Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets

"Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets is one of the most iconic rock 'n' roll songs of all time. As a cornerstone of early rock music, this track not only shaped the direction of popular music in the 1950s but also offered guitarists a masterclass in rhythm playing, rockabilly flair, and early lead guitar phrasing. At LickLibrary, our note-for-note guitar lesson captures the essence of this legendary tune, giving players a unique opportunity to dive into the energetic and highly influential playing style of this era.

In this comprehensive guitar lesson, you'll be taken step-by-step through every section of the song. From its bouncy rhythm guitar parts to its punchy, twang-filled lead lines, we highlight each technique used and explain how mastering them will benefit your overall playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore vintage rock 'n' roll or a seasoned player wanting to refine your rhythm chops, this lesson provides the foundation and nuance required to bring this classic to life on your guitar. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player

The lead guitar work on "Rock Around The Clock" was performed by session guitarist Danny Cedrone, a pivotal figure in early rock and roll guitar playing. Although Cedrone tragically passed away shortly after recording this hit, his influence on the genre is immense. His iconic solo on this track—originally borrowed from his earlier work with the song "Rock the Joint"—showcased the energy and swagger that would define rock 'n' roll guitar solos for decades.

Cedrone’s fluid mix of blues-influenced phrasing, jazz-inspired runs, and a strong command of rhythm playing made his contribution unforgettable. His work helped pave the way for generations of guitarists, from Chuck Berry to modern rockabilly and punk players.

Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

1. Alternate Picking

One of the key techniques featured in this lesson is alternate picking. Used prominently in the solo sections, alternate picking allows for smoother, faster runs and improved accuracy—especially during the fast-paced triplet licks. Mastering this will not only help you nail Cedrone’s solo but also sharpen your picking control across styles.

2. Slides

Slides bring fluidity to the guitar lines, a hallmark of early rockabilly guitar. These slides are used both in the rhythm and lead parts to seamlessly connect notes, helping to create a more expressive and stylistically authentic sound. Learning to slide cleanly adds a vintage vibe to your playing and opens up new melodic possibilities.

3. Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

This lesson focuses on both hammer-ons and pull-offs, which are essential in executing the quick, rolling licks typical of 1950s guitar solos. These techniques build left-hand strength and allow you to play faster, more fluid lines without relying entirely on your picking hand.

4. String Bending

String bending is used in expressive moments throughout the solo to emulate the vocal-like phrasing that was becoming popular in rock guitar. Learning to bend with control and accuracy enhances your lead playing by adding emotional depth and tonal variation.

5. Double Stops

Another hallmark of this lesson is the use of double stops. These small, two-note chords are perfect for injecting harmonised bite into your leads and add that unmistakable rock 'n' roll punch. They’re a fantastic tool to create thicker textures and are often used in early rock and blues.

6. Chord Progressions

Understanding the foundational chord progressions in this song will benefit your rhythm playing enormously. The I-IV-V structure is a staple in rock, blues, and country, and by mastering it in this context, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how these progressions drive musical momentum.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Learning “Rock Around The Clock” offers a wide array of benefits to any guitarist. It’s a perfect vehicle for mastering fundamental rock 'n' roll guitar vocabulary, enhancing rhythm precision, and developing lead guitar phrasing in a historical context. You'll also build stamina and speed through techniques like alternate picking and hammer-ons while polishing your dynamic control via bends and slides.

More than that, playing through this track gives you direct access to the energy and attitude that defined the birth of rock music—skills and inspiration that carry through countless styles and genres even today.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions

Step into the roots of rock 'n' roll with this LickLibrary guitar lesson and bring the timeless sound of “Rock Around The Clock” to your own playing arsenal.