Learn to Play Brian Setzer

If you're a guitarist seeking to infuse your style with the rockabilly flair of Brian Setzer, our product "Learn to Play Brian Setzer" offers note-for-note guitar lessons of iconic Setzer songs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned musician, these lessons offer an in-depth understanding of Setzer's versatile guitar techniques and musicality. This lesson course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Brian Setzer

Brian Setzer, the lead guitarist of the Stray Cats and Brian Setzer Orchestra, is best known for his distinct fusion of rockabilly, swing, and jazz styles. His vibrant solos, fast alternate picking, and uniquely textured vibrato add a particular spice to his playing, making it instantly recognizable. He is renowned for his precise technique, innovative songwriting, and a keen sense of melody. With this course, you can not only enjoy the richness of Setzer's music but also incorporate these unique elements into your own guitar-playing toolkit.

Song Analysis and Lessons

Rock This Town

"Rock This Town" is an up-tempo track marked by Setzer's rhythmic agility. The song primarily employs a rockabilly style of playing with a mix of rock and blues scales. The solo showcases Setzer's controlled string bending and quick slides, providing an exhilarating sound that electrifies the listener. In our lesson, you will learn these key elements in detail, including the dynamic power chords and alternate picking used throughout the song.

Stray Cat Strut

"Stray Cat Strut" is a masterclass in stylistic diversity, combining elements of jazz and blues in a rockabilly setting. It's based in the key of C minor, with the solo moving through various scales, highlighting the chromaticism in Setzer's approach. Our lesson helps you explore the complexities of this solo, teaching you the characteristic finger-picking techniques, and dissecting the iconic arpeggiated chord progressions, offering a profound insight into Setzer's improvisational prowess.

Runaway Boys

"Runaway Boys" is a pulsating track that highlights the rock side of Setzer's repertoire. The song features a catchy riff built around power chords and open string riffs, while the solos showcase the effective use of vibrato, alternate picking, and pull-offs. In the lesson, we guide you through these techniques, adding a dimension to your skills in executing rock-infused riffs and energetic solos.

Built for Speed

"Built for Speed" is an exercise in versatility, characterized by a dominant boogie rhythm and creative solo. The song utilizes bluesy bends and syncopated rhythms, making it a standout in Setzer's catalog. The lesson takes you through the key techniques involved, from the galloping rhythms that drive the song to the expressive double-stop bends and trills that accentuate the solos.

Rumble in Brighton

"Rumble in Brighton" encapsulates the essence of Setzer's style – rockabilly with a punk edge. The song demonstrates the use of power chords, alternate picking, and legato in crafting a compelling rhythm section. The solo, built on the minor pentatonic scale, exhibits Setzer's knack for constructing memorable melodies using slides, bends, and harmonics. In our lesson, we analyze these techniques and help you master the vibrant energy that makes this song so iconic.

Techniques Used in the Lessons

The lessons incorporate several guitar techniques that Setzer is known for, including but not limited to:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-stop Bends
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Finger-picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism
• Open String Riffs
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Galloping Rhythms
• Syncopated Rhythms

With the "Learn to Play Brian Setzer" course, you will not just cover the songs but understand Setzer's unique guitar language. The lessons will give you the keys to unlock the secrets of his sound, allowing you to infuse your playing with a whole new level of flair and precision. Whether you're a fan of rockabilly or just looking to expand your musical horizons, this course is a fantastic way to dive into the world of Brian Setzer.