Plush
by Stone Temple Pilots
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
IntermediateWhy "Plush" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Stone Temple Pilots's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
Dean DeLeo's Chromatic Bass Walkdown (G → F# → F → E → Eb) Anchored by High Open String Drones
Dean DeLeo brought bossa-nova and jazz sophistication to 90s grunge. In the acoustic arrangement of 'Plush', the bassline walks down chromatically one fret at a time (G → F# → F → E) before landing on a sublime borrowed flat-sixth chord: Ebmaj7. Ringing open G and B strings throughout the descent create rich chord extensions that sound simultaneously dark, elegant, and monumental.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
I - V6 - ♭VII - IV6 - ♭VImaj7Step-by-Step Movement
- •G (I): Warm tonic chord anchored by ringing open high strings.
- •D/F# (V6): First inversion dominant chord initiating the descending bass step.
- •F (♭VII): Borrowed Mixolydian chord continuing the chromatic root descent.
- •C/E (IV6): Inverted subdominant chord stepping smoothly toward Eb.
- •Ebmaj7 (♭VImaj7): The emotional climax — a lush modal interchange chord adding haunting beauty.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The chromatic root movement across frets 3-2-1-0-6 on strings 6 and 5 creates irresistible downward pull.
- ›The open 3rd (G) and 2nd (B) strings ring continuously as a static pedal tone, generating natural 7th and 9th chord colors.
- ›The heavy chorus (D → C → G → Eb → F) replaces delicate walkdowns with full power chord drives.
Fretboard Mechanics
Play at a measured 72 BPM. Use your thumb over the top of the neck for the low bass notes (G, F#, F) to keep fingers free for ringing upper chord tones.
Try walking your bassline down chromatically under stationary open drone strings, and substitute a major 7th chord on the flat-sixth (♭VImaj7) for breathtaking emotional color.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding G major:
G major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Dean DeLeo's acoustic masterclass: combining open string drones with bossa-nova and jazz-influenced chromatic chord substitutions (G, D/F#, F, C/E, Ebmaj7) mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Underpins the foundational open G and D/F# acoustic chords
Introduces the natural F note in the chromatic bass walkdown (F major chord)
Shapes Scott Weiland's soulful, gritty vocal phrasing
Understand major chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in G major
G major
Notes: G - A - B - C - D - E - F# - G
Application: Underpins the foundational open G and D/F# acoustic chords
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
One of the most sophisticated progressions in 90s rock: a chromatic bass walkdown (G → F# → F → E → Eb) featuring an unexpected Ebmaj7 chord substitution.
💡 Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange gives rock and metal its signature swagger.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
G
D/F#
F
C/E
Ebmaj7
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- G (I)Tonic major chord anchored by open high strings
- D/F# (V6)First inversion dominant chord initiating the descending bass step
- F (bVII)Borrowed Mixolydian flat-seventh chord continuing chromatic root descent
- C/E (IV6)Inverted subdominant chord providing smooth stepwise connection to Eb
Key Techniques
Jazz-Inflected Chromatic Acoustic Walkdown
IntermediateDean DeLeo's signature voicings: descending bassline on the 6th and 5th strings while keeping open 3rd (G) and 2nd (B) strings ringing as continuous drone tones
Uses chords:
Progression:
G - D/F# - F - C/E - Ebmaj7
Technique Tips:
- •Keep the tempo steady at 72 BPM to let the rich chord substitutions resonate
- •Use thumb-over technique on the low E string if comfortable for smooth transitions
- •Let open strings ring freely throughout the chromatic descent
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of G major. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Intro
Iconic Chromatic Intro
The unforgettable acoustic intro featuring Dean DeLeo's chromatic descending bassline and open string drones.
- •Slow, deliberate 72 BPM tempo
- •Stepwise descending bass on strings 6 and 5
- •Lush Ebmaj7 resolution
Verse
Atmospheric Verse Walkdown
Scott Weiland's soulful vocals enter over the delicate acoustic walkdown.
- •Keep the right hand gentle and supportive
- •Ensure the bass walkdown notes are cleanly articulated
- •Dynamic builds gradually toward the chorus
Chorus
Anthemic Chorus Strum
The powerful chorus explodes with full strumming on D, C, G, and the heavy Eb and F chords.
- •Full strumming attack across all six strings
- •Sing the iconic vocal hook with rock intensity
- •Heavy chromatic push from Eb to F into G
Scale Practice Exercise
Chromatic Bassline Study
Exercise isolating the chromatic bass descent: G (3) → F# (2) → F (1) → E (0) → Eb (6th fret on 5th string).
- •Practice the chromatic bassline cleanly with metronome
- •Listen to how the half-step descent creates tension
- •Connect smoothly with open treble strings
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Studio condenser microphone (Neumann U87)
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 4 (warm tube acoustic headroom)
Treble: 6 (shimmer on open high drone strings)
Middle: 6 (strong midrange body for rich jazz chords)
Bass: 5 (deep, resonant chromatic bass notes)
Presence: 5 (articulate string separation)
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
None
Reverb / Delay:
Lush studio hall reverb
Modulation / Other:
Medium pick (0.73mm) for dynamic acoustic strumming
Recommended Learning Path
Master the Chromatic Walkdown
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
- •Practice moving between G and D/F# (thumb or 2nd finger on 6th string 2nd fret)
- •Connect smoothly from F to C/E
- •Learn the Ebmaj7 shape (X-6-5-3-3-3)
- •Play the verse cycle at 60 BPM
Solidify Timing and Dynamics
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Bring verse walkdown up to album tempo of 72 BPM
- •Practice the chorus chord shifts (D → C → G → Eb → F)
- •Maintain ringing open drones throughout chord changes
Full Soulful Vocal & Acoustic Performance
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Deliver Scott Weiland's gritty, emotive vocal phrasing
- •Perform the complete MTV Headbangers Ball acoustic arrangement
- •Execute dynamic builds with effortless rock presence
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Rushing the slow 72 BPM tempo — the groove needs spacious ballad sway
- •Muting the open G and B strings during the chromatic walkdown
- •Fumbling the shift into the Ebmaj7 barre shape
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •2 minutes: Open chord finger warm-up
- •5 minutes: Chromatic bass walkdown drill (G → F# → F → E → Eb)
- •5 minutes: Verse arpeggio picking at 72 BPM
- •5 minutes: Chorus heavy chord strumming
- •5 minutes: Full song playthrough
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Clean chromatic bass articulation
- •Ringing open drone strings
- •Tender verse to powerful chorus dynamic contrast
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Practice at 60 BPM with clicks on all four beats
- •Advance to 72 BPM once chord shifts are fluid
- •Set metronome on beats 2 and 4 to develop natural acoustic sway