The Basic Approach to "Plush"

"Plush" is playable on a standard six-string guitar tuned to E standard, and the song breaks into two main parts: the intro riff and the verse progression. The intro riff is the part most players learn first because it's the hook that opens the song and repeats throughout. The verse uses a straightforward chord progression that sits lower on the neck. Neither part demands advanced technique — the challenge is getting the timing and tone right rather than mastering difficult finger positions.

The song is in the key of E minor, which means you'll spend most of your time in the lower positions of the neck. If you're comfortable with basic open chords and can move between them without long pauses, you have the foundation you need. The riff itself uses single notes rather than full chords, so you're picking individual strings in sequence rather than strumming.

Key Takeaways

  • The intro riff uses the notes E, G, A, and B played as single notes on the high strings, repeated in a specific pattern that takes about 30 seconds to memorize.
  • The verse progression alternates between Em and a partial A chord shape, holding each for four beats while the riff continues underneath.
  • Tone matters more than speed — use a clean or slightly overdriven amp setting and let the notes ring out rather than muting them quickly.
  • The song stays in one position on the neck, so once you lock in the finger placement, you can focus on rhythm and feel rather than moving around.

Learning the Intro Riff Step by Step

The intro riff is eight notes long and repeats. Start on the high E string (the thinnest string) at the 12th fret, which is the note E. Pick that note, then move down to the B string (the second-thinnest string) at the 12th fret for the note B. Next, go to the G string at the 12th fret for the note G. Then play the D string at the 14th fret for the note A. That's four notes. Repeat the same sequence: E, B, G, A again.

The timing is even — each note gets one beat, and the whole eight-note pattern takes about two seconds at a moderate tempo. Practice playing it slowly first, making sure each note rings clearly and you're not accidentally muting the strings with your picking hand. Once the finger positions feel natural, gradually increase the speed until it matches the recording. The riff should sound smooth and connected, not choppy or rushed.

A common mistake is playing the riff too fast too soon. Spend at least a few minutes at half speed, focusing on accuracy. Your fingers will naturally speed up as they get used to the positions. If you find yourself making mistakes when you try to play faster, slow back down — muscle memory builds from repetition at a comfortable pace, not from forcing speed.

The Verse Chord Progression

The verse uses Em and A minor shapes, though the A is played as a partial chord rather than the full open A shape. For Em, use your index finger on the A string at the 1st fret and your middle finger on the D string at the 2nd fret. That's the basic Em shape. Hold it for four beats while the intro riff continues on the higher strings.

For the A chord in the verse, use your index finger on the D string at the 1st fret and your middle finger on the G string at the 2nd fret. This is a partial A shape — you're not playing the full open A chord. Hold this shape for four beats as well. The progression is Em for four beats, then this A shape for four beats, and the pattern repeats through the verse.

The key is to keep the riff going while you're changing between these chord shapes. This is where the song gets tricky — your fretting hand is switching positions while your picking hand maintains the riff pattern. Practice the chord changes slowly at first, making sure the riff doesn't stop or stutter when you move. Once the changes feel smooth, the whole verse will lock into place.

Tone and Amp Settings

Stone Temple Pilots' tone on "Plush" is clean to slightly overdriven, with a warm midrange. If you're using a clean amp, set your gain low and your volume at a moderate level. If your amp has a drive or overdrive channel, use a light amount of gain — just enough to add a little grit without making the notes sound fuzzy or distorted. The goal is clarity with a bit of edge.

Let the notes ring out naturally rather than muting them when ready after you pick them. This is one of the defining characteristics of the song — the notes sustain and blend together slightly, creating a smooth, flowing sound. If you're muting too quickly, the riff will sound thin and disconnected. Listen to the original recording and pay attention to how long each note holds before the next one starts.

Putting the Riff and Chords Together

Once you can play the riff smoothly and you can switch between Em and A without hesitation, combine them. The riff continues the entire time — it doesn't stop when the verse starts. Your picking hand keeps the same pattern while your fretting hand changes chord shapes underneath. This creates the layered sound that makes the song work.

Start slowly and focus on the transitions between Em and A. The riff should never pause or change speed, even when you're moving your fretting hand. If you find yourself slowing down during the chord change, practice that specific transition in isolation — play the riff while switching between Em and A for a minute or two, then move on. This targeted practice is faster than playing the whole song over and over.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

The most common mistake is playing the riff too fast before your fingers are ready. This leads to sloppy picking and missed notes. The fix is straightforward: slow down. Use a metronome set to 60 beats per minute and play the riff cleanly at that speed. Once it's solid, increase the tempo by 5 or 10 beats per minute. This gradual approach builds accuracy and speed at the same time.

Another frequent issue is muting the strings too much with your picking hand, which makes the riff sound choppy. Let the notes ring out and overlap slightly — this is the natural sound of the song. If you're worried about unwanted noise, use your fretting hand to mute strings you're not playing, not your picking hand.

A third problem is losing the riff when you change chords. This usually means you're thinking about the chord change instead of letting your fingers do it automatically. The fix is to practice the chord changes without worrying about the riff first, then add the riff back in once the changes feel natural. Separate the problems, solve them individually, then combine them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special tuning to play "Plush"?

No. The song is in standard E tuning, the tuning that comes on most guitars out of the box. If your guitar is already in tune, you're ready to start learning the song without any adjustments.

What if I can't reach the 12th and 14th frets comfortably?

The riff can be played lower on the neck if you transpose it, but it won't sound like the original recording. If your hands are small or your guitar has a short scale, practice stretching your hand gradually — the 12th fret position is reachable with a standard guitar and normal hand size. If you're still struggling, check that your guitar is set up properly and that the action (string height) isn't too high.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

Most players can get the riff and verse chords down in one or two practice sessions of 30 to 45 minutes each. Playing it smoothly and at the right tempo takes longer — usually a week or two of regular practice. The song is not difficult, but it requires repetition to feel natural.

Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, but it will sound different. The original uses an electric guitar with a clean tone, which gives the song its character. An acoustic will sound brighter and more resonant. The technique and finger positions are the same — only the tone changes.

What should I practice if I keep losing the riff during chord changes?

Practice the chord changes alone for a few minutes without the riff. Get your fingers moving smoothly between Em and A. Then play just the riff without thinking about chords. Once both feel automatic, combine them slowly. This separation of skills makes the combination much easier.