How to Learn the Rockabilly Guitar Style

Rockabilly guitar has this infectious energy that just makes you want to tap your feet and grab your guitar. It’s a style that takes you back to the roots of rock and roll, with its twangy tones and upbeat rhythms. If you’re looking to get that classic rockabilly sound, you’re in for a treat. Let’s break down the essentials of rockabilly guitar and show you how to bring that vintage vibe to life.

Getting That Classic Rockabilly Tone

First things first, let’s talk about tone. Rockabilly is all about that bright, twangy sound that cuts through the mix. To get there, you’ll want to start with the right gear. A hollow body or semi-hollow electric guitar is often the choice for many rockabilly players. Think Gretsch or Gibson ES models. These guitars give you that warm, resonant sound that’s perfect for rockabilly.

But it’s not just the guitar. Your amp is also crucial. Look for a clean-sounding tube amp, something like a Fender Twin Reverb. You want those sparkling cleans that can handle the slapback echo without getting muddy. Speaking of slapback, a delay pedal is your best friend here. Set it for a quick, single repeat to get that signature rockabilly slapback echo.

• Guitars: Hollow body or semi-hollow electrics (Gretsch, Gibson ES).
• Amps: Clean tube amp (Fender Twin Reverb).
• Effects: Delay for slapback echo, maybe a touch of reverb.

Once your tone is dialed in, you’re halfway there. Rockabilly is as much about feel as it is about sound. Let’s dive into the playing techniques that give rockabilly its unique flavor.

Nailing the Rockabilly Rhythm

The backbone of rockabilly music is its rhythm. It’s often a driving, upbeat shuffle that keeps the music moving. A great place to start is with a basic shuffle rhythm in a 12-bar blues format. You’re going to be using a lot of open chords and simple progressions, but with a twist.

Here’s a simple rockabilly shuffle pattern to get you started:

E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|----1---1-1-1-1-|----1---1-1-1-1-|----1---1-1-1-1-|----1---1-1-1-1-|
D|----2---2-2-2-2-|----2---2-2-2-2-|----2---2-2-2-2-|----2---2-2-2-2-|
A|-0--------------|-0--------------|-0--------------|-0--------------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

This kind of pattern is going to propel your rockabilly tunes forward. Pay attention to the swing feel—rockabilly isn’t played straight. It’s all about that lilt, the bounce.

On the other hand, don’t forget about the classic “chicken pickin’” technique. It’s a favorite in rockabilly for adding a bit of percussive snap to your playing. Use your pick and fingers together to pluck the strings, creating a popping sound that’s unmistakably rockabilly.

Rockabilly Lead Licks and Solos

Now, let’s talk solos. Rockabilly lead playing is often fast, flashy, and full of attitude. It’s where you can really let your personality shine. A lot of rockabilly solos use simple scales like the minor pentatonic, but they’re played with a lot of flair.

Here’s a classic rockabilly lick to try:

E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|---------3-------|-3h5p3-----------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-------------4---|-------4---------|-2---2-----------|-2---2-----------|
D|-----3-----------|-----------3-----|---2---2-0-------|---2---2-0-------|
A|-4---------------|---------------4-|-------------4-3-|-------------4-3-|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

This lick combines bends, slides, and pull-offs to create that fast-paced rockabilly sound. Practice it slowly and gradually build up speed. Don’t forget to add some vibrato for extra character.

One more thing: rockabilly solos often incorporate double stops, where you play two notes at once. This gives your playing a fuller sound and can make your solos stand out. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you.

Slapback Echo: Your Secret Weapon

We touched on slapback echo earlier, but it deserves its own spotlight because it’s such a defining characteristic of rockabilly guitar. It’s that quick, single repeat that gives the music an almost percussive quality, like a snare drum hit. To achieve this, set your delay pedal with a very short delay time and minimal repeats.

• Delay Time: 80-150ms.
• Repeats: Just one.
• Mix: Adjust to taste; you want it noticeable but not overpowering.

Experiment with your settings until you find a sound that complements your playing. The slapback can make even the simplest riffs sound dynamic and exciting.

Adding Some Jazz: The Influence of Jazz Chords

Rockabilly isn’t all just simple three-chord songs. There’s a rich influence from jazz, especially when it comes to the chords. Incorporating jazz chords can add sophistication to your rockabilly playing. Chords like 6ths, 9ths, and diminished chords can spice up your progressions.

Try this progression: C6 - A9 - Dm - G7. It’s got a jazzy vibe but fits perfectly in a rockabilly context. These kinds of chords add a bit of color and can make your rhythm playing more interesting.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up with some jazz-inspired chord voicings. It’ll give your rockabilly playing a unique twist and keep things fresh.

The Importance of Dynamics

One thing that often gets overlooked in rockabilly is dynamics. Sure, it’s an energetic style, but that doesn’t mean you have to play full throttle all the time. Using dynamics effectively can make your playing more expressive and engaging.

Try varying your picking hand attack. Play some parts softly and others with more aggression. This can make your playing more interesting and help certain parts stand out. You might also consider using your volume knob to create swells or fade-outs.

Dynamics are like the seasoning in your rockabilly stew. They can take a simple part and turn it into something special.

Getting the Right Feel: Timing and Groove

Timing is everything in rockabilly. It’s all about the groove, the feel. If your timing is off, the whole song can lose its energy. Practice with a metronome to lock in that shuffle feel. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.

Another great tool for practicing timing is to play along with recordings. This can help you internalize the groove and get a better feel for how rockabilly should sound. You’ll start to notice little nuances in the timing and feel that you might not pick up on just by practicing alone.

Remember, rockabilly is meant to get people moving. Keep that groove tight and you’ll have everyone tapping their feet in no time.

Incorporating Rockabilly into Your Own Style

Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, start thinking about how you can incorporate rockabilly into your own playing style. Maybe you’re a metalhead looking to add some new flavors to your solos, or a blues player wanting to spice up your rhythm chops. Rockabilly can blend seamlessly with other styles, adding a bit of that vintage rock and roll flair.

Try experimenting with mixing rockabilly techniques with other genres. You might find that a rockabilly lick fits perfectly in the middle of a metal solo, or that a jazz progression sounds fresh with a rockabilly rhythm. The possibilities are endless.

And if you’re interested in going deeper into other guitar styles, Riffhard offers a wide range of lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists. It’s a great resource for expanding your musical vocabulary and taking your playing to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Rockabilly guitar is all about capturing that fun, energetic spirit of the early days of rock and roll. With the right tone, rhythm, and feel, you can bring that classic sound to life. Whether you’re new to the guitar or an experienced player, adding rockabilly to your repertoire can be a rewarding experience. And for those looking to explore further, Riffhard has a treasure trove of lessons that can help you build on what you’ve learned here. Happy playing!