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The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin' - Guitar Lesson

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The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin' - Guitar Lesson

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The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin' guitar lesson video
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The Doobie Brothers Rock G minor
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Long Train Runnin'

"Long Train Runnin'" is a rock track by The Doobie Brothers, written by Tom Johnston and featured on the band's third album, The Captain and Me, released in 1973. As a Warner Bros. single, it reached No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is a rewarding study for electric guitarists, built around a tight, repetitive rhythm riff that showcases funky, percussive chord work and the kind of locked-in groove that defines the Doobie Brothers' early sound.

  • The song's iconic rhythm riff is a great exercise in muting and groove, essential techniques for any electric guitarist.
  • Written by Tom Johnston, who served as the band's primary guitarist and vocalist during their early rock-driven era.
  • Released as a single on Warner Bros. Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Tom Johnston used Stratocasters in studio sessions for their versatility and bright character, complementing his aggressive strumming style with cutting clarity perfect for layered rhythm parts.

Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter's Telecasters delivered the snappy, cutting top end essential to The Doobies' guitar ensemble, with single-coil bite that cut through on country-influenced leads and funky rhythm accents.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Patrick Simmons' Les Paul provided thick midrange character for lead work, anchoring the band's tone with warm sustain that complemented his fingerpicked acoustic parts.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Gibson Les Paul Custom offered Simmons enhanced tonal depth and presence for studio leads, delivering the thicker, more saturated sound needed for the band's harmonic complexity.

Gibson ES-335
Guitar

Gibson ES-335

Tom Johnston's semi-hollow ES-335 with PAF humbuckers gave The Doobies their signature warm, percussive rhythm tone, letting his muting technique shine through without excessive compression or sustain.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

Johnston's pushed Fender Twin Reverb defined the band's studio sound, delivering bright, percussive clarity with just enough grit for rock edge while maintaining the clean headroom that made The Doobies' intricate harmonies possible.

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