Round And Round – Ratt

Master Ratt’s Hard Rock Guitar Sound

"Round And Round" by Ratt is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s hard rock and glam metal era. With its signature riff, searing solos, and high-energy rhythm work, this track is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to capture the essence of ‘80s rock. Our note-for-note lesson breaks down every section of the song, allowing you to master the key techniques that defined the playing style of Ratt’s legendary guitarists. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists Behind the Song: Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby

Ratt’s signature sound was driven by the dual guitar attack of Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby. DeMartini, known for his fluid, melodic phrasing and technical prowess, brought a fiery precision to Ratt’s music, blending blues-inspired licks with shredding techniques. Crosby, on the other hand, provided the rock-solid rhythm foundation that allowed DeMartini’s lead work to shine. Together, they created the perfect mix of catchy hooks, harmonised leads, and driving riffs that helped define the glam metal genre. Their influence can still be heard in countless rock and metal guitarists today.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song’s signature riff makes heavy use of power chords combined with palm muting to create a tight, punchy sound. Mastering this technique is essential for achieving the driving rhythm and energy of classic hard rock. Power chords are a staple in rock and metal, and learning them will greatly expand your ability to play rhythm guitar with confidence.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Throughout the solos and lead sections, string bending and bluesy bends add emotion and sustain to the notes. Controlling the pitch and vibrato while bending is key to achieving a professional sound, helping you develop better finger strength and expressiveness in your solos.

Alternate Picking

DeMartini’s fast, articulate runs make use of alternate picking, ensuring precision and speed in executing rapid note sequences. Practicing this technique will improve your overall picking efficiency and make fast passages sound cleaner and more controlled.

Legato: Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Many of the lead lines incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating a fluid and smooth sound. Mastering legato technique will help you achieve faster, more effortless lead playing while reducing picking effort.

Double Stops and Harmonised Leads

A defining feature of Ratt’s dual-guitar approach is the use of double stops and dual guitar harmonies, giving their melodies a rich, full sound. Learning these techniques will allow you to create harmonised lead parts that stand out in a band setting.

Two-Handed Tapping

DeMartini was known for incorporating two-handed tapping into his solos, and "Round And Round" features fast, flashy tapping licks. Mastering tapping can help you add impressive speed and fluidity to your lead playing, enabling you to execute rapid sequences with minimal picking effort.

Whammy Bar Tricks and Dive Bombs

Like many ‘80s guitar heroes, DeMartini made great use of whammy bar tricks and dive bombs to add dramatic flair to his solos. Learning these techniques will help you achieve the wild, expressive sounds synonymous with the glam metal era.

Rakes and Pinched Harmonics

Adding attack and aggression to the lead lines, rakes and pinched harmonics are used to accentuate certain notes with a gritty, screaming tone. These techniques will help you enhance your phrasing and bring extra attitude to your playing.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Dive Bombs
• Rakes
• Pinched Harmonics

By mastering these techniques through our note-for-note guitar lesson, you'll be able to play "Round And Round" just like the original recording while also improving your overall lead and rhythm guitar skills. Whether you're a fan of Ratt or just looking to add some ‘80s-style flair to your playing, this lesson is the perfect way to level up your guitar chops!