Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run is an iconic rock anthem that captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and longing for escape. With its rich instrumental layers and driving rhythm, this song is a must-learn for any guitarist who wants to develop their skills in classic rock techniques. Our Born to Run guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com provides a note-for-note breakdown, helping you master the nuances of the song while building essential techniques that can be applied to a wide range of rock and blues guitar playing. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists on Born to Run

The recording of Born to Run features Bruce Springsteen himself on guitar, alongside Steve Van Zandt (who later became a core member of the E Street Band). Springsteen’s playing is deeply rooted in rhythmic energy and expressive lead work, blending elements of rock, blues, and folk. Van Zandt’s influence, particularly in live performances, helped shape the powerful dual guitar sound of Springsteen’s music. Together, their playing on Born to Run creates an anthemic and wall-of-sound effect that has influenced generations of guitarists.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

1. Chord Progressions

Born to Run is built around a driving chord progression that gives the song its anthemic quality. Learning these progressions will improve your ability to play rock rhythm guitar and understand song structure. Mastering chord transitions at speed also enhances timing and muscle memory.

2. Barre Chords

Springsteen relies on barre chords to create a full, rich sound in the song. Playing barre chords strengthens your fretting hand, improves endurance, and helps you transpose songs easily across the fretboard.

3. Double Stops

Throughout the song, you’ll find double stops, where two notes are played together to create a harmonised effect. This technique is essential for classic rock solos and fills, adding thickness and melodic interest to your playing.

4. String Bending

The emotional lead lines in Born to Run feature string bending, a technique that adds expressiveness to your solos. Learning to control your bends will improve your intonation, phrasing, and ear training.

5. Slides

Springsteen’s guitar work incorporates slides to transition smoothly between notes. Slides help you develop fluidity and dynamics in your playing, making your licks sound more vocal and expressive.

6. Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

By using hammer-ons and pull-offs, you can create smooth, connected phrases without constantly picking each note. These techniques enhance legato playing, allowing for faster and more natural-sounding leads.

7. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar work in Born to Run features syncopation, adding groove and movement to the song. Learning syncopated rhythms improves your timing, feel, and ability to play more complex strumming patterns.

8. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Certain parts of Born to Run feature arpeggiated chord progressions, where individual notes of a chord are played separately rather than strummed. This technique refines finger control and picking accuracy, making it an excellent exercise for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Why Learn Born to Run?

Learning Born to Run not only improves your technical ability but also deepens your understanding of songwriting and arrangement. The techniques covered in this lesson will help you develop a stronger sense of dynamics, timing, and articulation, making you a more expressive and versatile guitarist. Whether you are a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an intermediate player aiming to refine your skills, this lesson will provide valuable insights into classic rock guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

With this lesson, you’ll capture the energy and spirit of Born to Run while improving your guitar technique, rhythm, and musical expression. Start learning today at Licklibrary.com and take your playing to the next level!