If you’ve been around long enough to remember the Temptations, then at some point along the way you have probably spent a few magic moments swaying with someone special to the grooves of “My Girl”.
One of the things that really sticks with the listener on that song is the signature guitar riff in the introduction, and scattered throughout the remainder of the song.
It’s one of those riffs that, as soon as you hear the first few notes, you know exactly what song is coming up.
And like many classic signature licks that are instantly recognizable, the beauty of it is in the simplicity.
We will do this riff in the key of “C”. Here’s the TAB:
E————————————
B————————————
G——————————-5—
D——————–5—-7——–
A—-3—5s—7——————-
E————————————
Since the riff is in the key of C, our first note will be a C note, located on the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Play this note with your 1st finger.
Then with your 3rd finger, play the note two frets up (on the 5th fret of the 5th string), but as soon as you play the note, and while it is still resonating – slide that note up to the 7th fret of the same string.
Next, with the 1st finger, play the note on the 5th fret of the 4th string, followed by the note two frets up (on the 7th fret of the 4th string), with the 3rd finger.
Finish the riff by using the 1st finger to play the note on the 5th fret of the 3rd string. Then simply return to the first note of the riff and play it all over again.
This is a common type of riff that has been used time and time again, in different variations, over numerous genres.
Once you have this one down, try experimenting with the riff over different rhythm patterns and keys. This is a good one to add to your arsenal of guitar tricks!
