Hold You Back – Status Quo Guitar Lesson with Rick Parfitt
Learn to master the rhythm-driven, blues-infused rock sound of Status Quo with our in-depth note-for-note guitar lesson of "Hold You Back", taught by none other than Rick Parfitt himself. This lesson delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the iconic riffs, dynamic strumming, and essential techniques that define the track's raw energy and drive. Whether you're a fan of classic British rock or a guitarist aiming to sharpen your rhythm chops, this tutorial will not only teach you the song but also give you tools to improve your overall playing technique.
About the Song & Its Legacy
“Hold You Back” is a quintessential Status Quo track, originally released on the band's 1977 album Rockin' All Over the World. The song is celebrated for its upbeat tempo, infectious rhythm guitar work, and sing-along chorus. A staple of Status Quo’s live shows, this track exemplifies their signature boogie rock style—a genre they've helped define over decades.
This lesson offers an authentic glimpse into the creative mindset and playing style of Rick Parfitt, making it a goldmine for guitarists seeking to embody that rock-solid, driving rhythm style.
Guitarist Spotlight: Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi
The guitar work on "Hold You Back" is primarily handled by Rick Parfitt, with Francis Rossi also contributing his distinctive melodic flair. Parfitt, known for his powerhouse rhythm guitar and relentless stage energy, was a master of creating tight, percussive grooves that gave Status Quo their unmistakable sound. Rossi, the lead guitarist, added fluid, melodic lines and solos that balanced out Parfitt's driving chord work.
Together, these two guitarists created one of rock’s most enduring guitar partnerships. Learning their parts in this song helps you understand the beauty of complementary guitar roles in a band setting and the importance of tight timing and feel.
Guitar Techniques in This Lesson
Power Chords
Power chords are the backbone of Parfitt’s rhythm style in “Hold You Back.” These two- or three-note chords are played with authority, driving the song forward with a gritty, overdriven tone. Mastering power chords improves your fretting accuracy and timing, crucial for playing rhythm guitar in a rock band.
Palm Muting
Palm muting adds dynamics and percussiveness to your playing. In this lesson, you'll learn how Parfitt used palm muting to give his rhythm parts more bite and groove. Practicing palm muting enhances your right-hand control and lets you create a tighter, punchier sound in your rhythm work.
String Bending
Though primarily a rhythm-focused track, Parfitt occasionally uses string bending to add expression and movement to his playing. String bending is essential for adding vocal-like nuances to your leads and phrases, improving both your tone and control.
Slides
Slides help transition between notes and chords smoothly, giving your playing a more fluid and connected feel. You'll learn how Rick Parfitt uses slides both melodically and rhythmically throughout “Hold You Back.” This technique boosts your fretboard awareness and expressive phrasing.
Syncopated Rhythms
One of the defining features of this track is its syncopated rhythmic patterns. These offbeat accents are crucial to capturing the feel of Status Quo's groove. Developing this skill strengthens your internal timing and rhythm interpretation, making your playing feel more musical and less robotic.
Chord Progressions
While the chords may seem simple, the way Parfitt plays them adds a unique flavour to the song. You'll explore solid chord progressions and how to inject life into them through dynamics and timing. Learning how to work with chord progressions helps build your songwriting skills and understanding of song structure.
Why You Should Learn This Song
“Hold You Back” offers much more than just a fun rock tune to play—it's a rhythm guitar masterclass. You'll walk away with sharpened timing, better dynamic control, and a deeper appreciation for how groove and drive come together in rock music. Rick Parfitt’s playing teaches discipline, tightness, and the often-overlooked art of being an excellent rhythm guitarist.
Whether you're a beginner wanting to expand your chord vocabulary or an intermediate guitarist looking to tighten up your rhythm game, this lesson has something to offer.
Techniques Used in "Hold You Back"
This lesson gives you an authentic deep-dive into the rhythm-driven sound that made Status Quo legends, guided by the hands of Rick Parfitt himself. Don’t miss out on mastering this classic!
