How to Play Guitar Like Brian Setzer

Brian Setzer's guitar playing is as vibrant as his pompadour, blending rockabilly flair with jazz sophistication. Whether you’re a fan of his work with the Stray Cats or his solo projects, Setzer’s style is a unique mix of classic rock ‘n’ roll with a modern twist. Let's break down how you can capture some of that Setzer magic in your own playing.

Getting Setzer's Signature Tone

Achieving Brian Setzer's tone starts with understanding his gear choices. Setzer is synonymous with the Gretsch guitar, particularly the 6120 model. The hollow body construction provides the rich, resonant tone that's perfect for rockabilly. Pair this with a Fender Bassman amp and you're halfway there. But don't worry if you don't own a Gretsch; any hollow or semi-hollow body guitar can get you close.

For pedals, keep it simple. A touch of reverb and a slapback delay will do wonders. The slapback delay is crucial for that rockabilly sound, giving you the vintage echo that's prominent in Setzer's recordings. Dial in a short delay time with a single repeat, and you'll hear that classic bounce.

Interestingly enough, Setzer's tone is also about what he doesn't use. You'll notice a lack of heavy distortion. Instead, he relies on the natural breakup of the tube amp, so keep your gain low and let your playing dynamics shine. This approach encourages cleaner playing and emphasizes the nuances of your guitar technique, something that's essential in nailing Setzer's sound.

Strumming With Precision

Setzer's rhythm playing is the backbone of his sound, and mastering it requires a bit of finesse. His strumming technique is all about precision and control, often employing a palm-muted, percussive style. This technique not only gives his rhythms a punchy feel but also allows for a tight, controlled sound.

Start by practicing basic rockabilly rhythms at a slower tempo. Focus on the downstroke, which is often emphasized in Setzer's playing. Try muting the strings slightly with the edge of your palm to get that chugging sound. It's similar to the palm muting used in metal, but much lighter and more nuanced.

Another aspect of Setzer's strumming is his use of syncopation. This means playing notes off the beat, creating a more dynamic and interesting rhythm. To practice, take a simple chord progression and experiment with accenting different beats. You'll find that even slight changes in emphasis can dramatically alter the feel of your playing.

The Art of Fingerpicking

Setzer's fingerpicking style is akin to a musical dance between his thumb and fingers. It's a technique that allows him to effortlessly combine bass lines and melodies, giving his playing a fuller sound. If you're new to fingerpicking, don't worry—it just takes a bit of practice.

Start with the basics: thumb for the bass notes and your index and middle fingers for the higher strings. Practice a simple alternating bass pattern, plucking the bass note with your thumb and then following with your fingers on the higher strings. It's a classic technique used by many rockabilly and country guitarists.

Once you're comfortable, try incorporating some of Setzer's licks into your practice. A great exercise is to learn the intro to "Stray Cat Strut," which uses a combination of fingerpicking and slides. It's a fantastic way to improve your finger independence and get a feel for Setzer's melodic approach.

Incorporating Jazz Chords

One of the things that sets Setzer apart from other guitarists is his use of jazz chords. These chords add a level of sophistication and complexity to his music, making it both challenging and rewarding to play. If you're used to power chords and simple triads, this might be a bit of a leap, but it's worth the effort.

Start by familiarizing yourself with basic jazz chords like major 7ths, minor 7ths, and dominant 7ths. These chords have a richer sound than your typical rock chords and are essential for achieving that jazzy feel in your playing. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly, as Setzer often uses quick changes in his progressions.

Another tip is to incorporate chromatic movement in your chord progressions. This means sliding a chord shape up or down a fret to add tension and resolution. It's a technique that's prevalent in jazz and one that Setzer uses to great effect in his solos and rhythm parts.

Building a Repertoire of Licks

Setzer's solos are a mix of rockabilly flair and jazz sophistication, and to play like him, you'll need a solid repertoire of licks. Start by transcribing some of his most famous solos. Songs like "Rock This Town" and "Jump, Jive an' Wail" are great places to start. Listen carefully to his phrasing and note choice, paying attention to how he mixes scales and arpeggios.

Once you have a few licks under your belt, practice them in different keys and positions on the neck. This will not only improve your technical ability but also give you the flexibility to incorporate these licks into your own solos. Don't be afraid to experiment with variations—Setzer often changes his licks slightly each time he plays them.

Finally, remember that Setzer's licks aren't just about speed. They're melodic and often tell a story. Focus on your phrasing and try to make each note count. This approach will make your solos more expressive and engaging, much like Setzer's.

Mastering the Shuffle

The shuffle is a staple of Setzer's rhythm playing, and mastering it is crucial if you want to capture his style. The shuffle rhythm has a swing feel, which means the notes are played with an uneven, bouncy rhythm rather than straight eighth notes. It's a rhythm that's found in blues, jazz, and rockabilly, and it's essential for that Setzer groove.

To practice the shuffle, start by playing a simple 12-bar blues progression. Use downstrokes for the main beats and upstrokes for the offbeats, creating a "da-da-da" rhythm. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Setzer often adds embellishments to his shuffle, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. These techniques add flavor to the rhythm and keep it interesting. Practice incorporating these embellishments into your shuffle to make it more dynamic. Just remember to keep it tight and controlled, as Setzer's playing is always precise.

Developing Your Stage Presence

Part of what makes Setzer such an iconic performer is his stage presence. He doesn't just play the guitar; he entertains. While this might not seem directly related to playing, your presence can greatly impact your performance. Playing like Setzer isn't just about technique; it's about charisma and showmanship.

Start by practicing playing standing up. It sounds simple, but many guitarists are more comfortable sitting down. Standing changes your posture and can affect your playing, so it's important to practice this way. Once you're comfortable, experiment with moving around while you play. It can be as simple as tapping your foot or swaying to the music.

Another tip is to engage with the audience. Make eye contact, smile, and enjoy yourself. Setzer's performances are always full of energy and enthusiasm, and this is something that can elevate your playing. Remember, you're not just playing notes; you're creating an experience for your audience.

Experimenting With Setzer's Influences

Brian Setzer's playing is deeply rooted in the music he loves, from rockabilly legends like Eddie Cochran to jazz greats like Django Reinhardt. Exploring these influences can give you more insight into Setzer's style and help you develop your own sound.

Start by listening to the artists that inspired Setzer. Pay attention to their phrasing, tone, and note choice. Try to learn some of their songs or licks and see how they compare to Setzer's playing. You'll likely notice similarities and differences that can inform your own playing.

Additionally, don't be afraid to bring your own influences into your playing. Setzer's style is a blend of many genres, and part of what makes him unique is how he combines them. By experimenting with different styles and techniques, you can develop a sound that's uniquely yours while still capturing the essence of Setzer's playing.

Final Thoughts

Playing like Brian Setzer is about more than just technique; it's about capturing the spirit of rockabilly and jazz. By focusing on your tone, rhythm, and stage presence, you can bring some of that Setzer magic into your own playing. And if you're looking to refine your guitar skills, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists to help you achieve your musical goals.