Though still in his mid-20s, Steve Lacy is an institution in many pop, hip-hop, and guitar circles. While well known for his work with stars like Kendric Lamar, Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, and Vampire Weekend, he’s also a chart-topping artist/guitarist in his own right, with hits garnering platinum sales around the globe. Lacy is a fearless artist, always looking for new inspiration. But his guitar is always close at hand, and his hit “Bad Habit” perfectly exemplifies his signature chord voicings, funky yet raw tones, and rock-solid rhythmic approach.
About the Song
Lacy was already a veteran of the Billboard charts when he released Gemini Rights in 2022. Still, the album’s fifth track, “Bad Habit,” catapulted him to the status he enjoys today. Like many of Lacy’s tunes, the song, which is like two tracks in one, is a masterful mix of rhythmic simplicity and harmonic complexity. That mix proved to be a perfect recipe. The song was instantly all over social media and tearing up the charts. Lacy even performed it live at the 2023 Grammy’s.
Breaking It Down
“Bad Habit” breaks a lot of rules. Its complex, jazzy chords and R&B flavor are the song’s bedrock, but Lacy approaches them with a laid-back, almost indie rock vibe. The song’s first half feels like a complete composition with its own verses and choruses. Yet it consistently stays in the same 4-chord progression and rhythm. Then, while other artists may wrap it up, Lacy breaks things down to an acapella section while introducing a completely new chord progression, rhythm, and lyrics that serve almost as a sequel to the first half.
"After the middle acapella section, Lacy's guitar remerges with a more involved rhythm and chordal complexity."
To learn “Bad Habit” on guitar, it’s best to approach each section independently. The track’s first half is about that simple, indie-style rhythm. It never changes as it repeats throughout, save a few accented rests. With only four chords, the progression is easy to master. The trick is nailing the involved and quick-moving chord shapes. These won’t be a problem if you’re already familiar with jazzier chord inversions. If not, take your time to get them under your fingers. Once you do, you’ll breeze through this section with no problem.
After the middle acapella section, Lacy’s guitar re-emerges with a more involved rhythm and chordal complexity. Luckily, while seven chords accenting offbeats can seem overwhelming on paper, it’s less demanding in practice. Also, like the first half, the section repeats with minimal deviation for the remainder of the song.
Learn the Licks
The Marty Music tutorial will greatly assist those unfamiliar with Lacy’s use of chord shapes like Bbmin7add11. In this video, he breaks down each chord in “Bad Habit,” their notes, and how to play them in the song’s context. He also demonstrates Lacy’s rhythmic approach to each section.
"While essentially a clean sound with a bit of chorus, it's incredibly raw and straightforward with alternative or indie rock vibes."
Marty also showcases Lacy’s electric guitar tone. While essentially a clean sound with a bit of chorus, what you’re not hearing is just as important. It’s not a typical hyper-compressed, reverb, and delay-laced studio tone. It’s incredibly raw and straightforward and revisits the alternative or indie rock vibes. That’s probably why the song hit #1 on the Billboard US Hot Rock and Alternative Songs charts.
Give “Bad Habit” a listen with fresh ears, and visit BOSS Tone Exchange to download the patch for your Katana. You’ll be ready to dig into Steve Lacy’s 4-minute masterclass in jazz, R&B, alternative rock, and hip-hop guitar.
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"Not Good Habit" Patch for BOSS Katana
- In the style of “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy
