How to Play Suspicious Minds on Guitar

Ready to ramp up your fingerstyle guitar and add an awesome crowd-pleasing song to your setlist?

Well if that sounds fun this "Suspicious Minds" guitar lesson is the place to be.

So grab your guitar, tune-up, and let’s get started!

Who wrote Suspicious Minds?

"Suspicious Minds" was originally written and recorded by the American songwriter Mark James. After his first recording of this song failed commercially it was picked up by Elvis Presley. Presley’s version reached No. 1 on the US Billboard charts one year later in 1969.

Suspicious Minds Guitar Chords

To play the majority of the song you’ll just need 5 chords. This will get you until the bridge which we’ll discuss more on that later in this post. The 5 chords are G, C, D, Bm, and Em.

Each of these shapes I would play as bar chords. This is going to set you up for success to build more rhythm and the riff of the chord shape later.

Here’s how I would play each of these shapes.

G would be played at the 3rd fret like this: 

C would take that same shape and move it up to the 8th fret like this:

D again would be the same shape this time at the 10th fret like this.

Bm would be a variation of the previous chords played at the 7th fret.

And finally, Em would be played with a root on the 5th string 7th fret like this:

Verse

The progression for the verse follows this 8-bar progression: 

G (2 bars)

C (2 bars)

D (1 bar)

C (1 bar)

G (2 bars)

After those 8 bars, the progression goes again however in the final 2 bars there is a change:

G (2 bars)

C (2 bars)

D (1 bar)

C (1 bar)

D, C (1 bar)

Bm, D (1 bar)

Notice here the variation bolded above using now 2 chords per bar.

Chorus

After those split bars that come out of the Verse, the progression is launched into the chorus and goes like this:

C (1 bar)

G (1 bar)

Bm (1 bar)

C, D (1 bar)

Em (1 bar)

Bm (1 bar)

C (1 bar)

D (1 bar)

Note again another 8-bar phrase just like the Verse.

How do you play the Suspicious Minds riff?

The guitar riff on “Suspicious Minds” was played by the legendary session musician Reggie Young. 

To play the “Suspicious Minds” riff I take a fingerstyle approach and use a thumbpick. If you don’t play thumbpick you can play the same riff fingerstyle or also hybrid picking.

Begin by making a G major bar chord at the 3rd fret. Pluck the 6th string and then the 5th string. Then pinch the 3rd and 4th strings together, and then finally the 5th string individually like this:

After that shift up to the 5th position and a little riff using a hammer-on and some double-stops like this:

So for the first two beats, I am playing a G major bar chord, and then after that I am launching up to the 5th fret to play the rest of the riff.

Here’s what it would look like all together:

This riff is a keyboard-style riff, in fact on the original Mark James version above you can hear the organ playing this part.    

Bridge

The final section of this tune is the Bridge section. At this point in the song, it takes an interesting turn and goes from a 4/4 time signature to a 6/8 time signature.

Before getting into it though there are 2 new chords that set it up out of the chorus and that is a B7sus4 and a B7.

Here is how I would play these two shapes:

B7sus4 and B7 

From there, the first part of the bridge uses this 4-bar progression played twice:

Em (1 bar)

Bm (1 bar)

C (1 bar)

D (1 bar)

Then it finishes with 

G (1 bar)

C (1 bar)

G (1 bar)

D (1 bar)

How to get a Reggie Young guitar sound:

On my guitar, I wired the pickups to be “out-of-phase.” And that is how I get that real soulful guitar sound.

The "out-of-phase" sound is a unique and captivating effect that guitarists often employ to add depth and character to their playing. This technique involves the use of two pickups on a guitar, typically in the middle and neck positions, that are wired in such a way that they produce a distinct tonal quality when combined.

When both pickups are in-phase, they work together to produce a fuller and more balanced sound. However, when they are wired out-of-phase, the resulting sound takes on a different character. The out-of-phase effect creates a distinctive, slightly thinner and quacky tone that has become synonymous with iconic guitar solos in various genres.

To achieve this effect, the pickups are wired in reverse polarity, meaning the electrical signals they produce are out of sync. When you engage the out-of-phase setting, the guitar's electronics blend the signals from the pickups in a way that cancels out certain frequencies and emphasizes others. This cancellation results in a unique and intriguing tonal quality that stands out in a mix.

The out-of-phase sound is commonly associated with funk, blues, and classic rock genres. Guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Mark Knopfler have made extensive use of this technique, injecting their solos and rhythm playing with a distinctive and memorable sound.

To experiment with the out-of-phase sound on your guitar, you'll need a guitar with at least two pickups and a wiring configuration that allows for this effect. Some guitars have a dedicated switch or knob that engages the out-of-phase option, while others may require modifications to the wiring setup. It's always a good idea to consult a professional or refer to wiring diagrams specific to your guitar model.

Once you've set up your guitar for the out-of-phase sound, you can explore its creative potential. Try playing riffs, chords, and solos with this setting engaged, and notice how the tone changes compared to the regular in-phase sound. Experiment with different pickup combinations, playing styles, and effects to truly make the out-of-phase sound your own.

The out-of-phase effect is a powerful tool in a guitarist's arsenal, allowing for sonic exploration and the creation of unique textures. By incorporating this technique into your playing, you can add a touch of vintage charm and intrigue to your sound, helping you stand out and create your own musical signature.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we have covered the fascinating history of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" and dived into the essential chords, dissected each section, and even broke down that catchy riff that keeps you hooked. 

By following this step-by-step guide, you now have the tools to master this timeless classic. So grab your guitar, embrace the spirit of the King, and let the sounds of "Suspicious Minds" resonate through your fingertips. Get ready to captivate audiences with your rendition of this legendary song. Happy strumming and for another great bluesy style lesson check out “Mustang Sally” next!