Holidays In The Sun - Sex Pistols
Introduction to the Song
"Holidays In The Sun" by the Sex Pistols is a punk rock anthem packed with aggressive energy, raw emotion, and iconic guitar work. Our LickLibrary note-for-note lesson captures the rebellious spirit of the track while equipping guitarists with essential techniques that will enhance their playing skills across multiple styles. This lesson is perfect for players who want to develop their rhythm guitar chops, tight riffing ability, and punk rock attitude. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Guitar Techniques Focused in This Lesson
Power Chords
One of the foundational elements of punk rock guitar, power chords drive "Holidays In The Sun" with relentless energy. Power chords are simple two- or three-note chords that create a full, aggressive sound. Mastering power chords will allow players to command the fretboard with confidence and lay a strong foundation for any rock or punk song.
Benefit: Learning power chords helps in developing chordal strength and finger control while promoting quick transitions across the neck.
➡️ Power Chords
Palm Muting
Palm muting plays a crucial role in the dynamic contrast of this track. By lightly resting the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, guitarists create a choked, percussive effect that tightens the rhythm section.
Benefit: Mastering palm muting improves rhythmic precision and enhances dynamic control, essential for all styles of guitar playing.
➡️ Palm Muting
String Bending
Although not a dominant feature in every riff, subtle string bending adds an expressive flair to transitional licks in the song. This technique injects attitude and emotion into the playing, perfectly matching the song's rebellious tone.
Benefit: Practicing string bending improves intonation and finger strength, essential for soloing and expressive lead work.
Slides
Slides are used throughout the riffs to create smooth, seamless movements between notes and chords. This punk essential enhances the raw, gritty texture of the Sex Pistols' sound.
Benefit: Mastering slides helps guitarists develop better fretboard navigation and fluidity between positions.
➡️ Slides
Vibrato
While subtle, vibrato adds a layer of expressiveness to the few lead phrases in "Holidays In The Sun." Johnny Rotten's vocal intensity is mirrored by these tasteful guitar embellishments.
Benefit: Developing a strong vibrato brings life and emotion to your playing, an essential skill for crafting memorable solos and melodies.
➡️ Vibrato
Alternate Picking
Fast and furious, the downstroke-heavy rhythm sections are complemented by efficient alternate picking techniques during some transitional phrases.
Benefit: Practicing alternate picking increases speed, accuracy, and stamina, making it easier to play fast and cleanly.
About the Guitar Player - Steve Jones
The guitar on "Holidays In The Sun" was played by Steve Jones, the Sex Pistols' influential axeman. Known for his thick, aggressive tone and no-nonsense approach, Jones crafted a signature punk guitar sound that has influenced countless rock, metal, and punk guitarists. His playing style relies on tight rhythms, precision, and sheer attitude rather than technical flamboyance. Steve Jones proved that simplicity, when delivered with conviction and style, can change the face of music. Learning his parts not only gives players an authentic taste of punk rock history but also instills the importance of timing, tone, and feel over flashy technique.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...