RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Lineup changes can signal life or death for a band, but over their four-decade career, the Chilis have bounced back from personnel shifts on a few occasions. Numerous guitarists have stepped in throughout the years to tour and record with the band, but what stands out is how each player encompasses the style of their predecessors while introducing elements relevant to current musical trends.
In the ’80s, Jack Sherman and Hillel Slovak established the band’s signature funk-rock styling while reflecting elements of pop. In the ’90s, John Frusciante maintained the ‘funky punk’ vibe while acknowledging grunge, while Dave Navarro forged a straight-ahead rock sound identifying with alt-rock.
Josh Klinghoffer took the reins as a full-time member from 2009 to 2019, maintaining the wide pallet of sounds established by his predecessors. Today, the band tour the world with Frusciante once again back in the fold.
Check out our tab examples and backing tracks for an insight into how each of these players has developed the Chili Peppers’ sound.
One of Jack Sherman’s approaches was to double the bass groove. This adds depth by thickening the arrangement and presents the riff in different registers. Take care with timing by listening to the placement of the bass notes and drum hits that coincide with the guitar phrase.
Slovak often presented elements of commercial ’80s pop songs through the use of effects on his guitar sounds. Use heavy compression and reverb to recreate the vibe. Make sure you maintain the tempo after the rests – it’s all too easy to rush into the 16th note sequences.
During the ’90s,
