How to play Rumble by Link Wray - Guitar Lesson w/tabs

damianbacci.com In this lesson I'll be teaching how to play Link Wray's Rumble. This legendary song came out in 1958 and is a must know song for anyone into playing early rock guitar, rockabilly & punk. The song is seen by most as a beginner song and many guitar players find it easy to play. I hope you'll find this lesson with guitar tabs helpful. Enjoy :)
Chapters
0:00 Intro/Demo
1:21 Song Facts & Lesson Overview
6:15 Lesson
8:53 Final Thoughts

[@zenmeister1959]

You just gotta love this guy..his positivity is infectious!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Frank. :)

[@johnnycop77]

Damo, oil that squeaky jacket! Great vid as always.

[@Damianblf]

I know right lol Thanks for watching :)

[@mikea75201]

Honestly, my favorite part of your lessons are your affirmations and words of inspiration. Though I really do appreciate your stripped down teaching style!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. :)

[@ebisu8824]

Gay

[@greatvanzini]

One of the 1st songs I ever learned as a kid. Excellent!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. Keep on Rockin' my friend. :)

[@jaclestrat]

One of the first i learned back then.

[@kerryfromaj9032]

The tone of your jacket! A subtle nuance. Adds some cool 😎 to the lesson, This was the first real song I learned 3 years ago, my first clean kill. This song was responsible for fast tracking my B7 chord, a tricky beginner chord. Thank you for the lesson and background!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. I think I'll wear my leather jacket for all my future Link Ray lessons. :)

[@thehunter3386]

Back in the day, (late 50’s, early 60’s) my band,(and others) plated the three R’s…RUMBLE, RAWHIDE and RAMROD. Never failed to excite the audience!

[@Damianblf]

Awesome. All great songs :)

[@jedishaw6771]

Man! That's a great tune! In fact it was our opening number at The Cavern Club in Liverpool 4 days ago!

[@Damianblf]

Awesome! :)

[@stevelabranche6119]

@ 3:30 Pat Boone record. In 1969, Air Force brat, at 12 yrs old I came home with Arthur Browns, "Fire" I had it cranked on my dads giant hi- fi from Japan when he came home and freaked. Took me back to the Base Store, made me return it for "The Lettermen"

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for sharing that memory :)

[@joecarp8302]

I warm up my guitar strings daily by playing Rumble and your channel crossed my path. I enjoyed learning more about the history of this song and your connection to Link so I subscribed. Looking forward to discovering more of your content. Cheers!

[@michaelscales5996]

Dave Davies of the Kinks, slashed his Elpico amp.with a razor blade.This gave them the distorted sound on You Really Got Me, their first big hit in 1964.

[@Harry_PP030]

I saw Link Wray live twice in Amsterdam. I made the mistake to stand in front of his amp, it was so loud! But very impressing!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, he definitely liked to play loud. Keep on rockin' my friend :)

[@thetippingpoint3219]

Keep on killing it ! Thank you for who you are and what you do !

[@thesurfjunkies]

Love the mountain of positivity as always Damian. Keep up the great work!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much and keep on rockin' :)

[@tupelokid11]

Tremolo picking!! I can’t even think as fast as that 😱

[@maxmomusic]

Damien great lesson once again. Love your inspirational words.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Anthony :)

[@martynspooner5822]

Just so cool Damian, thanks for the guitar lessons and the motivational chat, all good.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Martyn :)

[@DEATMANPIP]

Awesome,D,B... You keep picking my favourites 👍👍🎶

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@RockandrollNegro]

The song that Link was asked to improvise, which eventually became _Rumble,_ was The Diamonds' _The Stroll,_ a great song in its own right.

[@kjk811]

So many cool things about the backstory of this song. The gold top Gibson, I’m assuming equipped with p90s, His amp with holes, and most of all your firsthand experience opening up for him. This was an awesome video!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much :)

[@mailvilla]

05/01/2023: I love your videos, and the "Words of Wisdom" at the end of videos are really good. Keep the videos coming. Tom, retired in Orlando Florida.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much Tom. :)

[@PeP3DJ]

The best lesson on youtube, thanks bro.

[@arevfan]

Awesome video, gracias compadre...

[@markjackson2642]

another great lesson, l love the way damian finishes off the videos,

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Mark :)

[@BillRiedmann]

Thank you Damian I've been waiting for that one you are the best

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. :)

[@HughJengine]

Another splendid lesson! Just wanted to say thanks for all the lessons Damian. I've been playing guitar since 1989 (when I was a teenager) and after all that time, you have really inspired me to make some big improvements in my phrasing and overall improvising. Just goes to show, you never stop learning and improving. Thank you for your continued inspiration to me Damian. Take care, Guy.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Guy for the kind words my friend. Glad you're enjoying the lessons. Cheers :)

[@boomerdell]

Great lesson, Damien, and always LOVE when you share a song’s story, history, and cultural context and significance. Thank you! PS - Bill Frisell’s cover of ‘Rumble’ is not to be missed

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for the kind words. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@mmccartney6579]

Excellent, Damian!! Cheers, mate!! :)

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@eliaswengiel6479]

I am a fan of this awesome channel. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much :)

[@jeffnorris7789]

I love the leather

[@Damianblf]

Thanks Jeff :)

[@patgaff2536]

Love the song. Thank you for a great lesson.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the lesson. :)

[@joryvernon3891]

Really excellently done! Thank you so much!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. :)

[@TheResponse01]

This song is so badass. 😎

[@christophereadgbe2976]

Is it okay to say the best part of this lesson is all the stuff before the actual lesson? The lesson is fine and I learned it. This is a special song and the stories about the song deserved all my attention too.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Frank-in-NY]

Good Stuff! I'd forgotten all about "Rumble". When I was a kid in a band we did a lot of "Surf" instrumentals, except for maybe Tequila (Bass Player Doubled On Sax), but missed out on this great tune. Thanks for the lesson, and some good words of wisdom.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks Frank. Glad you enjoyed the lesson. :)

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Love this instrumental 😎🎙🎸✅

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Julian :)

[@kdrake777]

You nailed the tone!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@rev.leonidasw.smiley6300]

Great explanation of the song title.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching :)

[@jujijime]

Pulp Fiction was a great movie by itself, but it also introduced me to some music that I hadn’t heard. Nice video D!

[@Damianblf]

I loved that soundtrack back in the day. Great movie also. :)

[@bradpittiful7288]

Damian ready to rumble in his leather jacket! ever heard the song...black leather rock? from a UK film called...the damned...in the early 60s...cool tune!

[@AlinFlorida]

Great stuff, Damien! Now I'm on the way to your website to get your Rockabilly course.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. Cheers & keep on rockin' :)

[@stevelewis8919]

I'm just learning guitar and this way a great lesson. You got a new sub my man!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Steve for the sub. Glad you found the lesson helpful. :)

[@johncollins1365]

Damian is back with a RUMBLE!!! Would LOVE a lesson on either one of the two new Brian Setzer singles. KEEP ROCKIN’ , D!!! We love ya man!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks John. I'm working on another Setzer style lesson that should be finished in about 2 weeks or so. :)

[@johncollins1365]

@@Damianblf Awesome :)

[@Phil4013]

Ha! And just like that I found a grooooovy new channel. Thanks for the lesson now it is time to play.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Paul. Glad you enjoyed the lesson. :)

[@arturoprado6698]

Great video!👍

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@CC-qb9sm]

Excellent lesson and excellent backstory, so enjoyable and so classic. I really dig your info about the recording of the original and then also your personal experience opening for Link. Best wishes to you Damian. 🤠 PS, if you can make Jimmy Page play air guitar, you have done something great!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the video. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@guymcdonald7409]

thanks for the song and history behind it! Also like your Godzilla in the back ground.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Guy. :)

[@joemizz11]

LOVIN the Vibe DB. 😎🔥😎🔥

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. Keep on Rockin' my friend. :)

[@stratowhore9051]

Your guitar is BEAUTIFUL!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@5150show]

Super cool

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@dat219]

Good history n teaching n teacher

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@TheRiverRiseII]

Cool lesson, DB! By the way...Can't wait to hear your playing on DD Verni's upcoming album.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. I'm excited to hear it as well. :)

[@CamaroGuy01]

Thanks Damien! I was going to request a link wray song lesson lol. If you ever feel like posting another Link Wray lesson sometime id like to hear your take and lesson of Links "white lightning"👍

[@Damianblf]

Link's "White Lighting" is one of my favorites. It really captures the essence and attitude of his playing. I'll put it down on my list of requests. Thanks for watching. :)

[@ytmuzeek]

Great post

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. :)

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Fun episode!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@markbrown7103]

I remember that song. Hey Damien, that’s really super cool I really like that it does sound of an attitude.👍🏼🎸😎😁

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching :)

[@markbrown7103]

You’re one of very welcome. I always try to listen to you about every day. I’m working on a Lotta new songs right now but when I’m done, I’m going to have to sit down and learn how to play a lot of us rockabilly because I love it and you’re really extremely good at playing it I watched your little concert with your daughter you did a great job you sound beautiful keep doing what you’re doing. I love it. Thanks again.👍🏼😁🎸😎🎼🎶🎵🎸

[@markbrown7103]

I really appreciate that you reply to me. I don’t sing I just love playing guitar but when it comes to rockabilly I think you are an excellent guitarist. I have a GT for27 midnight blue garage I bought it last Summer I have four acoustics two of them Ibanez one has a 2006 ovation sunburst it’s almost 20 years old and still looks like it’s brand new personally I take the best care of my instruments I possibly can might as well say I spoil them rotten I still think and always well think you are an excellent guitarist and one of the better teachers on KZbin maybe take the back one of the best you explain things can you put the tabs up I can read both notation and tab I’m just an old hippie that loves the sound of the 60s and 70s I like rock if it’s done with class and not all this noisy Radley rock ‘n’ roll that they play today he gets rather annoying to me sometimes it just pisses you off and makes you angry sometimes I really don’t care much for it were you play the rockabilly with style and with class and that is that is golden. Again thanks for replying👍😁🎸😀

[@SpicyMcHaggis]

A song like a hot rod... 🔥

[@edwither8284]

Great jacket!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks Ed :)

[@ChopASk8]

Ofcourse I already subscribe to your channel. Great history & your own personal story that you shared. Thatz 1 of my most fav songs,I need to learn how to play this on guitar. I dream of some day owning a hollow body like that. I doubt I'll ever be able to afford one,might have to learn how to make my own.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@johnsee7269]

I went "ape" listening to that/this! As always, a real rockin song! Rock on! 🤘

[@Damianblf]

Awesome. Thanks for watching. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@michaelw6277]

Hey great lesson, thanks. Not that it’s all that important but I remember reading somewhere that Link Wray used tremolo throughout the whole recording, but increased the amount a little bit at a time so by the end it was pretty intense.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching :)

[@hankpoulsen]

More link wray🤠🔥🎸

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Hank. I'll definitely be doing some more Link in the near future. :)

[@hankpoulsen]

@@Damianblf cool.he is incredibely underrated,outside rockabilly circels🤠🎸

[@d0nniebr00ke7]

I think no other song has been recorded with as much attitude. It's sad another reason it didn't get much play is Link was Native American. Great lesson. Always inspiring sir!Would love to see a Ghost Riders in the Sky lesson

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Donnie :)

[@kevinsawyer6968]

My favorite..... Wray's 3 track shack.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Kevin :)

[@RoxBox]

Ciao Damian, sei un mito...from #liguria #italy

[@Damianblf]

Grazie :)

[@armandoaguilar7640]

Great guitar lesson! Thanks for showcasing this song of a great Native American Rocker 🎸 who at the time went though lots of discrimination artistically and personally. A classic precursor punk rock song & timeless!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@jeantelliez4358]

Thanks a lot from france damian😉

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much :)

[@tvs3497]

Pat Boone approves of this lesson.

[@michaeldavila2325]

Link Ray = Kool

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Michael :)

[@pawpatina]

can you turn down the volume on the jacket?

[@DRTYKILMONGOOSE]

awesome vibes zenmeister has it right your positivity in infectious!!! was looking for a lesson on this and you popped up so glad I found this one OH BTW you live right up the road well sorta lol SW Florida Naples area Thanks Rock ON!!!😎✌🎸🎯💯

[@Damianblf]

Glad you enjoyed the lesson. Cheers & keep on rockin' my friend :)

[@Mark70609]

What about the acoustic guitar in the background of the recording?

[@bulldawg7232]

"It's like a wax museum, with a pulse.."

[@qrtdaprince]

Hello, did you use a pedal ? If yes, which? Or was it the amp. Nevertheless you had a mighty beautiful tone there playing the song!

[@Damianblf]

No pedals were used, just a cranked tube amp. Thank you for watching. :)

[@omarmerle]

What guitar gear did Link Wray use at that show in 1998?

[@Damianblf]

He was playing his Yamaha SG-2 through a Marshall half stack. Don't remember what model it was.

[@tomhayes4782]

Song???? No words....Tune surely lol....top lesson though!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Tom :)

[@lennolopez8540]

Sonzeira!!!! ( Somneira!)

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching :)

[@majpix]

which distortion pedal are you using?

[@Damianblf]

I didn't use any pedals, just some slight gain from my Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212. Thank you for watching the video. :)

[@frannyp46]

Jimmy Page was highly influenced by the badness of this song. There is a video of him playing air guitar to this and it’s awesome.

[@vegefranz]

👍👍🏴‍☠

[@goojedooje660]

You say this is easy to play you must get the feel in it

[@ThisIsntThePlace]

Spread eagle across the block

[@michael69040]

No mention of Link losing track of the count and coming in two counts too early making the song an eleven and one half bar blues! Stoned? Most likely.

[@aural_supremacy]

Jon Lee Hooker changed chords when he felt like it so I don’t think it’s necessarily to do with being intoxicated, it might be but but not necessarily

[@DH_Artist]

I always have the hardest time with the solo part. Every time I play it it just sounds like an absolute mess.

[@Damianblf]

I hear ya. It's that fast strumming. It's definitely not the easy to get down. Keep at it. You'll get it. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@grassyknollblues]

“Ape”, as in the kids went bananas

[@RandLoreTwo]

So it took 6 minutes and 30 seconds for you to do what you told us you were going to do!

[@lotharroberts5978]

I think the story goes, the audience asked Link to play a waltz, which he didn't know how to do. Rumble was the result.

[@Damianblf]

I believe they were asked to play "The Stroll" by the Diamonds. Thank you for watching the video. :)

[@Pappysan]

Its also been suggested that "Rumble" received limited airplay due to payola and not just the connotations of violence... "Nobody would play that piece of crap unless they were being payed to do so!" ...and here we are 65 years later...I guess the censors failed! The first time I saw Link, he broke into "Rumble" and came right to the edge of the stage so we could work the tremolo on his Gibson SG!

[@charlesnolan6540]

Hard to hear you at the end over the sound of that leather jacket lol

[@Damianblf]

I know right lol. Thanks for watching :)

[@charlesnolan6540]

@Damian Bacci of course I'm jk but the squeaks of it did crack me up. I recently found your vids. Thanks for them. I really dig em.

[@williamsherman1089]

Four chord's, oh no!

[@kevinsawyer6968]

& he is not in the rock n roll hall of fame.

[@Damianblf]

I know right! He totally should be. It's a crime that he isn't :(

[@Almanzajj]

don't wear leather...it's noisy 🙂

[@FezzantPlucka]

You should have chewed some gum at the same time you were playing.

[@Damianblf]

Yes, I should have lol Thanks for watching :)

[@GoogleSuckMyCockk]

Does this song realy need a tutorial? It's a potato level of guitar skill