The Kinks – You Really Got Me Riff

Few riffs in rock history are as instantly recognisable and impactful as the one powering You Really Got Me by The Kinks. With its raw energy and groundbreaking tone, this riff not only defined a generation but also laid the foundation for hard rock and heavy metal. In our detailed You Really Got Me riff guitar lesson, we break down every nuance of this iconic part, guiding you step-by-step through the techniques that make it unforgettable.

Whether you're a beginner looking to learn your first classic riff or a more experienced guitarist seeking to refine your tone and attack, this lesson offers something for everyone. You’ll gain insight into essential guitar techniques, improve your rhythm playing, and develop a feel for one of the most influential guitar sounds ever recorded. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Legacy

Released in 1964, You Really Got Me was a breakout hit for The Kinks and became a landmark in rock music. Its aggressive power chord riff was unlike anything else on the charts at the time. Often credited as one of the first proto-metal or hard rock songs, it inspired generations of bands from Van Halen to The Ramones.

What makes this track especially significant is its tone and rhythmic intensity. It's often cited as one of the earliest examples of distortion being used as a key part of a song’s sound, a result of guitarist Dave Davies slashing the speaker cone of his amp to achieve that gritty, overdriven texture.

Dave Davies: The Architect of Rock Guitar Tone

Dave Davies, lead guitarist of The Kinks, was just a teenager when he created the sound that would revolutionise guitar music. His use of distortion and power chords predates the widespread use of overdrive pedals or high-gain amps, making his contribution both innovative and rebellious.

Davies' influence reaches far beyond The Kinks’ discography. His approach to rhythm guitar inspired legions of punk and hard rock guitarists, proving that attitude, timing, and tone are just as important as technical prowess. In this lesson, we channel that same spirit, showing you how to emulate his raw energy and tight execution.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

At the core of You Really Got Me is the power chord. This two-note shape forms the backbone of countless rock songs. Learning to play power chords cleanly and with the right amount of palm muting and attack is essential for any aspiring rock guitarist. You'll develop strength in your fretting hand and accuracy in your picking hand, setting a solid foundation for heavier styles of music.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds tightness and punch to the riff, allowing you to create dynamic contrast. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while you play. It’s crucial for controlling the articulation and rhythmic drive of the riff, helping you sound tighter and more precise.

String Bending

While not as prominent as the other techniques, subtle bends and inflections can be heard in live versions and covers of the song. Understanding how to execute clean string bends gives your playing expressiveness and emotion—important traits for any rock solo or riff.

Slides

Sliding between chords or notes adds fluidity to your playing. In this riff, quick slides between power chords create a smooth yet aggressive transition, mimicking the feel of a live rock performance. Mastering slides improves your fretboard navigation and adds flair to otherwise static chord progressions.

Open String Riffs

The use of open strings in combination with power chords gives the riff its wide, resonant sound. Open string riffs help you integrate rhythm and melody in a seamless way, building coordination between your picking and fretting hands while expanding your tonal palette.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the You Really Got Me riff is more than just adding a classic song to your repertoire—it’s about internalising foundational rock techniques that will benefit your playing in numerous ways. You’ll improve your rhythmic precision, get hands-on experience with distortion and dynamics, and gain confidence in your ability to replicate iconic guitar sounds. Plus, you’ll be connecting directly with the roots of rock guitar, tapping into the same energy that launched thousands of bands.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

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

Explore this riff in our exclusive Licklibrary lesson and unlock the building blocks of modern rock guitar! Ready to channel the raw power of The Kinks? Plug in, turn up, and let’s dive in.