Rebel Rouser by Duane Eddy

Learn to Play ‘Rebel Rouser’ by Duane Eddy

Licklibrary.com presents an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson for ‘Rebel Rouser’ by Duane Eddy, a timeless instrumental rock classic that showcases a signature twangy guitar tone and melodic phrasing. This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also focuses on the key guitar techniques used throughout the track, helping you enhance your playing style and expand your technique arsenal.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to capture that iconic 1950s rock ‘n’ roll sound or an advanced guitarist seeking to refine your skills, this lesson will give you the tools to master Duane Eddy’s signature playing approach. Steve Trovato breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Duane Eddy and His Influence

Duane Eddy is widely regarded as a pioneer of instrumental rock and one of the most influential guitarists of the 1950s and ‘60s. Known for his ‘twangy’ guitar sound, Eddy’s distinct style influenced countless guitarists, including George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and Mark Knopfler. His use of simple but effective melodic phrasing, tremolo picking, and heavy reverb defined the sound of rock instrumentals and cemented his place in rock and roll history. ‘Rebel Rouser’, released in 1958, is one of his most famous tracks, featuring driving rhythms, catchy licks, and a dynamic energy that continues to captivate guitarists today.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is a fundamental technique that adds expressiveness and sustain to notes. In ‘Rebel Rouser,’ Duane Eddy applies smooth, controlled vibrato to emphasise his melodic lines. Mastering vibrato enhances your tone and gives your playing a more vocal-like quality.

Alternate Picking

This lesson focuses on the importance of alternate picking, which allows for greater speed and precision. Using down-up picking strokes, you’ll improve your efficiency when playing the song’s fast licks and lead lines.

Slides

Slides help create a smooth, flowing sound between notes. ‘Rebel Rouser’ features several melodic slides that add a vocal and expressive quality to the guitar phrases. Practicing slides will improve your fretboard movement and add fluidity to your solos.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously to create a fuller sound. This technique is prevalent in rock and blues and plays a crucial role in ‘Rebel Rouser’s’ main riffs, adding depth and power to the melody.

String Bending

String bending is used to alter the pitch of a note by pushing or pulling the string. Duane Eddy’s subtle bends contribute to the song’s expressive and bluesy feel. Learning proper bending technique will help you develop greater control over your pitch and dynamics.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to create a percussive, controlled tone by lightly resting the palm on the strings while picking. This technique is essential for adding rhythmic drive and articulation to certain sections of ‘Rebel Rouser.’

Open-String Riffs

Many of Duane Eddy’s licks utilise open strings to create a resonant, ringing sound. Open-string riffs help maximise sustain and projection, allowing for a fuller tone without excessive distortion.

Power Chords

Power chords provide the song with a strong rhythmic foundation. Though simple in structure, they deliver a punchy, driving energy that defines rock and roll’s raw power. This technique is vital for creating dynamic accompaniment parts.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking involves rapid picking on a single note, creating a sustained, aggressive effect. This technique appears in several sections of ‘Rebel Rouser’ and is great for building intensity in solos and lead lines.

Rakes

Rakes add percussive texture to your playing by strumming across muted strings before hitting a target note. This technique enhances the attack and dynamics of lead lines, making them more expressive and rhythmically interesting.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Open-String Riffs
• Power Chords
• Tremolo Picking
• Rakes

By mastering these techniques through our ‘Rebel Rouser’ lesson, you’ll gain essential skills that can be applied across many rock, blues, and country guitar styles. Whether you’re learning to replicate Duane Eddy’s legendary sound or incorporating these techniques into your own playing, this lesson provides the perfect foundation.

Start your journey today and bring the twangy rock ‘n’ roll magic of ‘Rebel Rouser’ to life with Licklibrary.com!