Mastering "Refugee" by Tom Petty

Learn to Play "Refugee" by Tom Petty

"Refugee" is one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' most iconic songs, featuring a driving rhythm, melodic riffs, and anthemic chorus. Released in 1980 on Damn the Torpedoes, this track highlights the signature blend of rock and roll with a hint of Southern grit.

Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down every essential technique used in the song, helping you master its rhythmic drive, lead fills, and expressive solo. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to refine your skills or an advanced player wanting to capture the essence of Mike Campbell’s playing, this lesson provides valuable insights into professional-level rock guitar techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Refugee"

Mike Campbell, the lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, was a key element of the band's signature sound. His playing on "Refugee" showcases his ability to craft melodic yet powerful guitar lines with precise note choices and expressive phrasing. Campbell’s influence extends beyond Tom Petty’s catalog, inspiring countless rock guitarists with his tasteful use of slides, bends, and rhythmic riffs. His ability to serve the song while delivering memorable guitar work makes "Refugee" an essential study for any aspiring rock guitarist.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

"Refugee" is driven by power chords, providing the song’s punchy and anthemic feel. These two- or three-note chords are foundational to rock music and help create a full, powerful sound with minimal effort. Mastering power chords improves your ability to play tight, controlled rhythm guitar with a strong, driving attack.

Palm Muting

Throughout the verses, palm muting adds dynamics and a rhythmic groove, allowing the chords to sound more percussive and controlled. This technique enhances your ability to articulate rhythm guitar parts and create contrast between sections of a song.

Slides

Mike Campbell incorporates slides to transition between notes smoothly, adding a fluid and vocal-like quality to his playing. Learning slides improves your legato phrasing and helps create a more expressive lead style.

String Bending

The lead lines in "Refugee" feature string bending, a technique essential for adding emotion and sustain to guitar solos. Proper bending technique ensures that notes reach the intended pitch, improving accuracy and ear training.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Various lead fills in the song use hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating smoother note transitions without excessive picking. Practicing these techniques enhances finger strength, speed, and fluidity in soloing.

Double Stops

A key part of the melodic guitar work in "Refugee" is the use of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This technique adds harmonic depth to leads and helps create a fuller sound in solos.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song’s chord progression allows you to grasp its harmonic structure and how it supports the vocal melody. Learning these progressions helps you recognise common songwriting patterns used in classic rock.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Refugee" with confidence but also strengthen your overall guitar skills for a wide range of rock and blues-based songs. Dive into the lesson today and bring the energy of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to your playing!