Q&A: From Punk To Rockabilly - Power Chords, Octaves and Chuck Berry - Guitar Lesson

Answering a couple of questions posted here and submitted to the website, 'What's a good way to get into rockabilly guitar playing, coming from a punk background?'
Here is an attempt to answer that, with a look at some of the themes that are shared by punk rock and rockabilly and rock and roll and surf and psycho and... etc
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#punk #rockabilly #gretsch #ratrod

[@rgerwin.3378]

I am old school, meaning that I was in the scene early 80's. Dangerous back then to be a punk, lots of fist fights , substances, depravity and chaos. Kind regards Rockabilly Rob

[@gogboxing5655]

Maybe the greatest intro in the history of youtube guitar instruction vids ever...

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

😹 that is very kind sir!

[@shaem482]

I agree, I was very baked so I was thoroughly entertained/lost

[@larrybstreetfish5852]

I agree!!

[@Luxsound67]

YEEH - finaly i got it... 😄!

[@danpugatch]

Great tutorial, I'm subscribing to your channel. As my buddy once said, "Ever notice that punks grow up to be rockabillies?" So true!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Dan! Yeah it’s all the same really, the 50s / 60s rockers were the punks of their time!

[@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660]

The great thing about rockabilly, is it very much encompasses several different genres of music. I think the great Brian Setzer taught me this more than anybody that rockabilly is a mishmash of rock ‘n’ roll, country western, swing, bop, and jazz. And learning good rockabilly guitar will I think, more than just about any other genre of music, expand your musical vocabulary significantly.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s a great take. It’s all rock n roll at the end of the day! Cheers 🍻

[@mesolithicman164]

A tutorial that goes from Chuck Berry to the SexPistols by way of Cliff Gallop and Eddie Cochran to the Ramones. Just perfect. Thanks.

[@evanwright1180]

After years of playing, I never knew the trick where you just slide the "bar" back, and not the whole chord. Great stuff!

[@edgytryhard]

Very useful and clear, thanks. Learned so much from just this one video

[@edwither8284]

😊 Been doing all that since the seventies DRC.... I'm thrilled its still in style... Because i'm still doing it.❤😊

[@paulcargo4233]

It scares me that I know and understand everything you are referencing and playing...I'm sold

[@johndogwater]

New. Favourite. Channel.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you and welcome to the gang

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant

[@lucaforlin5724]

Another awesome vid👍 many thanks

[@albertliu1352]

It’s a gas to watch and learn from your channel. Glad to have you here.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot Albert!

[@pandanvillas8921]

Dead Kennedys holiday in Cambodia, another great example of how punk, old school rock and roll and surf guitar can be closely linked

[@yankovyv1819]

Grrrreat! Red wine cheers dude, for all your stuff here!

[@doodlequetv1679]

My favorite guitar video I’ve ever seen.

[@pafluk-ve1pb]

Awesome video, thanks for these lesson videos!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot you’re a welcome !

[@kelleyhatlee1562]

Excellent as always! Thanks!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you!

[@MrMdg1234]

Awesome video, all those rifts were ringing out in my youth (80’s). Can’t wait to try these out. You’re videos are much appreciated 😊🎸

[@ianwallace2099]

Great video/ comparison ! Thanks!👍🏻😊

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Ian!

[@plasticbudgie]

Mate your channel is godly i swear, i've been playing guitar for around 10 years now always loved the blues and rock. I fell in love with Doc Watson some years ago your channel has realy helped me play some dreams.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s very kind! I’m glad these things can be useful! All the best ! 🍻

[@BlackBeltMusician]

Great video!

[@spottedsaint957]

What a great demo!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you 🍻

[@woodmum]

Great channel man!!!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot ! 😸

[@gretch6120]

Loved it 🎶🎶

[@ZombieStray]

Thanks dude this was really helpful im still fairly new to playing guitar so I mainly do power chords but I grew up listening to punk and rockabilly now I can mix it up a bit in my solo stuff thanks a bunch dude

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Awesome glad to be of use ! Cheers! 🍻

[@jingyuanliu386]

thank you!

[@michaelwhalen7991]

Really the best lessons on the web. You pack so much into every video ! So glad I clicked on the first one months ago...didn't know how good they would be. Now I know ! Awesome lessons. Thanks for all your hard work making it easy for me ! Got to get some swag to support the site! Thanks again !

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you Micheal, means a lot !

[@rgerwin.3378]

@@DEATHRAYCAT Here, here! The BEST lessons on the web>agreed.

[@rockabillyste]

When I wanted to learn more jazz and western swing my guitar taught me the rules of jazz. Rule one was "Any chord can be entered into from a semitone above or below". The examples he gave me were "Jailhouse Rock" and "God Save The Queen"

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Nice ! Who knew the sex pistols were Jazzers !

[@kennyhutchison5013]

Thanks for doing this, appreciated.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

You’re very welcome! More to come I think !

[@kennyhutchison5013]

Keep them coming.

[@daleclarkomagickdog3738]

From an aging punk ,thanks.

[@tedwrink]

Great one thanks

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers Colin! 🍻

[@Wulf425]

This was super cool, you're a rock n roll historian. I discovered a lot of those similarities between early rock/rockabilly/punk as I was learning guitar in punk's heyday. Love the Ramones/Richie Valens mashup.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you! Thats great, I guess there's only so many chords!

[@kerryfromaj9032]

Thanks!! I was lucky to see the Ramones, Motörhead and countless other live shows… I dropped out of high school and soon after Motörhead released Ace of Spades. Of all the lifelines that could have been thrown my way back it was Lemmy and Co to save the day! That album got me on track for sure. How very cool to be learning music that matters with your “genre specific” lessons. Many thanks.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

The school of Rock n Roll! Cheers Kerry ! 🍻

[@scottketterer1672]

KZbin reccomendation nailed it. Digging the channel.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Awesome thanks Scott!

[@RJHorl]

Verry good

[@subvertsounds]

Best intro ever bro!!! Shit had me ☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@samghost13]

Thank you very much Sir! You Rock Sir!!!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you !

[@javiervalenzuela6365]

Impresionante 👏👏👏

[@kevinkohler7997]

Just discovered your channel. Enjoying getting back to some basics but someof your "basics" are totally new to me and my violent strumming technique. And i believe i heard a hint of "God Save the Queen". Cheers from the Colonies

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot! Welcome to the gang

[@baubosoul]

😆😆😆😂😂😂 lol that intro!!! Amazing 🎶🎶🎶

[@begtotheroots]

Cool video 👍

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers buddy 🍻

[@trishhines4589]

I FRIGGIN ❤

[@trishhines4589]

Yes, I'm Canadian.

[@jtbjr58]

Hilarious! But true -- the crossover in genres. My hat is off to you...I have never seen a video or other that made all these connections as successfully.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thank you

[@alvarorosler9323]

Great lesson!!!!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks Álvaro! Cheers ! 🍻

[@steerpike50]

Very true its all great stuff and all from the 1-4-5 there is of course the 2-5-1 mob but we don't talk about them , lol great vid.

[@Seanodemo]

Another great vid. Really liking the tutorials... maybe think about a Messer Chups one? (Suggesting as I saw them in your opening video clips). Anyway, great channel.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot ! Messer Chups is a good shout! Just need to pick a tune 🧐

[@kerryfromaj9032]

@@DEATHRAYCAT Messer Chups ? How bout Stigmata?? I’ve been wanting to learn that one.

[@Macfly30580]

Merci beaucoup pour ce son cette musique que j'aime tant 👍

[@trishhines4589]

Why am I Just Seeing you now? Anyways, Glad to be here. 😊

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Welcome to the gang Trish!

[@misfit138zwc]

Oh man...R.I.P. Nick Curran 🍻

[@SpookieVonDookie]

Nice Ratrod, I’ve got the black one

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Nice to meet a Rat Rod twin! They’re great guitars aren’t they? 🙌

[@subdude872]

Road Racers shoutout!

[@toastoftowne1076]

Thanks I’m digging your channel. No boo hooin here. It’s a long way to the shop if ya want a sausage roll. Aloha

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s what I like to hear! No cry baby buntings! Cheers and thanks !🍻

[@kusaaaasu]

👌🏼

[@JsnHgl]

Dangerously close to psychobilly here. Haha. Loving your vids man. Just found your channel. This is all right up my alley! Happy new year. P.S. any thoughts on using a Jazzmaster for this kind of music?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot ! Glad you’re enjoying. I think you can use any guitar for anything really, (more or less) but a Jazzmaster would work nicely I think. Especially with the single note surfy stuff !

[@jeremybaker195]

Can you do a A/B comparison between the T'Armonds in the white rat rod and the D'Armond 2000s in the black cats eye behind you in this video?? Maybe give your opinion about the differences between them that you can hear being in the room maybe a difference if feel if any?? Thanks

[@waynevelzis8162]

You and your instruction are the best i have ever seen. Do you have a dvd?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Not yet, maybe one day! I am creating more videos over on the DEATHRAYCAT Patreon every week though. At some point I will put together a course or DVD, when I have time! Thanks Wayne 🍻

[@wadespalti6787]

Fookin deadly

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Cheers Wade 🍻

[@whiskeypunkfart239]

Fuck yeah!!!!

[@m.j.vazquez4720]

does anybody else think the key to a rock revival is a joint effort from rock n roll and punk ? the music is similar the clothing , hairstyle,clothes. attitude is similar they could so shows together promote each other and they would both be counter cultural to most if not all of whats going on in the music world today

[@Twitexter]

Hey, man, great channel! What model is that Gretsch in the corner? It’s beautiful!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks! It’s the G3141 historic series Syncromatic, it’s a great guitar!

[@jukejointjack]

Fuck yeah

[@mrmoto2715]

👍👍👍

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

🙌🍻💥

[@defectosespeciales]

Fantastic tricks, thanks! What band appears at 28'' of the intro?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s a band called ‘x’ and they are great ! 😸

[@defectosespeciales]

@@DEATHRAYCAT thanks! I'm discovering them now!

[@TheFairway8]

Top band X seen them a few times in the UK years ago.Their original and main guitarist Billy Zoom is exceptional even toured playing with gene Vincent. X’s other main guitarist was Tony Gilkyson also a very good guitarist

[@RichardLDayton394]

Im curious i recognize a few bands from the intro. Motorhead, who i love, the Ramones, little Richard, dick dale. Any ideas who else and at what times?

[@jeremybaker195]

Who is the band @0.39 the guitar player in the red cut off shirt and the black & white Harley cap??

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Nick Curran!

[@jayzak2271]

Was there a night birds clip in there?

[@user-gw3jx2vf7i]

🎸👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@JCF.1977]

Bloody hell, I almost broke my pinky 🤣

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

It’s a classic rock n roll injury! 🩹

[@lawrencegt2229]

How come you ran the gamut of punk, rockabilly, surf...but never mentioned PSYCHOBILLY! Will look forward to some Meteors & Guanabatz now that I've subscribed!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Welcome to the gang! 🍻

[@TsunaVongola336]

songs intro?

[@nicmerone7190]

They all come from the same man: Chuck Berry!

[@ChristianMarxist2]

What was the band at 0:38?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Nick Curran!

[@ChristianMarxist2]

@@DEATHRAYCAT Do ya know which song is that?

[@Lucky13vwr]

Are you using a drive pedal?

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

I can't remember to be honest, If I am it will be a tube screamer type thing !

[@maurostrummer9986]

hey bro, could you tell me the name of the band you named before? thanks

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Hi Mauro! When do you mean ?

[@jeremybaker195]

I love road racers. I wish they had a sound track out for that movie but I couldn't find it anywhere 😕 You need to do a video about that black cats eye guitar in the back ground. It would be cool to know more about it. Great videos cheers 🍻

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks a lot! I think I did a video on that guitar somewhere on my channel in the gear videos! 🍻

[@jeremybaker195]

@@DEATHRAYCAT I'll look for it. If you like Road Racers you should check out Hell Ride by Quintin Tarantino. It's a biker movie not a greaser movie but good all the same. Billy wings is awesome. " the green wings are for eating dead pussy." 🤣🤣🤣 Check it out.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That sounds right up my street! Here’s the cats eye guitar video … kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXmalpiHi6t1fNU

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

nicw

[@rattfink131]

Can you do a lesson on the cramps style guitar? There only seems to be lessons on human fly and goo goo muck.

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

That’s a good idea! Which are your favourite songs ?

[@rattfink131]

Bop pills, rockin bones, black leather lagoon. Pretty much anything off of stay sick and a date with Elvis.

[@Manche-De-Pelle]

If you like both style ... I suggest the 80'S band Deja Voodoo ... one of great mixed sound of those 2 genres. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roO9lZaLr71qn5I

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@brucebennett8584]

Punk rock rocka Billy psycho billy lol

[@nigelwhizz-plank2460]

Loving your work, however I may have a cry because you called it rockabilly punk surf when it quite obviously is rockabilly surf punk ;)

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

How could I make such a mistake 😹

[@brucebennett8584]

It’s only rock and roll to me

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

It's only rock n roll but I like it!

[@BlackRaven156]

Great video!

[@DEATHRAYCAT]

😸 thank you !