Get It On by T. Rex

"Get It On" by T. Rex is an iconic track from the early '70s, showcasing a blend of glam rock, catchy riffs, and classic rock 'n' roll energy. Our note-for-note guitar lesson teaches you how to play this legendary song while focusing on essential techniques that will elevate your guitar playing. Marc Bolan, T. Rex's frontman and guitarist, is a prominent figure in rock history, and understanding his approach to guitar playing will deepen your appreciation for the craft and inspire your own playing style. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Get It On"

The primary guitarist on "Get It On" is Marc Bolan, whose distinctively slinky yet powerful guitar work helped define the glam rock sound of the 1970s. Bolan's playing is notable for its raw simplicity, catchy hooks, and ability to fuse blues-inspired licks with rock rhythms. He influenced generations of guitarists, blending an accessible, laid-back playing style with moments of pure rock brilliance. His contributions to T. Rex's music left an indelible mark on both the glam rock genre and guitar-driven music.

Guitar Techniques in "Get It On"

Power Chords

"Get It On" is built around power chords, which form the backbone of many rock songs. These chords are easy to play but create a heavy, full sound that's perfect for rock music. Learning power chords helps guitarists quickly play along with their favourite rock tracks and develop a strong sense of rhythm guitar playing.

String Bending

String bending is another essential technique used in this song. Bolan uses it to add expressive flair to his lead lines. Mastering string bending improves your control over pitch and allows you to add emotion and intensity to your solos.

Slides

The song features several prominent slides between chords and notes, giving the riff a smooth, connected feel. Practicing slides enhances your ability to transition seamlessly between notes and add a fluid, polished quality to your playing.

Vibrato

Bolan’s use of vibrato in his solos and melodies brings extra life to his notes. By learning vibrato, guitarists can make even simple melodies sound more dynamic and expressive. This technique is a great way to add personality to your lead playing.

Palm Muting

To achieve the tight, percussive rhythm guitar sound heard in "Get It On," palm muting is employed. This technique involves resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge while playing. It gives your playing a more rhythmic and controlled tone, making it an essential skill for rock and metal players.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

During the song’s guitar solo and melodic passages, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create fluid runs of notes. These techniques allow for faster, more legato playing, giving your solos a smooth, continuous flow.

Barre Chords

In addition to power chords, barre chords are used to shape the harmonic structure of the song. Mastering barre chords is essential for any guitarist looking to play a wide variety of songs across genres. They also strengthen your fretting hand, helping to build endurance and flexibility.

Alternate Picking

For those fast-paced sections in the song, alternate picking is key. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes while picking, resulting in more efficient and faster note execution. Learning alternate picking is beneficial for guitarists looking to increase their speed and precision in playing intricate lines.

Bluesy Bends

Marc Bolan injects his lead playing with bluesy bends, drawing from blues traditions to give the solo parts a gritty, emotional feel. Bending in this way enhances your musical phrasing and helps you develop a more nuanced, expressive soloing style.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique featured in "Get It On" not only allows you to replicate the song accurately but also provides you with fundamental guitar skills that are applicable across various styles of music. Whether you’re aiming to improve your rhythm playing or enhance your lead guitar chops, these techniques will serve you well in many different contexts. Moreover, these techniques will help you develop better timing, control, and expression, which are key to becoming a versatile and accomplished guitarist.

Learning to master power chords, string bending, palm muting, vibrato, and other techniques found in "Get It On" will make you a more dynamic and well-rounded player. As you study this lesson, you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for Marc Bolan's unique style and the ways in which he used these methods to create timeless music that continues to resonate with guitarists today.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Barre Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Bluesy Bends