Learn To Play Brian Setzer

Are you ready to inject some high-octane rockabilly and swing into your guitar playing? Do you want to master the lightning-fast licks, jazzy chords, and vintage tone that have made Brian Setzer a true guitar icon? This comprehensive online guitar course from LickLibrary is your chance to dive into the world of rockabilly, swing, and rock and roll and learn the songs that have made Brian Setzer a living legend. This is your opportunity to learn the guitar parts that have powered the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. From the cool and slinky “Stray Cat Strut” to the high-energy anthem “Rock This Town,” you will learn to play five of Brian Setzer’s most iconic songs, note-for-note. This step-by-step guitar course will give you the skills to play with the same style, precision, and showmanship that has made Brian Setzer a true original.
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Stuart Bull Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Stuart Bull

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 Rock This Town
3 Stray Cat Strut
4 Runaway Boys
5 Built For Speed
6 Rumble In Brighton

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to learn the secrets behind one of the most unique and exciting guitarists of all time. It is perfect for those who are fans of Brian Setzer, the Stray Cats, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Want to learn how to play rockabilly and swing guitar
  • Are looking to improve their lead guitar playing and soloing
  • Are fans of vintage rock and roll and jazz
  • Want to learn how to play with a sense of style and showmanship
  • Appreciate virtuosic and well-crafted guitar solos

This isn’t just about learning songs; it’s about understanding the songwriting and guitar playing that has made Brian Setzer a true original. You will gain invaluable insights into the unique and powerful guitar work that has driven his music, empowering you to become a more creative and versatile guitarist. This LickLibrary course is your key to unlocking the music of Brian Setzer.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

By completing this comprehensive Brian Setzer guitar course, you will not only learn to play five of his most iconic songs but also gain a deep understanding of the rockabilly, swing, and jazz foundations of his music. This guitar lesson serves as a masterclass in creating exciting and melodic guitar parts, crafting virtuosic solos, and playing with a sense of style and showmanship.

Technical Skills You’ll Develop:

  • Mastery of rockabilly and swing guitar techniques
  • The ability to create exciting and melodic guitar solos
  • The use of techniques such as fingerpicking, alternate picking, and hybrid picking
  • An understanding of how to use jazz and blues scales in a rock and roll context
  • The ability to play with a sense of groove and syncopation
  • Improved timing and rhythmic precision
  • The ability to craft your own Brian Setzer-inspired solos and riffs
  • A solid foundation for exploring other rockabilly, swing, and vintage rock and roll artists
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1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with Brian Setzer nor does Brian Setzer perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play Brian Setzer

If you're a guitarist seeking to infuse your style with the rockabilly flair of Brian Setzer, our product "Learn to Play Brian Setzer" offers note-for-note guitar lessons of iconic Setzer songs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned musician, these lessons offer an in-depth understanding of Setzer's versatile guitar techniques and musicality. This lesson course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Brian Setzer

Brian Setzer, the lead guitarist of the Stray Cats and Brian Setzer Orchestra, is best known for his distinct fusion of rockabilly, swing, and jazz styles. His vibrant solos, fast alternate picking, and uniquely textured vibrato add a particular spice to his playing, making it instantly recognizable. He is renowned for his precise technique, innovative songwriting, and a keen sense of melody. With this course, you can not only enjoy the richness of Setzer's music but also incorporate these unique elements into your own guitar-playing toolkit.

Song Analysis and Lessons

Rock This Town

"Rock This Town" is an up-tempo track marked by Setzer's rhythmic agility. The song primarily employs a rockabilly style of playing with a mix of rock and blues scales. The solo showcases Setzer's controlled string bending and quick slides, providing an exhilarating sound that electrifies the listener. In our lesson, you will learn these key elements in detail, including the dynamic power chords and alternate picking used throughout the song.

Stray Cat Strut

"Stray Cat Strut" is a masterclass in stylistic diversity, combining elements of jazz and blues in a rockabilly setting. It's based in the key of C minor, with the solo moving through various scales, highlighting the chromaticism in Setzer's approach. Our lesson helps you explore the complexities of this solo, teaching you the characteristic finger-picking techniques, and dissecting the iconic arpeggiated chord progressions, offering a profound insight into Setzer's improvisational prowess.

Runaway Boys

"Runaway Boys" is a pulsating track that highlights the rock side of Setzer's repertoire. The song features a catchy riff built around power chords and open string riffs, while the solos showcase the effective use of vibrato, alternate picking, and pull-offs. In the lesson, we guide you through these techniques, adding a dimension to your skills in executing rock-infused riffs and energetic solos.

Built for Speed

"Built for Speed" is an exercise in versatility, characterized by a dominant boogie rhythm and creative solo. The song utilizes bluesy bends and syncopated rhythms, making it a standout in Setzer's catalog. The lesson takes you through the key techniques involved, from the galloping rhythms that drive the song to the expressive double-stop bends and trills that accentuate the solos.

Rumble in Brighton

"Rumble in Brighton" encapsulates the essence of Setzer's style – rockabilly with a punk edge. The song demonstrates the use of power chords, alternate picking, and legato in crafting a compelling rhythm section. The solo, built on the minor pentatonic scale, exhibits Setzer's knack for constructing memorable melodies using slides, bends, and harmonics. In our lesson, we analyze these techniques and help you master the vibrant energy that makes this song so iconic.

Techniques Used in the Lessons

The lessons incorporate several guitar techniques that Setzer is known for, including but not limited to:

With the "Learn to Play Brian Setzer" course, you will not just cover the songs but understand Setzer's unique guitar language. The lessons will give you the keys to unlock the secrets of his sound, allowing you to infuse your playing with a whole new level of flair and precision. Whether you're a fan of rockabilly or just looking to expand your musical horizons, this course is a fantastic way to dive into the world of Brian Setzer.

Stuart Bull playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Stuart Bull

As co-founder of LickLibrary and Total Accuracy, Stuart plays a tremendous part of all the goings on in LickLibrary today. Looking at our entire catalogue, the entire contribution from Stuart is phenomenal and has had an impact on tens of thousands of aspiring guitar players the world over. Stuart's professional...

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