Night Train - Duane Eddy

Duane Eddy’s "Night Train" is a masterclass in classic rock and rockabilly guitar playing, showcasing his signature deep twang and melodic sensibilities. This note-for-note lesson on LickLibrary.com gives you the tools to play the song with authenticity and precision, while also honing essential techniques that are crucial for any guitarist looking to develop their lead and rhythm playing.

This lesson breaks down each section of the song, focusing on the playing techniques that made Duane Eddy a guitar legend. Whether you're working on your vibrato, slides, or double-stops, this lesson ensures you gain valuable technical skills while mastering an iconic track. Steve Trovato breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Duane Eddy and His Influence on Guitar Playing

Duane Eddy is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of instrumental rock guitar. Known for his deep, reverb-heavy "twang" tone, he played a crucial role in shaping the early sounds of rock and roll. His ability to craft melodic, hook-driven instrumental songs set him apart, influencing countless guitarists, including George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and Brian Setzer.

"Night Train" is a fantastic example of his punchy, percussive picking and melodic phrasing, and learning this track provides insight into the foundations of rock guitar. By studying his approach, you’ll improve not only your technical playing but also your ability to craft memorable lead lines.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Duane Eddy's vibrato is smooth and controlled, adding a singing quality to his notes. Mastering vibrato helps develop expression and sustain, allowing you to add emotion to your lead playing.

Slides

Throughout "Night Train," slides create a seamless connection between notes, contributing to the fluid and vocal-like phrasing of the melody. Practicing slides helps with position shifting and improving your fretboard navigation.

Double Stops

A key part of Eddy's style, double stops allow you to play two notes simultaneously, creating a fuller sound. This technique enhances your lead and rhythm playing, making your solos more dynamic.

Palm Muting

Used subtly in "Night Train," palm muting adds attack and percussiveness to the guitar lines. Mastering palm muting is essential for controlling dynamics and articulation in both rhythm and lead playing.

String Bending

Duane Eddy's tasteful use of bends gives his playing a vocal quality. Learning to bend with precision helps improve your intonation and expressive phrasing.

Chord Progressions

The song’s chord structure is fundamental to its groove and drive. Understanding these progressions will deepen your rhythmic skills and enhance your ability to play in different keys.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of the essential techniques covered in our "Night Train" guitar lesson. Click the links to explore each technique in depth:

• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions

By learning "Night Train", you're not only mastering an iconic track but also refining key guitar techniques that will enhance your playing across multiple genres. Whether you're a fan of vintage rock or looking to develop a strong technical foundation, this lesson is an invaluable addition to your practice routine.