"Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots

"Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots is a cornerstone of 90s alternative rock and grunge, known for its haunting melodies, gritty guitar tone, and powerful dynamics. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson of "Plush" captures the song’s signature techniques, allowing players to immerse themselves in its unique stylistic fingerprint while improving their skills. This lesson is a must for any guitarist looking to dive into the essence of 90s rock guitar playing and explore the techniques that defined the era. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released in 1992 on the band's debut album Core, "Plush" became a defining anthem for Stone Temple Pilots. It blends grunge’s raw emotional edge with classic rock sensibilities, driven by richly layered guitar work. The track’s unforgettable main riff, melodic solos, and expressive chord voicings have made it a favourite among guitarists looking to bridge power and nuance in their playing.

Guitarist Spotlight: Dean DeLeo

The guitar work on "Plush" is performed by Dean DeLeo, whose playing is renowned for taste, tone, and melodic structure. Unlike many of his grunge-era contemporaries, DeLeo often drew inspiration from jazz chords, classic rock phrasing, and progressive rock textures. His ability to balance heavy riffs with open, shimmering chords created a unique sonic palette that contributed heavily to the STP sound. DeLeo’s approach encourages guitarists to think beyond standard chord shapes and pentatonic boxes, making him a significant influence on players who seek to combine musicality with grit.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our detailed guitar lesson on "Plush" breaks down every section of the track, from the iconic intro riff to the expressive guitar solo. Along the way, you’ll master several key techniques that are not only integral to this song but also broadly useful in many rock, alternative, and grunge contexts.

Power Chords

"Plush" heavily features power chords, especially in the main riff and chorus sections. These chords form the foundation of most rock music, providing a strong and punchy tonal backbone. Learning to use power chords confidently allows guitarists to play with authority and tight rhythmic control.

Slides

Throughout the song, DeLeo uses slides to create smooth transitions between chord shapes and melodic lines. Slides help connect phrases more fluidly and add a vocal-like quality to solos and riffs. They also promote better fretboard awareness and hand coordination.

String Bending

The guitar solo in "Plush" makes use of expressive string bending, enhancing the emotional weight of each phrase. Mastering string bends develops a player’s pitch accuracy and expressive capabilities—key ingredients for melodic soloing.

Vibrato

DeLeo's tasteful use of vibrato is evident throughout the lead lines. Vibrato brings sustain and life to held notes, and it’s an essential tool for adding character to your playing. It’s also a signature of every great lead guitarist's phrasing style.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Licks in the solo also employ hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for fluid, legato runs. These techniques are crucial for speed and smoothness in lead playing and help create a connected, flowing sound.

Chord Progressions

One of the most notable aspects of "Plush" is its rich chord progression, which avoids basic open chords in favour of more colourful voicings. Learning these progressions expands your harmonic vocabulary and introduces ways to break out of standard patterns.

Palm Muting

The verse sections showcase subtle palm muting, used to create dynamic contrast and rhythmic tightness. Mastery of this technique gives players greater control over their tone and articulation, essential for rock rhythm work.

Why Learn “Plush”?

Studying this song helps guitarists refine a wide array of techniques while learning how to blend rhythm and lead roles seamlessly. Whether you’re into alternative rock, grunge, or classic rock, the tools you develop here will be widely applicable across genres. You’ll also gain insight into dynamic playing—knowing when to play aggressively, and when to hold back for emotional impact.

Technique List

The guitar techniques used in the "Plush" lesson include:

• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting

This lesson is more than just learning a song—it’s an opportunity to sharpen your guitar skills and absorb the nuances of one of the most iconic rock tracks of the 90s. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a passionate learner, “Plush” will challenge and inspire you. Join us at LickLibrary.com and unlock your potential through this timeless track.