"Pretty Vacant" by Sex Pistols

Introduction to "Pretty Vacant"

At Licklibrary.com, we bring you a powerful, note-for-note guitar lesson for the Sex Pistols' classic "Pretty Vacant." This song captures the raw energy of the late 1970s punk scene with simple yet ferociously effective guitar work. In this lesson, you'll not only learn the full song but also master key techniques that will elevate your playing, strengthen your musical vocabulary, and bring more edge to your guitar tone. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Pretty Vacant"

While the Sex Pistols' music might appear straightforward, the guitar parts require precision, timing, and a true punk attitude. Here’s a breakdown of the primary guitar techniques you'll be mastering in this lesson:

Power Chords

One of the foundations of punk guitar playing is the use of power chords. These chords strip down the traditional chord to just the root and the fifth, providing a strong, aggressive sound that's perfect for driving riffs. Learning power chords builds finger strength, improves hand synchronisation, and lays the groundwork for rhythm guitar mastery.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is heavily used throughout the track to create a tight, percussive feel. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand near the bridge while playing. Mastering palm muting will improve your dynamic control and allow you to create a heavier, more rhythmic sound that's essential for rock and punk styles.

String Bending

The expressive string bending found in "Pretty Vacant" adds a vocal-like quality to the lead guitar parts. Controlled bending strengthens your fingers and trains your ear for better pitch accuracy, an essential skill for any serious guitarist.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, giving the song its signature swagger and fluidity. Practicing slides enhances finger dexterity and helps build smoother, more connected lead lines in your playing.

Open String Riffs

The song features catchy open-string riffs that contribute to its anthemic quality. Working on these riffs helps improve timing, precision, and note clarity, which are critical when playing at faster tempos.

About the Guitarist: Steve Jones

The guitar work on "Pretty Vacant" is performed by Steve Jones, one of punk's most influential guitarists. Known for his thick, punchy tone and machine-like rhythm playing, Jones helped define the aggressive sound that would inspire countless rock, metal, and alternative musicians. His straightforward yet impactful approach demonstrates that great guitar playing isn’t always about speed or complexity—sometimes, attitude, precision, and tone are all you need.

Steve Jones' influence stretches beyond punk; his style can be heard in the works of bands like Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, and Green Day. Learning his style through "Pretty Vacant" provides a direct line to understanding how simplicity and raw energy can drive a song to legendary status.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Mastering the techniques in this lesson will not only allow you to perform "Pretty Vacant" accurately but also improve your overall musicianship. You'll develop better timing, stronger fingers, a tighter right-hand technique, and an ability to express yourself more fully through your instrument. Whether you're looking to strengthen your rhythm playing or simply add some punk fire to your repertoire, this lesson is an essential step forward.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Open String Riffs