David Bowie - Rebel Rebel - Guitar Lesson

Reality

2003 3:11

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About Rebel Rebel

Few riffs in rock are as immediately recognisable as the two-chord guitar hook that drives "Rebel Rebel." Built around a D and A alternation over an E major centre, the figure is deceptively simple to finger but surprisingly easy to play sloppily, because the groove lives in the exact timing of the pick attack and the rhythmic bounce between the chords. At 132 BPM in E Standard tuning, the tempo is brisk enough that a loose strumming hand will smear what should feel crisp and punchy. The version here is David Bowie's 2003 re-recording, so the production has more weight than the 1974 original, and that means every rhythmic hesitation is audible. If the riff feels mechanical before it feels natural, use the Practice Toolbar to loop it slowed down until the bounce is in your wrist rather than your head. The Glam Rock feel comes from attitude as much as technique, so once the notes are solid, focus on releasing the tension between strums.

• The signature riff alternates between two open-position chords, making it an excellent pick-hand rhythm exercise for locking in a swung, punchy downstroke feel.
• At 132 BPM in E Standard tuning, the tempo rewards a relaxed but precise strumming approach, as rushing the two-chord pattern quickly exposes any timing inconsistency.
• Tone-wise, a slightly overdriven clean sound with a bright single-coil edge suits the riff well, keeping the chord changes articulate rather than muddy.