Bruno Mars - That's What I Like - Guitar Cover

24K Magic

2016 3:27

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About That's What I Like

At 104 BPM in F minor, "That's What I Like" sits in a sweet groove pocket that rewards a guitarist who can lock in tight and stay relaxed. The rhythm part is the real job here: clean, percussive funk strumming with muted 16th-note patterns that keep the groove driving without ever cluttering the space. Getting that choked, snappy feel on the muted strings takes more control than it first appears, so pull up the Practice Toolbar and loop the verse rhythm slowed down until your right hand stops rushing. Bruno Mars writes his Pop material with deceptively simple parts that expose any sloppiness in your timing. The chord shapes themselves are not complex, but nailing the dynamics, knowing when to let a chord ring versus damping it immediately, is where most players need the most work. Treat this one as a right-hand workout as much as a chord study.

• The groove depends on tight 16th-note funk strumming with frequent palm muting, so right-hand control and consistency are the core technical demands.
• Playing in F minor on a standard-tuned guitar, you can use barre chords or substitute compact voicings to keep your fretting hand fluid at 104 BPM.
• Keeping consistent dynamic contrast between muted ghost strokes and open chord hits is the detail that separates a flat run-through from a convincing performance.