Harmony meets groove; Steve Lukather’s Rhythm Guitar Genius on ‘Human Nature’

One of the best recorded moments in the history of rhythm guitar is found on Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit ‘Human Nature’. The song was the fifth single from Jackson’s highly succesful solo album ‘Thriller’ and was actually written by Toto’s keyboardist Steve Porcaro.  

The key rhythm guitar part was played by legendary guitarist Steve Lukather (also from Toto) who was then at the peak of his LA session career. It features a muted R’n’B style guitar figure (very popular at the time) that fits perfectly with the infectious groove of the song. 

The blend of Lukather’s super clean guitar and the steady muted bass line creates a smooth yet complex sound, making the song an instant classic. The guitar part, marked by occasional cascading arpeggios around the vocal, seems simple, but actually demands a lot of rhythmic precision.   

Here is the full track: 

You can find several full length transcriptions of the guitar part online, so I’ve just shared a short section here for you to begin practicing. This is a particularly great study in muted 16th note rhythms. 

If you want to learn the complete guitar part from ‘Human Nature’ or would enjoy learning similar music, please check out the very talented Juha Aitakangas. 

He transcribes (and plays) guitar to a very high level and has a great Patreon page and YouTube channel: Juha Aitakangas Give him a look and consider subscribing to his Patreon page, I have!

Here is a MIDI audio excerpt from the ‘Human Nature’ guitar part and a PDF:

‘Human Nature’ – Rhythm Guitar excerpt PDF

This mix of rhythm guitar groove and precision showcases Lukather’s talent and also captures the session team spirit that shaped so much of the music from that era.

About Steve Lukather:

Steve Lukather is an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with the rock band Toto and as a sought-after session musician. Born on October 21, 1957, in San Fernando Valley, California, Lukather began playing guitar at a young age and quickly developed his skills, drawing inspiration from various genres, including rock, jazz, and blues.

Lukather co-founded Toto in 1977, and the band achieved significant success in the 1980s with hits like “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line.” His guitar work and songwriting were instrumental in shaping the band’s sound, which combined elements of rock, pop, and progressive music. The group won several Grammy Awards, further solidifying their place in music history.

In addition to his work with Toto, Lukather has been a prolific session musician, contributing guitar work to thousands of recordings for artists across diverse genres, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Paul McCartney. His distinctive playing style, characterized by a fluid command of technique and melodic sensibility, has earned him a reputation as one of the top guitarists in the industry.

Lukather has released several solo albums, showcasing his talents as a composer and performer. He continues to tour and record, maintaining an influential presence in the music world. Beyond his musical achievements, he is known for his candid personality and humor, often sharing stories from his extensive career in interviews and on social media.