Green-Tinted Sixties Mind – Mr. Big

Learn to play one of the most iconic songs of the early 90s with Licklibrary.com’s note-for-note guitar lesson on “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” by Mr. Big. This standout track, written and performed by guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert, is a masterclass in melodic phrasing, rhythmic precision, and technical brilliance. Our in-depth lesson breaks down every riff, lick, and solo in meticulous detail, helping players of all levels master the techniques that define Gilbert’s distinctive style. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitar Player

Released in 1991 on Mr. Big’s Lean into It album, “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” remains one of the band’s most beloved and recognizable songs. The track blends catchy pop-rock sensibilities with advanced guitar work, showcasing Paul Gilbert’s exceptional musicianship and creativity.

Paul Gilbert, renowned for his blistering speed and melodic clarity, first gained fame with Racer X before co-founding Mr. Big. His playing is a perfect balance of technical precision and expressive phrasing — a quality that has inspired generations of guitarists. Gilbert’s ability to blend intricate techniques with soulful melodies makes him one of the most influential guitarists of his era. This lesson offers players the chance to study his signature approach in detail, unlocking insights into his phrasing, tone control, and musical storytelling.

Breakdown of the Guitar Techniques

Two-Handed Tapping

The intro to “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” is instantly recognisable for its fluid, piano-like sound, created using advanced two-handed tapping. Gilbert’s use of both hands on the fretboard allows for complex harmonic textures and smooth melodic movement.

Learning benefit: Develops coordination between both hands, expands fretboard awareness, and builds creative control over tapping-based melodies.

Legato Runs

Throughout the song, Gilbert employs fluid legato passages made up of hammer-ons and pull-offs to create seamless, vocal-like phrasing. These runs add a sense of effortless motion to the solos and melodic fills.

Learning benefit: Improves finger strength, smoothness between notes, and overall efficiency in fast passages.

Alternate Picking

The precise and articulate picking in this track reflects Gilbert’s trademark alternate picking technique. Maintaining even tone and timing through fast-picked runs is a hallmark of his style.

Learning benefit: Builds speed, synchronisation, and accuracy between both hands, while developing a cleaner and more consistent sound.

String Bending and Vibrato

Paul Gilbert’s expressive control comes to life in his bending and vibrato techniques, turning every note into a statement. His smooth, controlled bends and dynamic vibrato bring emotion and depth to the soloing.

Learning benefit: Enhances pitch control, expressiveness, and tonal variation — crucial for making solos sound alive and musical.

Slides and Double Stops

Subtle slides and tasteful double stops are woven into both rhythm and lead sections, adding bluesy flavour and movement to the song’s melody lines.

Learning benefit: Strengthens fretboard familiarity, improves phrasing dynamics, and adds variety to rhythm and lead work.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The chord progression in “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” features melodic arpeggiation that blends rhythm and harmony beautifully. Gilbert’s approach turns chord shapes into melodic statements that fill the sonic space.

Learning benefit: Teaches players to integrate chord tones into lead lines and develop a more musical understanding of harmony.

Open String Riffs and Syncopated Rhythms

Clever use of open-string riffs and rhythmic variation gives this track its unique groove and character. Gilbert’s syncopation and timing make the song both challenging and fun to play.

Learning benefit: Builds rhythm accuracy, groove consistency, and awareness of how to lock in with a band or backing track.

Why Learn This Song

Mastering “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” is an opportunity to explore both the technical and expressive sides of guitar playing. The song combines advanced mechanics with rich musical ideas, giving players a comprehensive workout across rhythm, lead, and phrasing.

By learning this track note-for-note through Licklibrary’s detailed lesson, guitarists can internalise Paul Gilbert’s innovative techniques, strengthen their technical foundation, and develop their own expressive voice. It’s more than a song — it’s a roadmap to better tone, timing, and touch.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Two-Handed Tapping
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

This comprehensive “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” guitar lesson from Licklibrary gives players the chance to master one of Paul Gilbert’s most celebrated performances — a perfect fusion of melody, rhythm, and technical mastery that continues to inspire guitarists around the world.