A journey through brooding guitar chords inspired by “Black Hole Sun”
The Gibson App has released its latest beginner’s video tutorial, paying tribute to one of the most distinctive grunge guitar tones of the 1990s. In this lesson, you can learn how to play a moody chord progression inspired by one of Soundgarden’s most enduring anthems, “Black Hole Sun,” written by the late Chris Cornell.
The riff spotlights the use of sus4 chords, beginning with an Asus4 based on the common E barre chord shape. Instructor Jamie Humphries walks through the finger positions, highlighting how to create this signature sound by pressing down on the A, D, and G strings. The lesson moves through a descending sequence—Asus4, Gsus4, Fsus4—before resolving on an open E with added tension for a final Esus4.
In this previous lesson, you can explore another Soundgarden-inspired guitar riff in 7/4. Combining these ideas will get you even closer to Chris Cornell and Kim Thayil’s unique sound. Other notable bands from the era who mined similar suspended chord tones and borrowed scale tones were Nirvana and Alice in Chains.
To master this riff, what’s the most important thing to pay attention to?
Along with the harmonic breakdown, the lesson emphasizes downpicked rhythmic control, urging players to focus on timing during the spacious, deliberate picking pattern. By isolating the lower four strings using a barre shape with a slow, deliberate attack, the riff captures the melancholic weight and subtle power that often define Soundgarden’s music.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Soundgarden or a guitarist looking to add new color and complexity to your chord progressions, this Gibson App tutorial is a must-watch. The feature is live and free to access within the Gibson App’s growing library of artist-inspired lessons. With tools for slowing down riffs, looping difficult sections, and playing along with a metronome, the App continues to be a go-to hub for guitarists at every level.
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