London Calling by The Clash

At Licklibrary.com, we offer precise, note-for-note guitar lessons that bring iconic tracks to life. One of the standout additions to our lesson catalogue is London Calling by The Clash. A rebellious anthem wrapped in catchy riffs and rhythmic drive, London Calling is more than just a punk classic—it’s a guitar player’s masterclass in feel, groove, and technique.

Our London Calling lesson breaks down every part of this legendary track, giving you the tools to understand and play it just like the original recording. This track offers a range of guitar techniques, making it a rewarding challenge for players looking to tighten their rhythm, boost musical awareness, and explore unique textures that defined an era. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Work

Released in 1979, London Calling stands as a defining moment in British punk and post-punk history. Musically, it blends elements of rockabilly, reggae, and punk rock, delivering an eclectic mix that remains influential to this day. For guitarists, it’s a goldmine of sharp chordal work, syncopated strumming, and expressive dynamics.

The guitars in London Calling are raw, rhythmic, and packed with energy. Rather than focusing on flashy solos, this track is a lesson in attitude and groove, where every chord and strum has meaning. Learning the guitar parts here offers a great opportunity to sharpen your rhythm guitar chops and develop tight control over tone and articulation.

The Clash’s Guitarists: Joe Strummer & Mick Jones

Joe Strummer and Mick Jones were the driving guitar forces behind The Clash. Strummer, known for his raw, aggressive rhythm playing, brought urgency and intensity to the band’s sound. His playing wasn't flashy—it was primal and purposeful, ideal for punk's “do-it-yourself” ethic.

Mick Jones complemented this with more melodic elements, offering tasteful leads, texture, and occasional flourishes. His approach to guitar often drew from classic rock and early rock ’n’ roll, blending in with Strummer’s grit to create a sound that was both chaotic and controlled.

Together, their interplay created something special—tight, expressive, and uniquely influential. Learning London Calling offers a direct connection to their chemistry, and helps any guitarist develop dynamic awareness and rhythmic strength.

Guitar Techniques Covered in London Calling

Power Chords

This song relies heavily on power chords, a staple of punk guitar. Mastering these allows players to deliver aggressive, concise rhythm parts while keeping harmonic clarity. Practicing this tight chord approach enhances your stamina and fretting hand accuracy, essential for all rock genres.

Palm Muting

A core part of London Calling’s tight, chugging guitar tone comes from palm muting. Learning this technique improves your control over note length and rhythmic feel, crucial for creating percussive dynamics in any genre.

Barre Chords

Strummer’s use of barre chords gives the song its driving momentum. Playing these shapes smoothly across different fret positions strengthens hand endurance and broadens your chord vocabulary.

Slides

The transitions between chords and accents throughout the track often make use of slides, which add a fluid motion to otherwise rigid progressions. Learning to slide cleanly helps develop fretboard navigation and expressive articulation.

String Bending

Some of the melodic embellishments feature string bending, giving character and emotion to the lines. Bending notes accurately enhances your ear training and finger strength.

Vibrato

Although not overused, vibrato in Mick Jones’ lead phrases adds flavor and individuality to his tone. Vibrato technique allows you to bring a vocal-like quality to your playing, making your notes sing rather than just ring.

Chord Progressions

A deep understanding of the song’s chord progressions helps players comprehend its musical flow and structure. Learning to identify and play these shapes fluently aids songwriting and improvisation skills.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s groove thrives on syncopated rhythms, giving it a reggae-inspired pulse under a punk aesthetic. Tightening up your syncopation builds timing accuracy and deepens your internal sense of rhythm.

Benefits of Learning London Calling

Learning London Calling from our detailed video lesson gives you far more than just the satisfaction of playing along with a classic. It develops essential rhythmic chops, boosts dynamic control, and enhances your ability to communicate musically through subtle articulation. With a range of techniques embedded in the song, you’ll walk away with tangible skills that translate into countless musical settings—from punk to indie to rock.

By studying the distinct interplay between Strummer and Jones, you also gain insight into how rhythm and lead roles complement each other in a band setting. This makes London Calling not just a technical exercise, but a full-spectrum lesson in musical arrangement and feel.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms

Explore these techniques and more with Licklibrary’s expertly crafted video lessons and bring London Calling to life, one chord at a time.