Learn How to Play "Sharp Dressed MaN" BY ZZ TOP on the Guitar!

In this lesson, we'll check out Sharp-Dressed Man by ZZ Top on electric guitar! What an awesome tune. We'll learn an amalgamation of the different parts you hear on the record. That way, you'll know how to play Sharp Dressed Man on the electric guitar and sound cool even if you're not in a band! ;)

We'll start by learning both parts of that iconic riff and the different levels of complexity within it. Then we'll learn all other sections, including the solo section and how to blend the verses and riff.

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When learning to play a song like Sharp-Dressed Man, you should spend some time playing along with the record. Absorb the groove, and pay attention to how ZZ Top play the riff at different parts of the song.

You don't have to play all the layers on all the sections - that can be tricky, and I don't recommend it for beginners. Adapt the lesson to your guitar level and incorporate new things as your technique grows.

Sharp-Dressed Man by ZZ Top - Classic Riff

In the video, we look at the fretting and picking for the classic riff. This is actually a distinct guitar part on the original, but we’ll blend it together with the accompanying riff.

💡 The Chronicles of Justin: I used to play this riff back in my teens - but very wrongly! It’s just so much fun to play, and I’m glad this one came up on the Request Board. :)

The rhythm is a little tricky, and you’ll need to make sure it’s in time to make it sound authentic. Get this part right before you add in the other bits. :)

Accompanying Riff

The riff that appears before the classic riff is pretty simple. You just need a couple of double stops and a single note.

If you want it to sound super pro, pay attention to the duration of the notes. At the start of the song, they're muted and don’t ring out; later on, the guitarist adds vibrato and lets them ring out.

And if you want the second riff to sound ultra pro, try adding in the C bass note on string 6 with the thumb. ;)

Practice Tips

Learn those two riffs separately, then try to bring them together into one part. This is a great way of mimicking the original recording. :) Take it nice and slow to begin with. Make sure you get it right, then speed up.

You should also play along with the record to absorb the groove. It’s a little faster than you might think, and you should pay attention to how the riffs vary across the song.

If you have two guitarists, make sure to separate these parts. It sounds great to have two sounds.

Sharp-Dressed Man by ZZ Top - Verse

The verse part starts with the second riff, then we switch to power chords. If you know the power chord shapes rooted on strings 6 and 5, you should have no problem playing this part. :) Feel free to use your preferred fingering too.

The rhythm in the verse for Sharp Dressed Man is very consistent, so it's not particularly difficult to sing along over the top of it. However, this song is a bit syncopated, so ensure you've got the riffs down properly, especially if you're singing it.

🚨 If you struggle with singing, know I used to totally suck at singing! Still, it's a learnable skill, and it's super fun. :)

Sharp-Dressed Man by ZZ Top - Solo Section

We won’t look at the lead guitar for this section, but it’s an awesome solo - so memorable and so melodic.

The rhythm guitar is nice and easy - you just the same power chords as before but in a different combination. :)

This is such a satisfying song to play, and there’s so much to learn from it, especially if you want to explore the little details. Have loads of fun with it! Laters. :)

💙 Up for more? Check out my tutorial for La Grange by ZZ Top.