Extreme II: Pornograffitti - A Guitarist's Appreciation

"Extreme II: Pornograffitti (A Funked Up Fairy Tale)" is the second album by the American rock band Extreme, released in 1990. In a time when hair rock ruled the airwaves, one album broke the mould, Extreme II - Pornograffitti not only placed Boston funk rockers, Extreme at the top of the MTV playlist, but elevated Nuno Bettencourt to true guitar hero status. With guitar riffs exuding swagger and groove, blistering fills and blazing guitar solos which still provide a technical benchmark for rock guitarists more than 30 years later.

This album showcases the exceptional guitar work of lead guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and has become a classic in the rock and guitar community. As a guitarist, you can appreciate the diverse range of techniques and styles presented on this album. Licklibrary tutor, Sam Bell guides you through this funked-up fairy tale with a guitar course providing the a rare break down of Nuno Bettencourt’s much coveted guitar parts with in-depth tuition. From legendary Decadence Dance and He-Man Woman Hater, to the smash hits Hole Hearted and Get The Funk Out.

Decoding the Track List

1. Decadence Dance

The opening track is a powerful, funky number that demonstrates Nuno's ability to blend intricate syncopated rhythms with soaring guitar melodies. The song is primarily in E Mixolydian, featuring flashy legato runs, string bending, and alternate picking.

2. Li'l Jack Horny

This track starts with an E bluesy riff, featuring double stops and slides. The song is in E Dorian, which gives it a darker, more aggressive edge. Techniques like palm muting and power chords are used to give the track its heavy groove.

3. When I'm President

This song is a catchy, upbeat rocker with a catchy, sing-along chorus. It features a simple yet effective chord progression, with a strong emphasis on chord progressions and barre chords. The solo showcases Nuno's mastery of vibrato and pre-bends.

4. Get the Funk Out

"Get the Funk Out" is a standout track that fuses funk and rock. The main riff is played with hybrid picking, while the verses feature intricate finger picking patterns. The solo showcases a variety of techniques, including pinched harmonics, tapped harmonics, and sweep picking.

5. More Than Words

This ballad is one of Extreme's most famous songs and features an arpeggiated chord progression in G Major. The song highlights Nuno's ability to craft beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions and finger-picking patterns. The use of capo on the 2nd fret gives it a warm, intimate feel.

6. Money (In God We Trust)

This track features a heavy, driving riff in E Phrygian, showcasing Nuno's ability to combine exotic scales with powerful rock grooves. Techniques such as galloping rhythms, palm muting, and double-stop bends are used throughout the song.

7. It ('s a Monster)

"It ('s a Monster)" is a high-energy rocker with a funky twist. The main riff features a blend of open-string riffs and power chords in E Mixolydian. The solo section highlights Nuno's skills in two-handed tapping, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

8. Pornograffitti

This instrumental track showcases Nuno's virtuosic guitar skills, as well as his ability to compose intricate, multi-layered guitar parts. The song incorporates various techniques, including whammy bar tricks, dive bombs, harmonics, and tremolo picking.

9. When I First Kissed You

A beautiful, bluesy ballad in C Major that highlights Nuno's ability to craft emotionally evocative melodies. The song features a mix of finger-picking and Travis picking techniques, as well as expressive string bending and vibrato in the lead parts.

10. Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?)

This upbeat, funky tune incorporates a catchy riff in E Mixolydian, with Nuno demonstrating his mastery of syncopated rhythms and octave melodies. The solo section showcases techniques such as unison bends, trills, and rakes.

11. He-Man Woman Hater

This heavy, riff-driven song features a powerful main riff in E Phrygian Dominant. The track includes intricate dual-guitar harmonies and an explosive solo section that highlights Nuno's command of legato, alternate picking, and sweep picking techniques. Additionally, the song features chromaticism and altered tunings for added depth and complexity.

12. Song for Love

A heartfelt power ballad in D Major, "Song for Love" showcases Nuno's ability to craft emotive melodies and intricate chord progressions. The song employs various techniques such as string bending, vibrato, and pick slides to enhance its emotional impact.

13. Hole Hearted

The album's closing track, "Hole Hearted," is an acoustic gem in E Major. The song's bright, upbeat vibe is complemented by Nuno's use of intricate finger-picking patterns and arpeggios. The lead parts feature expressive slides and sustain techniques, creating a memorable finale for this iconic album.

Nuno Bettencourt - The Guitar Virtuoso

Nuno Bettencourt's contributions to "Extreme II: Pornograffitti" are a testament to his exceptional skills as a guitarist, composer, and arranger. Throughout the album, Nuno's playing seamlessly blends a wide range of techniques, showcasing his mastery of various styles, from funk and rock to ballads and intricate instrumentals.

In addition to his technical prowess, Nuno's ability to create memorable melodies and intricate harmonies sets him apart from other guitarists of his time. His unique style and approach to the instrument continue to inspire and influence guitarists worldwide. By employing such a vast array of techniques, Nuno Bettencourt has crafted a diverse, engaging, and memorable album with "Extreme II: Pornograffitti." This record continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration for guitarists worldwide, showcasing the incredible talent and versatility of one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

Techniques Employed in Extreme II: Pornograffitti

Throughout "Extreme II: Pornograffitti," Nuno Bettencourt utilises numerous guitar techniques to create a diverse and captivating soundscape. Some of the techniques used in this album include:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Rakes
• Capo
• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Travis Picking
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual-Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism
• Altered Tunings

Click on any of the links to view more in depth information about these techniques, and to find more Licklibrary lessons to develop these skills.