Built For Speed – Brian Setzer

Master the Rockabilly Energy of Built For Speed

Brian Setzer is a legendary guitarist known for his fiery rockabilly licks, impeccable sense of rhythm, and infectious energy. Built For Speed is a perfect showcase of his signature style, blending fast-paced riffs, dynamic chord progressions, and blues-infused solos. With this lesson, you’ll learn how to play the song note-for-note while also diving deep into the core techniques that define Setzer’s electrifying sound. Whether you’re looking to expand your rockabilly chops or refine your picking precision, this lesson has something for every guitarist. Stuart Bull breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Brian Setzer and Built For Speed

Brian Setzer first gained fame as the frontman of The Stray Cats, a band that revived rockabilly in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. Setzer’s guitar style fuses early rock ‘n’ roll influences with jazz, blues, and swing elements, making him one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation. Built For Speed is one of his most recognisable songs, filled with driving rhythms, blazing licks, and melodic leads that pay homage to rockabilly pioneers like Carl Perkins and Eddie Cochran. His influence extends beyond rockabilly, inspiring countless guitarists with his technical prowess and charismatic stage presence.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking is essential for capturing the percussive and fluid style that defines Setzer’s rockabilly playing. By using a combination of pick and fingers, you can achieve a snappier attack and greater control over fast passages. This technique enhances your ability to switch between rhythm and lead seamlessly.

Alternate Picking

Setzer’s rapid, articulate picking is a hallmark of his sound. Mastering alternate picking ensures that your fast licks and runs remain smooth and precise. Developing this technique will help improve your overall speed and accuracy.

Double Stops

Rockabilly solos often feature double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This technique gives a full, harmonic-rich sound that adds depth to your leads. Setzer frequently uses double stops for his bluesy, aggressive soloing approach.

Slap-back Delay and Sustain

While not a playing technique per se, understanding how to use delay and sustain effectively is crucial for replicating Setzer’s tone. A short slap-back delay creates the vintage rockabilly sound, giving your playing a lively and spacious feel.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Setzer’s solos are full of expressive bends, including string bending and bluesy bends. These techniques allow you to add vocal-like expression to your phrases, making your solos sing with emotion.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Instead of simply strumming chords, Setzer often plays arpeggiated chord progressions. This technique enhances the song’s rhythmic movement and adds a sophisticated, jazzy feel to the rockabilly style.

Palm Muting

A key ingredient to Setzer’s percussive rhythm work is palm muting. This technique tightens up your sound, giving rhythm parts a driving, percussive quality that helps propel the song forward.

Open String Riffs

Setzer frequently incorporates open string riffs into his playing. These riffs allow for a bright, resonant tone while adding speed and fluidity to your licks.

Syncopated Rhythms

Setzer’s rhythm playing often employs syncopated rhythms, creating an engaging, offbeat groove. Learning this technique will enhance your ability to play rhythmically interesting and dynamic guitar parts.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Hybrid Picking
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Sustain
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you’ll gain the skills needed to capture the essence of Built For Speed and develop a deeper appreciation for Brian Setzer’s rockabilly brilliance. Whether you’re looking to refine your rhythm playing or add fire to your solos, this lesson will elevate your rockabilly guitar skills to new heights!