Acoustic Blues Riff in G (feat. "Country Honk" by Rolling Stones)
Lesson #499 • Jun 16, 2023
In today’s lesson I’ll be diving into an amazingly fun acoustic blues riff in the Key of G. This same type of riff is used by Keith Richards in the Rolling Stones song Country Honk, which is a countrified version of the more well-known tune Honky Tonk Women. Special thanks to Song Notes member Tim for turning me on to this song!
The notes in this riff are something you can learn quite quickly, though it’ll reward any extended practice you put in — as it’s quite tricky to play seamlessly while in a strumming groove. But fear not, I’ll walk you through learning it in three steps! You’ll be able to use this riff anytime you need a bluesy fill over a G major chord.
- 0:00 Overview
- 1:19 Step 1: Learning the Riff
- 4:33 Step 2: Adding Filler Notes
- 9:19 Step 3: Timing & Strumming
Looking for my tutorial teaching the full Country Honk song, from start to finish? View it here »
Instructional PDF 1 page
Lesson Discussion
Extended Video Lessons
The following videos are available to members of Song Notes Premium. If you’re not a member, learn more about the many perks of Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those of you who are members — thanks for your support! It makes these lessons possible.
Alternate Version of the Riff
Practice Track
How to Use the Practice Track
Additional Videos
Country Honk album recording:
Honky Tonk Women album recording:
Keith & Mick playing this backtage (2016):
My full lesson teaching Country Honk – click here to view all lesson notes, including a link to my print-friendly song sheet!
Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!
If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
May 1, 2024
Tour of My New "KeyMaster" Web Tool
-
April 24, 2024
13 Must-Know Riffs with Droning Strings
-
April 18, 2024
"Moonshadow" by Cat Stevens
-
April 12, 2024
Playing Songs "Correctly" – and When to Cut Corners
-
April 9, 2024
Chords & Music Theory... 9 New Lessons!
-
March 30, 2024
Gordon Lightfoot's "Carefree Highway"
-
March 22, 2024
Lead Guitar & the F1 Theme Song
-
March 15, 2023
Pink Floyd's "Breathe" - with Simpler Chords Included
-
March 6, 2024
Q&A: 8 Tips to Avoid Muting Strings
-
March 1, 2024
Blues Shuffle Riffs - Using Just 2 Strings!
-
February 16, 2024
Soulful Lead Guitar with "America the Beautiful"