Too Much by Elvis Presley
Step into the rock 'n' roll era with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson of "Too Much" by Elvis Presley, a classic track that showcases the raw energy and stylish musicianship of the 1950s. This Licklibrary lesson offers an authentic breakdown of the song’s iconic guitar parts, taking you deep into the playing style of the early rock pioneers. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist aiming to sharpen your technique or a vintage tone enthusiast, this lesson will bring valuable skills and historical context to your playing. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Its Guitarists
Released in 1957, "Too Much" was a massive hit for Elvis Presley and a hallmark of his explosive early career. The guitar work on the track was handled by the legendary Scotty Moore, whose innovative playing helped shape the foundation of rockabilly and early rock guitar styles. Moore's sharp, rhythmic sensibilities and clever use of country and blues licks influenced generations of guitarists, from George Harrison to Brian Setzer.
Scotty Moore’s playing on "Too Much" combines rhythmic drive, tasteful melodic phrasing, and subtle technique—making it the perfect study piece for guitarists wanting to explore the roots of modern rock guitar.
Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Our lesson dives deep into the main guitar elements that make "Too Much" so rhythmically dynamic and musically engaging. Below, we break down the key techniques you’ll learn and why mastering them is essential for your development as a guitarist.
String Bending
One of the song’s standout features is its expressive use of string bending, adding a vocal-like quality to certain melodic phrases. This technique not only enhances your emotional phrasing but also strengthens your fingers and improves your intonation control. You'll learn how to bend both whole and half-step intervals with precision and style.
Double Stops
Scotty Moore frequently used double stops to thicken up lead lines and create harmonic movement within the solo. This technique is vital for developing your ability to play two-note harmonies and adds richness to your improvisation.
Slides
Smooth transitions between notes are a hallmark of early rockabilly guitar, and slides are central to that sound. You'll learn how to execute slides cleanly and musically, helping you to glide effortlessly between frets and develop better fretboard awareness.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Essential to achieving a fluid, legato sound, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used in the lead lines and fills throughout the track. These techniques will enhance your speed, articulation, and dynamic control.
Palm Muting
The track also incorporates sections with light palm muting to control the attack and sustain of rhythmic parts. This technique is crucial for creating contrast and dynamic interest in your rhythm playing, giving you greater tonal control.
Chord Progressions
Understanding the chord progressions in "Too Much" is key to capturing its rockabilly swing. This lesson walks you through the changes, voicings, and rhythmic feel used, giving you a solid grasp of early rock rhythm guitar.
Why Learn These Techniques?
Each technique explored in this lesson is a building block of professional-level guitar playing. By studying the guitar work in "Too Much," you'll not only recreate an iconic sound but also expand your technical vocabulary in ways that apply across genres—from classic rock to country and beyond.
This lesson helps you:
- Improve fretboard fluency
- Develop expressive soloing techniques
- Understand rhythmic feel and swing
- Build stronger finger independence and control
- Gain historical perspective on early rock guitar
Whether you're playing for fun or performance, adding these skills to your toolkit will give you greater versatility and musical confidence.
Technique List
Below is a summary of the techniques used in this lesson, with links to help you explore each one further on Licklibrary:
Ready to dive in and master the sound of early rock guitar? Head to our "Too Much" guitar lesson now and take your playing to the next level.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Lee Hodgson
"Lee's contribution here at LickLibrary is a masterclass in classic guitar playing, from Hank Marvin to Simon & Garfunkel, but that certainly isn't the limit of his skills. In reality, Lee is one of the most technically able country guitar players we've ever seen, in fact his book ""Hot Country""...