Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” a track co-written with Jeff Beck, remains an iconic example of funk music. This song, known for its infectious groove, is a favorite among musicians for its catchy riff and compelling chord progression. Originally intended for Jeff Beck, “Superstition” became a massive hit for Stevie Wonder, showcasing his musical genius.
In this lesson, we’ll break down how to play “Superstition” on guitar, focusing on the essential guitar chords and riffs as heard in Stevie Wonder’s original recording. To accurately replicate the song’s sound, you’ll need to tune your guitar down a half step. This tuning adjustment is crucial for playing along with the original track and this tutorial.
Mastering the Iconic Riff
The song kicks off with a legendary funky guitar riff that is the backbone of “Superstition.” This riff repeats throughout the song with subtle variations, adding to its dynamic feel. As you learn this lesson, we will cover the core riff and demonstrate some common variations. However, the beauty of this riff lies in its improvisational nature. Feel encouraged to explore your own slight changes and funky nuances. The original recording itself sounds like it embraces this spontaneous approach, making it a fun and engaging piece to learn and personalize. The riff primarily utilizes a concise set of 5 or 6 notes, making it accessible for players to experiment with and develop their own funky variations.
Alt text: Close-up of a guitarist’s hands playing funky guitar chords for the song Superstition.
Navigating the Pre-Chorus Chords
The section often referred to as the pre-chorus introduces a chord-based progression that brings a unique harmonic tension to the song. These chords might sound somewhat dissonant when played individually, but within the context of the full band arrangement, they create a compelling and signature sound. These chord changes can be a bit challenging at first. A helpful technique to navigate these changes is to use your little finger as a guide. By keeping your pinky finger as an anchor point across the chord progression, you can significantly smooth out and speed up your transitions between these somewhat complex shapes. Pay close attention to this technique as demonstrated in the video lesson to master these chord changes efficiently.
Adding a Funky Lick
Towards the end of some pre-chorus sections, a quick and distinctive funky lick is inserted. This lick is a short, rapid musical phrase that adds a burst of energy and flair. Due to its speed and rhythmic complexity, it’s beneficial to practice this lick separately. Breaking it down allows you to focus on the intricacies of each note and rhythm, ensuring you can play it cleanly and accurately. Once mastered, this lick is incredibly rewarding to play and adds a significant element of funkiness to your rendition of “Superstition.”
Conclusion
“Superstition” is a fantastic song for guitarists looking to dive into funk rhythm and groove. By learning the main riff, pre-chorus chords, and the funky lick, you’ll be well on your way to playing this Stevie Wonder classic. Remember to tune down a half step and most importantly, have fun exploring the funky spirit of “Superstition” on your guitar!
