ZZ Top knew how to write a riff. “Tush” is built on three power chords and one harmonic idea. It’s not complicated, but it’s got attitude. The song lives in G pentatonic minor, which means every note you play belongs there.
Boys and girls, this is how Billy Gibbons made a hit.
The Power Chord Stab
You’re going to start with a G power chord stab. That’s one quick attack. Then comes a double-stop riff on the open 4th and 3rd strings using an upstroke. The picking pattern is: down on the stab, then up-down-up, up-down-up. It’s all in the rhythm.
The magic is in how you dig in. Don’t be shy. Let those strings ring.
Moving Through the Progression
Next, you move to C with a major 6th. You’re playing the 5th and 4th strings and muting the rest. The tone changes. It gets tighter.
Then comes a chromatic run: F, F-sharp, back to G. Just three notes that bridge the gap.
Jump to D (the 5th chord), back to C, and you’ve got your closing riff. How many songs are there in G, C, and D that became a hit? You can’t count them. This progression is gold.
The Attitude
The rhythm makes this riff work. Those stabs, those double stops, that pick direction—it all builds groove. If you’re looking for some tush, well, maybe you’re not. But you’re about to learn a classic.
Ready for more? Check our complete guitar riffs library. You’ll also want to see our lesson on power chord intro riffs and dive into Billy Gibbons’ licks.
hey Bro i am back, Hi to M as wel. the foyes hooked up with a drumm saturday,wow brought back fond memories of Abby Rd! I like this riff ……cool Enjoy the 24th Bro !! Rock n Roll Richard