Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge Riff

Unlock the soulful essence of one of the most iconic alternative rock songs of the 1990s with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ classic “Under the Bridge.” This in-depth lesson breaks down the beautifully melodic intro riff that has become a signature piece for many guitarists, whether you're performing on stage or simply jamming at home. In this lesson, we focus on the subtle yet powerful guitar techniques that give the riff its unique character and emotional depth. With a clean guitar tone and a light touch, this riff is both a technical challenge and a masterclass in expressive playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Riff

The opening riff of Under the Bridge is instantly recognisable, marked by flowing chord transitions and a rhythmically intricate picking pattern. Played by legendary guitarist John Frusciante, this riff is a study in musicality, control, and finesse. Rather than relying on distortion or aggressive lead playing, Frusciante draws listeners in with subtlety and clarity, demonstrating the power of restraint and feel. The lesson focuses on breaking down this delicate yet challenging piece, ideal for intermediate guitarists looking to improve dexterity, timing, and overall expressiveness.

Key Techniques Taught in This Lesson

Finger Picking

This riff is largely executed using finger-picking, rather than a pick. This technique allows for greater control over dynamics and articulation. By isolating the bass and treble strings, finger-picking brings out the melody embedded within the chord structure. For guitarists, mastering finger-picking improves coordination between the picking hand fingers and opens the door to styles such as classical, flamenco, and folk.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro is built around beautifully arpeggiated chord progressions, where individual notes of a chord are played in sequence rather than strummed together. This technique enhances the musicality of the riff and gives it a flowing, harp-like quality. Learning this improves your fretboard knowledge and control, helping you articulate notes cleanly and develop a more expressive playing style.

Slides

Slides are used subtly within the riff to transition between chord shapes and create a smoother, more vocal-like quality in the performance. Slides help maintain momentum and add expression to the line, especially in slower or more melodic playing. Guitarists benefit from slides by improving their fretboard navigation and phrasing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Frusciante employs both hammer-ons and pull-offs to add nuance and flow to the melody. These legato techniques allow for more fluid movement between notes and reduce the reliance on picking, creating a smoother, more lyrical line. Mastering these techniques improves your speed and efficiency on the fretboard.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the underlying chord progression is key to capturing the song’s emotive quality. The lesson breaks down the changes in detail, highlighting how Frusciante constructs tension and release within the framework of standard and embellished chords. This is essential knowledge for songwriting and for building a stronger musical vocabulary.

About the Guitarist – John Frusciante

John Frusciante, the guitarist behind Under the Bridge, is known for his emotive, minimalist playing style and his deep connection to melody and texture. With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix to post-punk icons, Frusciante’s playing blends soul, funk, rock, and psychedelia. His approach is less about technical flash and more about tone, feel, and the ability to serve the song. Learning Frusciante’s parts offers invaluable insight into the art of musical restraint and emotional playing. Guitarists studying his work not only improve their technique but also deepen their understanding of how to express mood and atmosphere through the guitar.

Why Learn This Riff?

Under the Bridge is a must-learn piece for any guitarist interested in expanding their musical range. Unlike fast, distorted lead guitar lines, this riff teaches players how to harness subtle dynamics, precise finger control, and rich chord voicings. It’s perfect for building touch sensitivity and clean playing, skills often overlooked in modern rock practice. By studying this riff, you'll also gain a better sense of song structure, timing, and melodic storytelling.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Chord Progressions

Explore these techniques in detail with this exclusive LickLibrary lesson and gain the tools to play this timeless riff with the soul and nuance it deserves.