Transcribing Notes From John Neil (Head Transcriber)
Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Melody
A very funky syncopated melody, mostly between D4 and E4, but branching out into the range of F3 to E4. Some of the words are more spoken than sung (indicated by an “x” notehead). A lot of words in here, as per Red Hot Chili Peppers music.
Download the Melody Music Here
Keyboard
There is no keyboard part in this song, so I made up a part that follows the basic groove. I have it marked for “electric piano”, but any keyboard sound with a percussive attack would work.
Download the Keyboard Sheet Music Here
Lead and Rhythm Guitars
A funky John Frusciante guitar part featuring a lot of “skank” strumming, where all strings are strummed, but only one actually plays (or maybe 2). And in the bridge section he does off-beat reggae type strumming. Top that off with barred strumming (with lots of mutes) in the choruses, some picking leading to the choruses, and a brief but impactful guitar solo, and you have a well rounded funk guitar part. The tone is clean, but at the same time harsh, on the verge of breaking up. It sounds like a loud amp. The solo guitar is put through a Big Muff (Electro Harmonix) pedal for fuzz, from what I’ve read.
Download the Lead Guitar Tab Here
Strum/Ukulele
There isn’t an acoustic strum guitar part, nor a ukulele part in this song, so a part was made up based a lot on the rhythm/lead guitar’s strumming.
Download the Strum Tab Here
Download the Ukulele Tab Here
Bass
Some great funky Flea bass stuff here. Played either with fingers, or slapped in the funky parts (indicated by “T” and “P”).
Download the Bass Tab Here
Drums
Download the Drum Music Here
Download the Lead Sheet Here