Sharp Dressed Man is one of those ZZ Top tracks that sounds bigger than it should. Billy Gibbons recorded it as a three piece — no overdubs, no studio trickery. What you hear on the record is what they played live. That means the rhythm part carries the song, and it’s built on something deceptively simple: single note lines and power chords.
The lesson below covers the rhythm parts.
The Main Rhythm Pattern
The core of Sharp Dressed Man is a single note line that moves between three notes: G, Bb, and C. Start on the G at the third fret of the low E string, using your pinky. That finger choice matters — it sets you up for a smooth transition to the C power chord that comes next.
Some players grab the G with their index finger instead, but that makes the change to C awkward. With the pinky on G, your hand is already positioned to shift into the C power chord shape without scrambling.
Single Notes Into Power Chords
The verse pattern alternates between single note lines and power chords. You play the G-Bb-C single note run, then hit the power chord. You can play these as two-string power chords or three-string versions — depends on your mood and how heavy you want it to sound. Both work fine.
The timing is where most people trip up. It’s not a straight rhythm — there’s a syncopated push to it that gives the song its swagger. Don’t try to count it out mathematically at first. Listen to the record, feel where the accents land, and let your hand follow. It’ll click faster that way than trying to chart it on paper.
The Second Section
After the first pass through the verse pattern, the progression moves up to F and G power chords, then resolves on C. That F chord sits at the first fret on the low E string — same power chord shape you’ve been using, just moved down the neck.
The stop on C is important. Sharp Dressed Man has these moments where everything cuts out and the chord just rings. Those pauses are part of what makes the song hit hard. Don’t rush through them.
The Solo Section
When the solo comes around, the rhythm underneath is simpler — just C and F power chords holding things down while the lead takes over. If you’re playing this with another guitarist, or jamming along with the record, this is where you lock into those two chords and keep the groove steady.
Getting the Feel Right
The biggest challenge with Sharp Dressed Man isn’t the chords — it’s the timing and the attitude. Billy Gibbons plays with this loose, confident swagger that makes simple parts sound massive. Don’t overthink the note choices. Get the G-Bb-C run under your fingers, get the power chord transitions smooth, and then spend your energy on making it feel right.
This is a great song to add to your blues rock repertoire. It’s not technically hard, but playing it well — with the right timing and attitude — is a whole other thing. If you enjoy the ZZ Top vibe, Tush is another must-know — same power chord approach with a driving shuffle. And if you want to try that same single-note-into-chord concept with a completely different feel, Born Under a Bad Sign takes it in a funkier direction. Get it real nice and smooth. That’s the goal.