In this video
Kick off your Rolling Stones guitar journey with the song that started it all. In this lesson, you'll learn to play Satisfaction on both acoustic and electric guitar, from the essential open chords to that unforgettable fuzz-driven riff.
What You Will Learn:
• The four main chords needed to play the full song
• How to play the iconic Satisfaction riff with proper finger technique
• Two strumming pattern options and the timing secret for smooth chord changes
• Embellishments to make your playing sound more professional
• Alternate picking and muting techniques for electric guitar
• How the fuzz pedal creates that signature tone
The Chords
This song uses four chords: E major, D/A (a D chord with the open A string ringing out in the bass), A major, and B. For beginners, there's a B7 option that keeps everything in open position without needing to learn barre or power chord shapes. More experienced players can use the B5 power chord or full B major chord.
The Riff
The iconic riff is played on string 5 using frets 2-2-4-5-5-5-4-4. While you can play it entirely with your index finger, Keith Richards typically uses his index and ring finger with a sliding technique – index, index, ring, then slide. The key to playing it cleanly and up to speed is keeping your picking motion as small as possible. You'll also learn how anchoring your little finger on the body (a technique shared by Mark Knopfler) can add stability.
Strumming Patterns and Chord Changes
You'll work with two strumming patterns: the main groove (DUDU UDU) and a straight eighth-note alternative (DUDUDUDU) to a count of 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. The real secret to smooth chord changes is in the timing – you lift off on the last 'and' before coming back to beat one, giving yourself time to arrive at the next chord on time rather than late. This coupled with keeping your right hand moving continuously is the foundation of nailing any strumming song.
Adding Embellishments
Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can add easy embellishments using Asus2 and Asus4 chords. There's also a quick E-to-A change heard in the original recording, achieved by playing the A chord with fingers 2, 3 and 4 instead of the usual fingering. These small additions bring the song to life and introduce the concept of not sticking rigidly to one strumming pattern – a key part of the Stone' guitar style.
Electric Guitar Tone
For electric guitarists, right-hand muting is essential to keep things clean, especially with Fuzzy, overdriven or high-gain sounds. The original recording used a Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal, which gives that distinctive sustain and horn-like quality. Interestingly, Keith Richards envisaged this riff as a horn part – if the band had the budget for a brass section, this classic guitar moment might never have existed!