Rock Out: Your Guide To Playing 'Bang A Gong' On Guitar

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey guitar heroes! Ever wanted to learn how to play T. Rex's iconic hit, "Bang a Gong (Get It On)"? Well, you've come to the right place! This song is a blast to play, super recognizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a beginner just strumming your first chords or a seasoned player looking to add some glam rock to your repertoire, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to nail "Bang a Gong" on your guitar. We'll break down the chords, the strumming pattern, the signature riff, and even some tips and tricks to make your playing sound awesome. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get ready to rock! This guide is packed with easy-to-follow instructions, helpful diagrams, and insider tips to get you sounding like Marc Bolan in no time. Forget about those complicated music theories. This guide will focus on playing the song with passion and accuracy. You don’t need to be a guitar god to play this song. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity and infectious energy. By the time you're done, you'll be able to play "Bang a Gong" from start to finish. Let's get started.

Essential Gear You'll Need

Before we dive into the song, let's make sure you have the basics covered. First things first, you'll need a guitar! Any electric guitar or acoustic guitar will do the trick, but a classic electric guitar will help you achieve the authentic glam rock sound. You'll also need a guitar cable if you're using an electric guitar, an amplifier is crucial for electric guitars, and a guitar pick is your trusty companion. Though, you can technically play with your fingers, a pick gives you more control and helps with the song's rhythmic drive. A tuner is another must-have, whether it's a clip-on tuner or a tuning app on your phone. Make sure your guitar is in tune before you start playing, to make sure you sound great. Finally, a strap if you prefer playing standing up. With these things sorted, you're all set to go. Having the right gear sets the foundation for a great playing experience. No matter what your level of experience, it’s always good to have your gear in check. So, before starting, take a moment to ensure that your guitar is properly tuned, your amp is set up, and you're comfortable with your gear. These are the tools of the trade, and they are essential for your success. Don't underestimate the impact that properly functioning gear can have on your overall performance and enjoyment. Trust us, it’s a game-changer!

Guitar Tuner

Tuning is fundamental. Before you play any song, tune your guitar. We're tuning to standard tuning (E A D G B e). If you're a beginner, there are tons of online resources like YouTube videos and tuning apps to help you tune your guitar. Tuners are available in various forms, from clip-on tuners to pedal tuners to smartphone apps. Choose the one that suits you best. The key is to make sure your guitar is properly in tune. Proper tuning will not only help you in playing the correct notes and chords, but it will also improve your overall playing experience. Nothing is worse than trying to play a song on an out-of-tune guitar! It sounds unpleasant and can hinder your progress. You can easily find a tuner that fits your budget. Spend some time getting familiar with how your tuner works.

Guitar Pick

Choose a guitar pick. Different thicknesses have different sounds. Experiment and find what works for you. Most people use a medium pick. Holding the pick correctly is important. Hold it between your thumb and index finger, making sure a small portion of the pick sticks out. You don't want to grip the pick too tightly; relax your hand. The way you hold and use the pick greatly affects your tone and playability. The pick is your main tool for strumming and picking notes. The size and shape of the pick are also important. Experiment with different picks. Each type of pick can give you a different sound and feel. Don't be afraid to experiment with different thicknesses and materials until you find the one that feels right. Once you find the pick that fits you, try to stick with it. It will help you improve and get used to how to hold the pick.

Decoding the Chords: The Heart of the Song

"Bang a Gong" is relatively simple in terms of chords, which makes it perfect for players of all levels. The core of the song revolves around a few key chords that are repeated throughout the verses, chorus, and bridge. You’ll be mainly working with four chords. Here's what you need to know:

  • E Major: E - 022100
  • A Major: A - x02220
  • D Major: D - xx0232
  • G Major: G - 320003

These chords are the building blocks of "Bang a Gong." Once you have these chords down, you're well on your way to playing the entire song. Practice changing between these chords smoothly and quickly. Initially, you might find it tricky to transition smoothly between chords. However, with practice, your fingers will become more accustomed to the movement. Start slowly, focusing on clean chord changes. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key when learning new chords. Daily practice is far more effective than sporadic long sessions. Short, consistent practice sessions help to reinforce muscle memory. Each time you practice, focus on a different chord transition. To improve your chord transitions, practice a specific sequence repeatedly. Try practicing the chords in different orders, like E-A-D-G, A-D-G-E, and so on. This will help you become more adaptable to the transitions. After a bit of practice, these chords will become second nature, and you'll be playing along with the song in no time! Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

The Strumming Pattern: Get That Groove Going

Now that you know the chords, let’s get into the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern is what gives "Bang a Gong" its signature groove and drive. It's a fairly straightforward pattern that's easy to learn, but it's all about the feel. Here's a simple, and effective strumming pattern you can use:

  • Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

  • Down: Strum down on the beat.

  • Up: Strum up on the beat.

This pattern should be played with a consistent rhythm. Try counting the beats as you strum. Practice this pattern slowly at first, focusing on accuracy. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. To get the authentic feel of the song, try to keep the rhythm steady and consistent. Make sure each strum is even and precise. Also, pay attention to the song’s overall rhythm. The song has a strong upbeat. Try to feel this energy as you strum. Start by strumming the pattern slowly, focusing on accuracy and clean strumming. Then gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Remember to have fun and let the music move you. The goal is to make the strumming pattern feel natural and organic. The more you practice, the easier it will become to master. Remember to listen to the song and try to match your strumming pattern with the music. With practice, you'll be playing "Bang a Gong" with confidence and style.

The Signature Riff: Adding Some Flair

While the chords and strumming provide the foundation, the signature riff is what truly defines "Bang a Gong." This riff is played during the song's intro, breaks, and throughout the song. This riff is relatively simple, but it adds a lot of character and excitement to the song. Here's how to play it:

  • Start on the low E string, play the open string.
  • Play the 2nd fret, on the low E string.
  • Play the 0 fret, on the A string.
  • Play the 2nd fret, on the A string.
  • Repeat this pattern.

This riff is the icing on the cake. The riff has a distinct, memorable sound that everyone recognizes. The key to playing this riff well is to focus on accuracy. Pay attention to the timing and the notes. It might take some practice to get it perfect, but don’t get discouraged. This riff uses the open E string and the A string. This creates a powerful, driving sound that is essential for the song's energy. Practice slowly and focus on hitting the right notes. Start by playing it slowly, and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. The more you practice, the better you’ll get! By mastering the signature riff, you'll transform from simply playing the chords to truly owning the song. Keep practicing and keep rocking!

Putting It All Together: Your Complete Playthrough

Alright, you've got the chords, you've got the strumming pattern, and you've got the signature riff. Now, let’s put it all together to play the entire song. Here's a basic structure of "Bang a Gong" to guide you:

  1. Intro: Play the signature riff.
  2. Verse 1: Play the E, A, D, G chords. Repeat the same sequence throughout the verse.
  3. Chorus: Repeat the same chords.
  4. Verse 2: Repeat the chords.
  5. Chorus: Repeat the chords.
  6. Bridge: The bridge may include some variations on the chords, but generally sticks to the basic chords.
  7. Chorus: Repeat the chords.
  8. Outro: Play the signature riff.
  • Practice: Start by playing the song slowly, focusing on smooth transitions between chords and a steady strumming pattern. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Listen to the song while you play to make sure you're in sync. Try to match your playing with the music. Playing along with the original recording is a great way to improve your timing and feel. It also gives you a clear reference point. Break the song down into sections. Master each section before moving on to the next. Focus on the challenging parts. Play these sections repeatedly until you feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and come back to it later. Playing the entire song will require coordination between the chords, strumming patterns, and the signature riff. With consistent practice, you'll be able to play "Bang a Gong" from start to finish. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be ready to perform and show off your skills.

Tips and Tricks for Guitar Gods

Let's get you sounding like a rockstar! Here are some tips and tricks to make your playing even better:

  • Listen to the Song: Before you start playing, listen to the song multiple times. Pay attention to the chords, the rhythm, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you understand the nuances of the song. Familiarizing yourself with the song will allow you to play with more confidence and accuracy. Listen to the song until you can hum the tune. Also, try to identify different parts of the song. Understanding how the song is structured will help you play it more effectively.

  • Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Even short, daily practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, long sessions. Try to set aside some time each day to practice your chords, strumming patterns, and the riff. Consistent practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your overall playing. Practicing regularly will also help you identify areas where you need to improve. If you have limited time, focus on practicing the parts of the song you find most challenging. With regular practice, you'll see a noticeable improvement in your skills.

  • Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you maintain a steady tempo. This will help you improve your timing and rhythm. Start by practicing the song with a slow tempo. Then gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Using a metronome will help you develop a strong sense of rhythm. Practicing with a metronome will also improve your ability to play in time. You can find metronome apps for your phone or use a physical metronome. Make sure to use the metronome for all the parts of the song. You'll thank yourself later!

  • Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your playing and note any mistakes or areas where you can improve. You may hear things you didn't notice while playing. You can record yourself with your phone or any recording device. Recording yourself playing will help you to learn. It gives you an objective perspective on your playing. By recording yourself, you can track your progress. With practice, you’ll be sounding amazing.

  • Play with Others: Playing with others can be a fun and rewarding experience. This will help you learn the song faster. Try to find a friend or a group of friends who also play guitar. Playing with others can motivate you and make the learning process more enjoyable. Consider joining a band or a jam session. Playing with others can also provide valuable feedback on your playing skills. Play with others at every opportunity. The more you play with other people, the more you will improve.

  • Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques. Try adding your own personal touches to the song. It’s all about having fun. Let your personality shine through your playing! Experimenting is a great way to make the song your own. If you have fun, you're more likely to stick with it! By embracing experimentation, you will enhance your skills. Playing guitar should be a source of enjoyment and self-expression. So, take the time to enjoy the music and have a blast. Let your creativity flow and let the music move you.

Conclusion: You Got This!

Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" on guitar. You've learned the chords, the strumming pattern, the signature riff, and how to put it all together. Now it's time to keep practicing, keep rocking, and most importantly, keep having fun! Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey and the music. Your dedication and hard work will pay off. So go out there and show off your skills. Keep playing, and you’ll get better with each practice session. Rock on and enjoy the music!