brings personality to your playing and allows you to make each note sing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a key part of Billy Gibbons' expressive playing, and in "Jesus Just Left Chicago," it adds warmth and soul to his long, sustained notes. Vibrato is the slight variation in pitch created by oscillating the fretting hand, giving the note a more vocal, singing quality. Gibbons’ vibrato is smooth and controlled, bringing a sense of depth to each note he plays.

Vibrato is one of the most important techniques for adding emotion and character to your playing. It helps give your notes a more dynamic feel, adding sustain and warmth to your sound. Learning to control vibrato will improve your overall phrasing, making your playing more expressive and engaging. Vibrato is the mark of a mature guitarist, and mastering it will take your playing to the next level.

The Guitarist Behind the Song

Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top’s legendary guitarist, is one of the most influential blues-rock players of all time. Known for his gritty tone and impeccable phrasing, Gibbons blends traditional blues techniques with a modern, rock edge. His playing on "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is a perfect example of his ability to fuse emotion with technical mastery. Gibbons’ use of double stops, slides, string bending, and vibrato in this track shows his deep understanding of the blues, while also pushing the boundaries of what blues guitar can sound like. His influence on guitarists across genres is immense, from blues to hard rock, making his style one worth studying.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato

By studying these techniques in "Jesus Just Left Chicago," you’ll not only learn how to play a classic blues-rock song but also gain valuable skills that can be applied across many styles of music. From mastering double stops for thicker sound, to developing smooth slides for better phrasing, this lesson covers everything you need to get the most out of your guitar playing. With these foundational techniques under your belt, you'll be well-equipped to explore more advanced guitar concepts and songs. Dive in and take your playing to new heights with this comprehensive guitar lesson on one of ZZ Top's most beloved tracks!