Higher Ground: Guitar Tab

This tab captures one of the funkiest grooves in pop history in a way that rewards careful listening and rhythmic precision. Students will work through syncopated lines that feel natural once locked in, and the three-page format gives them enough material to really dig into the pocket without overwhelming them.

Propulsive and tight. The riff sits on the pocket's back edge, creating momentum that feels effortless once you've internalized the phrasing. There's a swagger here that comes from precision, not flash.

Intermediate to advanced guitarists ready to tackle syncopation and groove sensibility. This works well for students studying funk and soul styles or preparing for rock and pop ensembles that value rhythmic sophistication.

• Nail the syncopation first without worrying about speed. The rhythm is tighter than it appears on paper, so count through tied notes and rests to internalize the phrasing.
• Listen closely to how the guitar sits behind the bass line rather than competing with it. Let the rhythm section dictate your pocket, especially in the verse.
• Build the dynamic arc gradually. The groove gains intensity through layering, not volume. Start lean and add texture as the form repeats.
• Lock the pick attack to match the original's percussive quality. This riff demands articulation and clarity, not legato smoothness.

Drop this into a rock or funk ensemble unit where students need to experience how a single guitar line can anchor an entire groove. It also works as a solo study for students investigating syncopation and rhythmic displacement in contemporary styles.

• Reading and performing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Maintaining pocket against syncopated bass and kick drum
• Articulation control for percussive funk attack
• Transcription listening skills (identifying note placement in a dense arrangement)
• Understanding how rhythmic displacement creates forward momentum