How to Play “Black Cat” by Janet Jackson on Guitar

Black Cat by Janet Jackson is one of those riffs that just oozes power and groove. It’s part rock anthem, part rhythm workout, and a perfect song for guitar players ready to tighten up their timing and control.

In this lesson, we break down every part of the track—from the main riff that kicks it off to the rhythm parts that drive the verses and pre-chorus. It’s a fantastic study in rhythm precision, muting, and dynamic control—skills that will take your playing to the next level.

🚨 This song is best suited for intermediate guitar players. It’s not technically complex, but it’s all about control and consistency. If you’re around JustinGuitar Grade 3 - 4, this lesson will push you in exactly the right ways.

🔥 The Main Riff

The lesson starts with that signature slide intro, gliding up the neck before dropping into a tight, distorted riff in E minor. You’ll learn how to:

Nail the timing (starting on the “and” after three)
Use palm muting to clean up your gain
Add short, expressive blues curls and light bends on the 5th fret
Keep open strings under control for a crisp, professional sound

We'll also learn how to shape your tone—rolling the volume back for clarity and using just enough gain to make it sing without turning it to mud.

🎸 Rhythm Parts & Power Chords

We then move into the verse section, built on a driving E power chord pattern with precise muting on beats two and four. It’s simple in theory but demands attention to timing and feel.

The pre-chorus introduces B and A power chords with little connecting riffs, giving you a great chance to work on chord transitions and consistent strumming. For a touch of contrast, we'll also cover the clean interlude section—a layered, melodic passage that adds space before the solo. It’s a great example of how dynamics can completely change the song’s mood.

⚡ Tone, Gear & Feel

The guitar featured on this lesson is Justin's Joe Satriani Chrome Boy—its first outing on the channel—running through a Peavey 5150 profile in his Kemper Profiler. The tone is pure Rock energy: thick mids, focused distortion, and just enough bite to cut through.

More than a tone chase, though, this lesson is about feel—finding that balance between attack and groove, and learning how small changes in muting or note length transform your sound.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

How to play the full Black Cat main riff
Tips for muting and cleaning up high-gain tones
Subtle blues curls and pinch harmonics for flavor
Timing practice with syncopated rhythms
Power chord transitions and dynamic contrast

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