Listen to the Music – The Doobie Brothers

"Listen to the Music" by The Doobie Brothers is a classic rock song that showcases timeless techniques and grooves. In this guitar lesson, LickLibrary provides a note-for-note breakdown of the song, focusing on each technique used by The Doobie Brothers' guitarists to bring the song to life. This comprehensive lesson highlights the specific techniques that add colour and rhythm to the song, offering you the opportunity to master these skills and add them to your own playing style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Doobie Brothers track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

"Listen to the Music" features the legendary guitar work of Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons. Both players have contributed significantly to the distinctive sound of The Doobie Brothers. Tom Johnston’s rhythmic style and knack for catchy riffs drive the energy of the song, while Patrick Simmons’ complementary approach fills out the harmonic structure, creating a layered and textured sound. Their combined efforts showcase a dynamic interplay that blends rhythm and lead guitar seamlessly. The influence of Johnston and Simmons on rock guitarists is profound; their signature blend of rock, blues, and folk has inspired countless musicians and remains a staple for those looking to expand their rhythmic and harmonic capabilities.

Song Breakdown – Techniques in Focus

Rhythm and Groove with Syncopated Rhythms

The primary rhythm of "Listen to the Music" features syncopated patterns that give the song its infectious groove. Syncopation is used to shift accents to off-beats, creating a bouncy, engaging rhythm that keeps listeners hooked. Learning syncopated rhythms helps you add dynamic and rhythmic interest to your own playing, giving you the tools to make even simple chord progressions feel alive.

Open-String Riffs

Throughout the song, Johnston utilises open-string riffs to add brightness and resonance. By combining open strings with fretted notes, these riffs provide a fuller sound and allow for smooth transitions. Mastering open-string riffs will expand your ability to incorporate natural resonance and sustain into your music, making your rhythm playing richer and more engaging.

Finger-Picking and Hybrid Picking

The Doobie Brothers' music often features intricate picking patterns, and "Listen to the Music" is no exception. The song combines finger-picking with hybrid picking, allowing the guitarists to play melody and rhythm simultaneously. Finger-picking provides a warm and articulate sound, while hybrid picking enables greater versatility and speed. Practicing these techniques will improve your control and allow you to add a variety of textures to your playing.

Chord Progressions with Barre and Open Chords

The foundation of the song’s harmony lies in its chord progression, a mix of barre chords and open chords that creates a rich, full sound. Using both barre and open chords allows for flexibility and ease when moving up and down the neck. Mastering these chord shapes and progressions is essential for developing a versatile approach to rhythm guitar and adding colour to any musical piece.

Double-Stops and Bluesy Bends

Double-stops are used to create harmonised melodies, adding a vocal-like quality to the guitar lines. In "Listen to the Music," these double-stops are often enhanced with bluesy bends, creating an expressive, soulful sound. Learning double-stops and bending techniques will improve your expressiveness and control, letting you play with confidence in both lead and rhythm roles.

Slides and String Bending for Expressiveness

Slides and string bending are used liberally in this song to add fluidity between notes. Sliding adds a smooth, connected feel, while bending provides emotional expression by raising the pitch naturally. These techniques are crucial for adding a human, vocal-like quality to your playing, and they’re especially useful in blues and rock contexts.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The guitarists in "Listen to the Music" also employ arpeggiated chord progressions to break up the strummed chords, giving each note in the chord a chance to be heard individually. Arpeggios allow for a cleaner, more defined sound and provide depth to the rhythm section. Practicing arpeggios will enhance your ability to play with clarity and precision, especially in more complex pieces.

Octave Melodies for Harmonic Depth

Octave melodies are used to create harmonic depth and emphasise key melodic notes in the song. Playing octaves allows you to highlight the melody while maintaining a rhythmic anchor. Learning octave melodies will help you incorporate melodic elements into your rhythm playing, making it more engaging and layered.

Benefits of Learning "Listen to the Music" Techniques

Each of these techniques contributes to building a solid foundation in rhythm and lead guitar. Syncopated rhythms and open-string riffs enhance your sense of timing and dynamics. Finger-picking and hybrid picking improve your dexterity and versatility, allowing you to play with precision across various styles. Barre chords and arpeggiated progressions strengthen your chordal knowledge and hand strength. Double-stops, bends, and slides add expressiveness, while octave melodies provide harmonic depth. Altogether, mastering these techniques from "Listen to the Music" will elevate your guitar skills and expand your creative toolkit.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Listen to the Music"

• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Double-Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• String Bending
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Octave Melodies

This lesson on "Listen to the Music" provides an immersive dive into essential guitar techniques, equipping you with skills to play with confidence and style. Whether you're refining your rhythm, building finger strength, or adding expressive nuances to your sound, these techniques will broaden your musical horizons and give you the tools to play like the pros.