Day 7 - Brown Sugar In Open G

Brown Sugar is where everything comes together – open G tuning, classic Keith Richards riffs, and the guitar weaving style between two interlocking parts.

What You Will Learn:

• The iconic opening riff using Keith's signature chord shapes

• The verse rhythm with its distinctive dancehall syncopation

• The chorus riff with both Keith and Ronnie parts

• How both guitarists vary their parts throughout verses

• Thumb-over technique versus barred chord approaches

• The "early beat one" concept that drives rock and roll urgency

The Opening Riff

Starting with a bar at open G, slide down to fret 5 (C chord) using the Keith Richards chord shape with middle and third finger. The pattern alternates between two strums of the Keith Richards chord and returning to C. At fret 8, use just the third finger for a variation that recalls Can't Always Get What You Want.

The Syncopated Verse

The verse rhythm has a dancehall quality over a straight groove. The chords move between C (fret 5) and F (fret 10), but the rhythmic emphasis creates something special. The counting goes: "and-four-one" with that crucial early beat one.

The Early Beat One

This is the secret to rock and roll urgency – playing ahead of the beat on the 'and' before the main pulse. Whether it's the chorus or the main riff, this forward-leaning feel makes the song leap forward rather than sit back.

Guitar Weaving in Action

The second guitar part (typically Ronnie Wood) plays complementary lines – neither strictly rhythm nor lead. During verses, one guitar edges toward Chuck Berry-style melody lines while the other holds the groove. The chorus features interlocking parts: Keith's pattern against Ronnie's double stops.