Acoustic Blues Riff in G (feat. "Country Honk" by Rolling Stones)
Lesson #499 • Jun 16, 2023
In today’s lesson I’ll be diving into an amazingly fun acoustic blues riff in the Key of G. This same type of riff is used by Keith Richards in the Rolling Stones song Country Honk, which is a countrified version of the more well-known tune Honky Tonk Women. Special thanks to Song Notes member Tim for turning me on to this song!
The notes in this riff are something you can learn quite quickly, though it’ll reward any extended practice you put in — as it’s quite tricky to play seamlessly while in a strumming groove. But fear not, I’ll walk you through learning it in three steps! You’ll be able to use this riff anytime you need a bluesy fill over a G major chord.
- 0:00 Overview
- 1:19 Step 1: Learning the Riff
- 4:33 Step 2: Adding Filler Notes
- 9:19 Step 3: Timing & Strumming
Looking for my tutorial teaching the full Country Honk song, from start to finish? View it here »
Instructional PDF 1 page
Lesson Discussion
Extended Video Lessons
The following videos are available to members of Song Notes Premium. If you’re not a member, learn more about the many perks of Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those of you who are members — thanks for your support! It makes these lessons possible.
Alternate Version of the Riff
Practice Track
How to Use the Practice Track
Additional Videos
Country Honk album recording:
Honky Tonk Women album recording:
Keith & Mick playing this backtage (2016):
My full lesson teaching Country Honk – click here to view all lesson notes, including a link to my print-friendly song sheet!
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