Tush by ZZ Top

"Tush" by ZZ Top is a staple in rock guitar and a perfect blend of Texas blues with hard-hitting rock and roll. This lesson brings the iconic riffs and licks from the song straight to your fingertips. Our note-for-note breakdown of "Tush" is tailored for guitarists who want to master the sound of ZZ Top, capturing the essence of Billy Gibbons’ playing style. Through this lesson, you'll not only learn how to play the song but also enhance your guitar skills by focusing on essential techniques that are at the core of rock and blues guitar. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Tush" by ZZ Top

Power Chords

The driving force behind the rhythm guitar in "Tush" is the use of power chords. These simple, two-note chords provide a thick, punchy sound, ideal for rock music. Learning power chords will give you a foundation for countless other rock songs, making it an essential tool in your guitar playing toolkit. It’s also a great exercise for building finger strength and dexterity across the fretboard.

Slides

Slides play a prominent role in creating the fluid and gritty sound that Billy Gibbons is known for. By sliding between notes, you’ll add a vocal-like quality to your playing, which is a hallmark of blues-based rock. Mastering slides will help you connect different sections of a riff smoothly and add a layer of expressiveness to your playing.

Vibrato

Billy Gibbons’ smooth and wide vibrato is a key element in the signature sound of "Tush." Vibrato is the subtle fluctuation of pitch that makes a note sing or sustain with emotion. Incorporating vibrato into your playing can make your solos sound more expressive, adding nuance and depth to each note. It’s a technique that every guitarist should master, especially those interested in blues and rock.

String Bending

"Tush" also features expressive string bends that mimic the wailing sound of a human voice. String bending is when you push or pull a string across the fretboard to raise its pitch. This technique is essential in blues and rock, as it allows you to hit notes in between standard pitches, adding a soulful quality to your playing. Practicing string bends improves your control and intonation, making your leads more dynamic.

Pinched Harmonics

Billy Gibbons is a master of using pinched harmonics, a technique that creates a squealing sound by catching the string with both the pick and the thumb simultaneously. This technique, used throughout "Tush," adds a screaming, high-pitched overtone to notes, injecting energy into your solos. Learning pinched harmonics will add an extra layer of flair and power to your lead playing.

Bluesy Bends

"Tush" is steeped in blues influences, and you’ll encounter a variety of bends throughout the song. Bluesy bends involve bending notes slightly sharp to create tension and release within a solo. Mastering bluesy bends allows you to convey emotion in your playing, which is crucial for blues and blues-rock genres.

Palm Muting

In the main riff of "Tush," palm muting is used to create a tight, rhythmic sound, especially on the lower strings. By resting the edge of your palm on the strings near the bridge, you can dampen the strings and control the amount of resonance. Palm muting is key in producing punchy, staccato rhythms and can be applied across many genres, from metal to punk.

Alternate Picking

While the rhythm may seem straightforward, employing alternate picking—alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes—will allow you to play the fast-paced parts of the song smoothly and with greater precision. Alternate picking helps with speed and accuracy, and mastering it will significantly improve your overall picking technique.

Billy Gibbons and His Influence

The lead guitarist of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons, is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive players in rock music. Known for his gritty, blues-infused style, Gibbons has influenced countless guitarists with his soulful, laid-back yet powerful approach. His playing on songs like "Tush" exemplifies how simplicity and feel can be just as important as technical prowess. Gibbons is also known for his use of unconventional tones and techniques, such as pinched harmonics and his mastery of tone manipulation through touch and dynamics. Learning his style helps guitarists develop a keen sense of phrasing and an appreciation for blues-rock sensibilities.

Why Learning "Tush" is Beneficial for Guitarists

The guitar lesson on "Tush" by ZZ Top is not only a great way to learn a classic rock anthem but also an opportunity to refine several key techniques that can be applied to a wide range of musical styles. By focusing on power chords, slides, vibrato, string bending, and more, guitarists will develop skills that improve both their rhythm and lead playing. Moreover, studying Billy Gibbons’ iconic tone and touch will enhance your ability to create dynamic and expressive guitar lines.

These techniques will allow guitarists to:

• Improve finger strength and control
• Add expressive dynamics to both lead and rhythm playing
• Develop fluency across the fretboard
• Master blues-based techniques that are widely used in rock, blues, and metal

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Bluesy Bends
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to capturing the magic of Billy Gibbons’ playing and taking your guitar skills to the next level.