Booker T. & the M.G.’s is an instrumental R&B/funk band that was influential in shaping the sound of Southern soul and Memphis soul. The original members of the group were Booker T. Jones(organ), Steve Cropper(guitar), Al Jackson Jr.(drums) and Lewie Steinberg(bass) replaced in 1965 by bassist Duck Dunn. In the 1960s, as members of the house band of Stax Records, they played on hundreds of recordings by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor and Albert King. They also released instrumental records under their own name, of which the best known is the 1962 hit single “Green Onions”. As originators of the unique Stax sound, the group was one of the most prolific, respected, and imitated of its era. By the mid-1960s, bands on both sides of the Atlantic were trying to sound like Booker T. & the M.G.’s. 

When I was a youngster learning to play guitar, I spent many hours imitating MG’s guitarist Steve Cropper, learning every one of their songs and Steve’s solos. I will be forever influenced by Steve Cropper’s expressive R&B guitar solo style.

I have put together a YouTube lesson tutorial set featuring my favorite tune by the MG’s, “Green Onions”. Use the link below to check it out!

Green Onions Guitar And Bass Lesson Playlist