Runaway Boys – Learn to Play Like Brian Setzer

If you love rockabilly and want to master the guitar techniques that define this high-energy style, our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Runaway Boys" by Brian Setzer is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills. This LickLibrary lesson takes you deep into the Stray Cats' signature sound, dissecting every riff, chord, and technique that makes this track an essential part of rock 'n' roll history.

From fast-paced picking to classic rockabilly phrasing, you’ll learn the techniques that Setzer used to create his electrifying guitar work. Whether you're a fan of vintage tones, slick licks, or dynamic soloing, this lesson will expand your playing and introduce you to new ways of expressing yourself on the guitar. Stuart Bull breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Brian Setzer & the Influence of "Runaway Boys"

Brian Setzer, the frontman and lead guitarist of the Stray Cats, is one of the most influential players in rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll revival. His style blends the vintage twang of 1950s rock with the power and energy of punk and modern rock guitar, making him a unique force in the music world.

"Runaway Boys" was the debut single for the Stray Cats and quickly became a defining song for the rockabilly revival of the early '80s. Setzer's use of clean, punchy tones, combined with rapid alternate picking, chord stabs, and rockabilly phrasing, makes this song an ideal study for guitarists looking to master vintage rock 'n' roll techniques with a modern edge.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

Setzer’s fast-paced lines and rockabilly runs rely heavily on alternate picking, a technique that enhances speed and fluidity. Mastering this technique will improve your accuracy and efficiency, allowing you to play fast passages with ease.

Slapback Delay and Rockabilly Tone

Brian Setzer’s signature sound is achieved using a combination of a hollow-body guitar, slap-back echo, and clean amp settings. Understanding how to dial in this tone will bring authenticity to your playing and help you develop a classic rockabilly sound.

Double Stops

This lesson breaks down Setzer’s use of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create a fuller, more rhythmic sound. This is a fundamental part of rockabilly lead playing and will help you add depth and dynamics to your solos.

String Bending & Bluesy Bends

Setzer's playing incorporates a mix of traditional blues bends and quick rockabilly-style slides, adding expressiveness and fluidity to his licks. Learning this will improve your phrasing and ability to inject emotion into your solos.

Palm Muting

Setzer uses palm muting to create tight, percussive rhythms, a technique that adds groove and definition to fast-moving riffs. This will improve your rhythm playing and give your picking hand better control.

Hybrid Picking

Many of Setzer’s licks involve a combination of pick and fingers, known as hybrid picking. This technique adds speed and articulation, making it easier to execute intricate patterns while maintaining a smooth, dynamic sound.

Chord Progressions & Arpeggiated Chords

The rhythmic drive of "Runaway Boys" relies on classic rockabilly chord progressions and arpeggios. Understanding these will strengthen your knowledge of song structures and help you develop better rhythm guitar skills.

Trills & Chromatic Runs

Setzer often spices up his solos with quick trills and chromatic phrases, creating a playful, jazzy feel. Learning this technique will expand your melodic vocabulary and add a unique edge to your improvisation.

Syncopated Rhythms

Rockabilly is known for its swing feel and syncopated rhythms, which add movement and excitement to the groove. Developing this skill will enhance your ability to play in different rhythmic styles and improve your overall timing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Hybrid Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Trills
• Chromaticism
• Syncopated Rhythms

Master Rockabilly Guitar Today!

With this note-for-note lesson, you’ll unlock the secrets of Brian Setzer’s legendary style and take your rockabilly chops to the next level. Whether you're a fan of the Stray Cats or simply looking to expand your guitar vocabulary, this lesson is packed with valuable insights to help you develop speed, articulation, and an authentic vintage tone.

Ready to play like a true rockabilly rebel? Start your journey now with LickLibrary’s "Runaway Boys" guitar lesson!