Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers

Dive into the groove and rhythm of The Doobie Brothers' classic, "Long Train Runnin’," with a note-for-note guitar lesson designed to capture every nuance of the song’s unique feel. Released in 1973, "Long Train Runnin’" became a defining track for the band, showcasing their soulful blend of rock, funk, and rhythm and blues. This lesson not only teaches you the riffs and chord progressions of this timeless song but also explores key guitar techniques that define the song's infectious groove. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist(s) on "Long Train Runnin’"

The primary guitarist on "Long Train Runnin’" is Tom Johnston, whose rhythm and lead guitar work are essential to the song’s sound. Johnston’s style on this track combines rhythmic drive with melodic flourishes, adding depth to the composition. His ability to merge funk and rock with a touch of blues creates a distinct sound that has influenced generations of guitarists. By studying his techniques in this lesson, learners can gain insights into Johnston’s rhythmic creativity and improve their versatility as guitarists.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation plays a key role in "Long Train Runnin’," with the guitar rhythm driving the groove alongside the drums and bass. Syncopated rhythms place emphasis on the off-beats, creating a more engaging and danceable feel. This technique requires precise timing and control to keep the rhythm steady while adding subtle accents. Practicing syncopation will help you develop a stronger sense of rhythm and improve your ability to play funk or groove-heavy tracks.

Palm Muting

In "Long Train Runnin'," palm muting is used to create a percussive, dampened sound that helps accentuate the syncopated rhythm. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand near the bridge of the guitar to control the sustain of each note. Palm muting is ideal for adding texture and keeping the riff tight, making it a valuable technique for rhythm-focused playing. Mastering this technique will give you greater control over dynamics and tone.

Slides

Slides are an integral part of the song’s lead guitar lines, allowing for smooth transitions between notes and adding a subtle expressiveness. Sliding into or out of notes can make a melody sound more fluid and connected, especially when moving through different chord tones. Learning slides will enhance your legato playing and help you create smooth, connected phrasing in your lead work.

String Bending

String bending is crucial for adding emotional inflection and expressing subtle pitch variations, which are a hallmark of blues and rock guitar playing. In "Long Train Runnin’," bends are used to add character to the lead lines, creating a more vocal, soulful quality. Practicing string bending will strengthen your fingers, improve pitch accuracy, and allow you to add expressiveness to your solos and melodic lines.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song’s main riff incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a flowing, legato sound. Hammer-ons and pull-offs involve playing a note without re-picking, instead using a finger motion to articulate the note. These techniques are useful for increasing speed and fluidity in riffs and solos, making it possible to play faster, smoother lines with minimal picking effort.

Double Stops

Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, are used in "Long Train Runnin’" to add harmonic richness to the melody. Double stops help to fill out the sound and create a fuller tone, adding an extra layer to the song’s rhythm section. Mastering double stops will improve your control over harmonies and is an excellent technique for adding dimension to your rhythm and lead playing.

Open-String Riffs

"Long Train Runnin’" employs open-string riffs, which involve playing open strings along with fretted notes to add a droning effect. This technique creates a unique, ringing sound that enhances the track’s groove and gives it a fuller texture. Learning open-string riffs will broaden your range of sound and allow you to create riffs that sound big and resonant without using additional effects.

Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends add a gritty, soulful feel to the lead lines in "Long Train Runnin’," giving the song a bit of blues flavour amidst its rock and funk foundation. Bluesy bends are usually quick, small bends that create a “crying” effect and are frequently used in rock and blues to convey emotion. Incorporating bluesy bends into your playing will help you develop a more expressive and dynamic lead style.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song includes some arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of a chord are played individually rather than all at once. This technique provides a sense of movement and flow to the rhythm, adding depth to the song’s groove. Practicing arpeggios will improve your finger independence and add versatility to your chord work, making it easier to incorporate melodic movement into your rhythm playing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques featured in "Long Train Runnin’" will improve your versatility as a guitarist. Syncopated rhythms and palm muting develop your sense of timing and dynamics, crucial for playing funk and groove-heavy styles. Techniques like string bending and bluesy bends help you add expression to your lead playing, while slides and double stops enhance the fluidity and richness of your sound. Practicing open-string riffs and arpeggios will expand your rhythmic vocabulary and help you create fuller-sounding riffs and chord progressions. Each technique is a building block for mastering the nuances of rhythm and lead guitar, making this lesson an essential resource for guitarists seeking to elevate their skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Long Train Runnin'"

• Syncopated Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Open-String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

By exploring each of these techniques, "Long Train Runnin’" offers an immersive learning experience that will expand your playing abilities and deepen your appreciation of rhythm-focused guitar work. Enjoy the journey as you master this classic track, adding groove, expression, and complexity to your guitar skills.