Should I Stay Or Should I Go – The Clash

Learn to play The Clash’s iconic hit Should I Stay Or Should I Go note-for-note with this detailed and engaging guitar lesson from Licklibrary. This track, with its infectious riff and punk rock spirit, is a must-learn for guitarists looking to expand their rhythmic accuracy, dynamic control, and classic punk tone. In this lesson, we break down the song’s guitar parts exactly as performed on the original recording, focusing on the fundamental techniques that make this track a timeless piece of rock history. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Breakdown

Released in 1982 on the album Combat Rock, Should I Stay Or Should I Go became one of The Clash's biggest hits. The song is instantly recognisable from its catchy, back-and-forth vocal phrasing and raw guitar sound. Guitar-wise, it’s a masterclass in minimalist power and rhythmic drive, providing students with the opportunity to work on a range of essential techniques in a fun and energetic context.

Throughout the lesson, players will get to grips with the song’s sharp, staccato riffing, tight chord changes, and its commanding use of dynamics. The guitar parts are predominantly built around power chords, a staple of punk rock that delivers both punch and clarity. Mastering this song offers a real-world application of timing, feel, and punk tone essentials.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Power Chords

This lesson focuses heavily on power chords, which form the core of the main guitar riff. Power chords are two-note shapes (root and fifth) that create a strong, full sound while remaining simple and moveable. Learning to play power chords cleanly and confidently is vital for rock and punk players, as it builds hand strength and rhythm precision.

Palm Muting

A key feature of the rhythm guitar work in this track is palm muting. This technique involves lightly resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a tight, percussive sound. Palm muting adds dynamic control and rhythmic emphasis, and it’s essential for building groove and attitude in punk and metal playing alike.

Barre Chords

The track also uses barre chords, particularly in the chorus sections. Barre chords allow guitarists to play chords in different positions along the neck, providing flexibility and greater musical expression. Practicing these helps improve finger strength and accuracy, especially for beginners transitioning into intermediate playing.

String Bending

Even though the song leans into punk simplicity, there are subtle uses of string bending in the guitar fills. String bending adds vocal-like expressiveness to your solos and riffs, and developing control over your bends improves pitch accuracy and emotional depth in lead playing.

Slides

Another tasteful embellishment found in the guitar fills is the use of slides. Sliding from one note to another adds fluidity and character to riffs and solos. It’s a great technique to master for creating smooth transitions and enhancing the natural flow of your phrasing.

About the Guitar Players

The guitar work on Should I Stay Or Should I Go was performed by Mick Jones, co-founder of The Clash and a pivotal figure in shaping the sound of British punk rock. Known for blending punk aggression with melodic sensibilities, Jones brought a unique tone and style to The Clash’s catalog. His playing on this track, in particular, exemplifies his ability to balance raw energy with precise rhythm and tastefully minimalistic lead lines.

Mick Jones’s influence extends beyond punk, impacting a wide range of genres including indie rock and alternative. His approach to guitar playing—combining attitude, economy, and melodic instinct—continues to inspire generations of musicians and guitarists.

Why Learn This Song?

Should I Stay Or Should I Go is more than just a punk anthem. It's a tool for developing timing, consistency, and dynamic playing. By working through this lesson, players will:

• Improve chord switching and finger strength with power and barre chords.
• Develop better rhythmic control with palm muting.
• Enhance expressiveness with bends and slides.
• Learn how to build a tight, energetic performance using minimal but effective guitar parts.

Whether you're a punk enthusiast or just want to sharpen your rhythm guitar chops, this lesson is a fun and valuable addition to your practice routine.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• String Bending
• Slides

Ready to master this punk rock classic? Dive into our full lesson on Should I Stay Or Should I Go and bring the energy of The Clash to your own playing with Licklibrary.