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REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run - Guitar Lesson

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REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run - Guitar Lesson

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REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run guitar lesson video
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Hi Infidelity (30th Anniversary Edition) album cover
Hi Infidelity (30th Anniversary Edition)
1980 4:00
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REO Speedwagon Rock 1980 A major
Capo Advisor 0 A major · Original key

Take It On The Run

"Take It on the Run" is a rock track by REO Speedwagon, featured on their ninth studio album Hi Infidelity. Written by lead guitarist Gary Richrath, the song followed the band's number-one hit "Keep On Loving You" and earned gold single status. For electric guitarists, it offers a solid study in melodic rock rhythm and lead work from one of the era's underrated lead players, making it a rewarding piece to explore for its clean, hook-driven guitar parts.

  • The song was written entirely by REO Speedwagon's lead guitarist Gary Richrath, showcasing his songwriting alongside his playing.
  • "Take It on the Run" appeared on Hi Infidelity, the band's ninth studio album, released in 1980.
  • The track has been interpolated by other artists, including a 2017 Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias collaboration called "Messin' Around".
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Gary Richrath occasionally switched to Fender Stratocasters for cleaner passages, using their brightness and articulation to contrast with his signature Les Paul heaviness. The Strat's single-coils provided clarity without sacrificing the midrange warmth that defined REO's rock ballads.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Richrath's primary instrument, the Les Paul Standard's stock PAF humbuckers and thick body delivered the warm, singing midrange tone that became REO Speedwagon's signature sound. Its dynamic response cleaned up beautifully with volume roll-offs, enabling both delicate passages and screaming leads.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Richrath favored late '60s and '70s Les Paul Customs for their slightly higher output and resonant character, pushing his cranked Marshalls into thick, natural tube saturation. The Custom's weight and sustain made it ideal for the power ballads that defined REO's catalog.

Marshall JCM800
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Marshall JCM800

The JCM800's preamp compression and power tube saturation created REO's thick, singing midrange tone when driven hard, with enough headroom to capture both gritty leads and clean passages via volume knob manipulation. This amp remains the backbone of REO's live sound decades later.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Richrath used the Cry Baby sparingly but memorably, adding expressive lead accents on early tracks like 'Ridin' the Storm Out' without compromising his minimalist, amp-driven philosophy. The wah's dynamic sweep complemented his natural playing dynamics perfectly.

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