Peter Gunn – Duane Eddy

Step into the twang-drenched world of rock ‘n’ roll instrumental guitar with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Peter Gunn” by Duane Eddy. At Licklibrary.com, we break down every nuance of this iconic track, capturing the essence of Eddy’s signature sound. Whether you're looking to explore vintage tones or sharpen your technique, this lesson is packed with valuable guitar knowledge.

“Peter Gunn” is one of the most recognisable guitar instrumentals in rock history. Originally written by Henry Mancini as the theme for the 1958 television series of the same name, Duane Eddy’s version adds a gritty rock ‘n’ roll flavour to the cinematic original. Known for his deep, reverberating guitar tone and melodic yet powerful style, Eddy made “Peter Gunn” his own with an unmistakable sense of swagger and groove. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Duane Eddy and the Players

Duane Eddy is hailed as one of the founding fathers of instrumental rock guitar. With a tone characterised by heavy reverb, low-string riffs, and melodic simplicity, Eddy's playing influenced generations of guitarists—from George Harrison to Bruce Springsteen. His style was innovative for its time, embracing production techniques that emphasised the lower register of the guitar, which would become a hallmark of surf and rockabilly guitar playing.

In his rendition of “Peter Gunn,” Eddy's guitar is front and centre, supported by tight, punchy rhythm sections and horn stabs that give the track its cinematic punch. His influence is found in nearly every genre of guitar music that followed, and this lesson is a chance to connect with that powerful legacy.

Breakdown of Techniques Used in “Peter Gunn”

Palm Muting

Palm muting plays a central role in this lesson, particularly in the driving, percussive low-string riff that powers the song. By muting the strings lightly with the side of the picking hand, players can achieve a tight, rhythmic attack that adds definition and groove.

Benefit to learner: Mastering palm muting helps control dynamics and tightens your rhythm playing, a skill that translates across all genres from rock to metal to funk.

Slides

The use of slides between notes adds a vocal-like expression to the melody lines. In this lesson, you'll learn to smoothly transition between notes across the neck, echoing the cool, laid-back attitude of Duane Eddy’s phrasing.

Benefit to learner: Slides enhance phrasing and expression, making your playing sound more fluid and professional. They are also excellent for improving your left-hand coordination and accuracy.

String Bending

Eddy’s expressive lead parts often use string bending to give notes a bluesy, vocal character. In this track, string bends are used subtly but effectively to create tension and resolution within the lead line.

Benefit to learner: Developing control over string bending is key to expressive soloing. It helps refine your pitch accuracy and builds finger strength.

Vibrato

No Duane Eddy-inspired lesson would be complete without working on vibrato. His subtle, smooth vibrato technique adds depth to sustained notes and brings the melody to life.

Benefit to learner: Vibrato is essential for adding emotion to your playing. A well-controlled vibrato can make a simple note sing and sustain, helping to develop your personal sound.

Power Chords

“Peter Gunn” leans on the use of power chords to deliver its raw, driving rhythm parts. These chords form the backbone of the arrangement, giving it that unmistakable rock edge.

Benefit to learner: Power chords are foundational for rhythm guitar. Learning them improves your ability to play tight, aggressive rhythm parts in a variety of rock subgenres.

Alternate Picking

While much of the riffing may seem straightforward, efficient alternate picking is key to maintaining speed and consistency, especially in the repeated main motif.

Benefit to learner: Alternate picking boosts your picking hand efficiency, enabling faster and cleaner note transitions—vital for everything from riffs to blazing solos.

Why This Lesson is Great for Your Progress

This lesson is ideal for players looking to dive into the roots of rock guitar and explore the techniques that shaped the genre. The riff-driven nature of “Peter Gunn” offers a perfect playground to focus on tight rhythm playing, control, and tone—all while building confidence in essential techniques. Whether you're a beginner wanting to expand your toolbox or an intermediate player seeking to refine your skills, this track delivers musical and technical rewards in equal measure.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking

Explore the Peter Gunn guitar lesson on Licklibrary.com today, and bring the swagger of Duane Eddy into your playing.