How to Play Motown Guitar

Motown guitar playing is all about groove, rhythm, and soul. It's a style that helped define an era and still resonates with musicians today. If you've ever listened to those smooth, catchy riffs from classic Motown records and wondered how to capture that vibe, you're in for a treat. This guide will walk you through the essential elements of Motown guitar, offering insights, tips, and techniques to bring that iconic sound to your playing.

Getting in the Groove: Understanding Motown Rhythm

The heart of Motown guitar lies in its rhythm. Unlike the aggressive strumming in rock or the intricate fingerpicking in folk, Motown rhythm is smooth, subtle, and syncopated. Think of it as the glue that holds the song together, complementing the bassline and drums to create a tight, cohesive sound.

To start, focus on playing with a clean, even tone. A lot of Motown rhythm guitar involves playing staccato chords or muted strums to keep the sound crisp and percussive. Here's a simple exercise to get you into the groove:

• Choose a basic chord progression, like G-C-D.
• Play each chord using a downstroke, but lift your fingers slightly off the strings immediately after each strum to mute them.
• Practice strumming in time with a metronome, focusing on keeping your strums sharp and consistent.

As you practice, listen closely to how your strumming interacts with the beat. The goal is to make your guitar part feel like a natural extension of the rhythm section.

Chord Choices: Adding Spice to Your Playing

Motown guitarists often used extended chords and inversions to add color and complexity to their playing. While typical rock songs might stick to standard major and minor chords, Motown often incorporates seventh chords, major sixths, and ninths for a richer sound.

For example, instead of playing a plain G major chord, try a G7 or G9. These chords add depth and sophistication, making your playing more interesting and dynamic. Here's how you can play a few of these chords:

• G7: 320001
• Cmaj7: x32000
• D9: x54555

Experiment with these and see how they change the feel of a simple chord progression. Remember, the goal isn't to make your playing more complex for the sake of it—it's about finding the right colors to fit the mood of the song.

Walking Basslines: The Secret Sauce

One of the defining features of Motown guitar is the use of walking basslines. These are melodic lines played on the lower strings that move smoothly between the chords, adding a sense of motion and continuity to the music.

To get started with walking basslines, try incorporating simple bass runs between your chords. For example, when moving from a G chord to a C chord, you might play a short run like G, A, B, C on the E and A strings.

• Start with a simple two-chord progression, like C to G.
• Play the C chord, then use your pick to play a bass run on the A string: C, D, E, F#.
• Land on the G chord, and use a similar bass run on the E string back to C.

Walking basslines can be as simple or complex as you like, but the key is to make them feel smooth and connected. Listen to some classic Motown tracks to hear how these basslines add to the groove.

Fingerstyle Techniques: Bringing Out the Melody

While much of Motown guitar relies on rhythm, don't underestimate the power of melody. Many Motown songs feature delicate, melodic lines woven into the rhythm guitar parts, often played using fingerstyle techniques.

Here's a basic fingerstyle exercise to help you incorporate melody into your playing:

• Choose a chord, like Em.
• Use your thumb to pluck the bass note, then use your index, middle, and ring fingers to pick out a simple melody on the higher strings.
• Practice moving between chords while maintaining the melody.

Fingerstyle playing can add a new dimension to your sound, allowing you to emphasize certain notes and create more dynamic arrangements. It's a technique worth mastering if you want to capture the full range of Motown guitar playing.

Syncopation: Adding Swing and Swagger

Syncopation is a hallmark of Motown music. It involves playing off the beat, creating a sense of tension and release that keeps listeners engaged. To get a feel for syncopation, try this exercise:

• Set your metronome to a slow tempo, like 60 BPM.
• Play a simple chord progression, like Am-Dm-E.
• Instead of strumming on every beat, try accenting the "ands" between the beats (1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and).

This rhythmic shift can make your playing sound more exciting and dynamic. Listen to how Motown guitarists use syncopation to bring their parts to life, adding that unmistakable swing and swagger.

Sliding and Bending: Adding Expression

Motown guitar isn't just about playing the right notes—it's about playing them with feeling. Techniques like sliding and bending add expression and emotion to your playing, making it more soulful and engaging.

To practice sliding, try this simple exercise:

• Play a note on the G string, like the 7th fret.
• Slide your finger up to the 9th fret, maintaining pressure on the string the whole way.
• Focus on making the slide smooth and even, without any pauses or hesitations.

Bending is another expressive technique that's often used in Motown guitar. To bend a note, play it normally, then use your finger to push the string up or down, raising the pitch. Start with small bends and work your way up to larger intervals as you gain control and confidence.

Playing in the Pocket: Staying Tight with the Band

One of the challenges of Motown guitar is staying tight with the rest of the band. The rhythm section is usually very precise, and the guitar needs to lock in with the bass and drums to create that signature Motown groove.

To improve your timing and feel, practice playing along with a metronome or backing track. Focus on staying in the pocket, which means playing in time with the beat and maintaining a consistent groove. Here's an exercise to help you develop this skill:

• Choose a simple chord progression, like E-A-B.
• Set your metronome to a moderate tempo, like 80 BPM.
• Play the progression in time with the metronome, focusing on playing each chord cleanly and consistently.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Playing in the pocket is all about feel, so pay attention to how your guitar part interacts with the other instruments. The goal is to create a cohesive, grooving sound that makes people want to dance.

Listening and Learning: The Importance of Ear Training

One of the best ways to learn Motown guitar is to listen to the masters. Spend time with classic Motown records, paying attention to how the guitar parts fit into the overall arrangement. Try to pick out the nuances of the playing, such as the use of dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.

As you listen, try playing along with the recordings, mimicking the guitar parts as closely as possible. This will help you develop your ear and improve your ability to play by ear. It's a valuable skill that will serve you well in all areas of guitar playing.

Putting It All Together: Creating Your Own Motown Style

With all these elements in mind, the final step is to bring them together to create your own Motown style. Start by choosing a few of the techniques you've learned and incorporating them into your playing. Experiment with different combinations of rhythm, chords, and melody to find what works for you.

Remember to keep the focus on groove and feel—Motown guitar is all about making people move. As you practice, keep the music in mind and let it guide your playing. And don't forget to have fun! The joy and energy of Motown music is what makes it so enduring and beloved.

Final Thoughts

Motown guitar is a rich and rewarding style to explore, offering endless opportunities for creative expression. By focusing on groove, rhythm, and melody, you can capture the essence of this iconic sound and make it your own. If you're looking to deepen your guitar skills with expert guidance, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources and lessons from some of the best guitarists in the industry. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there's always more to learn and discover.