Guitar & Bass Tabs
Aerosmith
Learn Aerosmith's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Aerosmith developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Aerosmith emerged from Boston in 1970, driven by Steven Tyler's magnetic stage presence and Joe Perry's blistering blues-rock guitar. The original lineup included Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Ray Tabano, with Brad Whitford joining shortly after. Their early records fused gritty blues, soulful melodies, and swaggering hard rock, laying the groundwork for a sound that would become instantly recognizable.\n\nBreakthrough albums like Toys in the Attic (1975) and the evergreen Dream On put Aerosmith on the map, while the mid-80s revival—sparked by the Run-DMC collaboration on Walk This Way—reinvigorated their career and broadened their audience. Over the decades they have sold well over 150 million albums worldwide, earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and built a reputation as one of rock's most enduring live acts.\n\nThe band's lasting impact lies in the chemistry between the two guitar voices of Perry and Whitford, the tight rhythm section of Hamilton and Kramer, and Tyler's expressive vocal theatrics. Aerosmith helped define American hard rock, influenced countless guitarists, and continues to inspire new generations of players to chase big riffs, big grooves, and big stage moments.
🎸 Want to know what gear Aerosmith used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Same Old Song And Dance
Aerosmith
Sweet Emotion
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Walk This Way
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Eat The Rich
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Seasons Of Wither
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Toys In The Attic
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Uncle Salty
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No More No More
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Back In The Saddle
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Last Child
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Combination
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Sick As A Dog
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Lick And A Promise
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Pink
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Nobody's Fault
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Make It
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Dream On
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Mama Kin
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Lord Of The Thighs
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Adam's Apple
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Get The Lead Out
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Draw The Line
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Kings And Queens
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No Surprize
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The Hand That Feeds
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Playing Style
A distinctive blues-infused hard rock approach defines Aerosmith's guitar work. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford create bridging rhythm and lead lines, combining powerful chugging riffs with melodic hooks. Expect frequent use of pentatonic and blues scales, string bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and dynamic shifts from punchy, palm-muted sections to soaring guitar melodies. The band's songs often layer harmonized guitars and call-and-response phrasing, with a focus on tight rhythm and expressive solos that serve the vocal melodies.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear: Joe Perry's Gibson Les Pauls through stacked Marshall amps, often run with overdrive to deliver that fat, saturated rhythm tone. Brad Whitford's guitar work adds complementary textures, often using Fender-style electrics alongside Gibson models. Aerosmith's live rigs have historically featured Marshall stacks and a range of effects, including overdrive, chorus, and subtle delay, to create the warm, bluesy tone that powers their biggest hits.
Why Learn Aerosmith Songs?
Learning Aerosmith's songs helps players develop solid riff-writing, groove, and stage-ready energy. The 32 song catalog on DadRock Tabs spans hard-hitting riffs and ballad textures, offering a gradual challenge from mid-level to more advanced lead work. Players will practice power chords, palm muting, string bending, and melodic phrasing, while building stamina through upbeat tempos and groove-based shake-ups. Mastering these tunes builds foundational rock skills that translate to countless classic rock and blues-rock tracks.
Did You Know?
- 1Aerosmith formed in Boston in 1970 and became a cornerstone of American hard rock.
- 2Walk This Way with Run-DMC (1986) helped spark the rap-rock crossover that reshaped 80s music.
- 3Dream On remains one of the most recognizable riffs and vocal lines in rock.
- 4The 1998 hit I Don't Want to Miss a Thing became a chart-topping global ballad from the Armageddon soundtrack.
25 Aerosmith lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play Aerosmith Guitar
Explore Aerosmith guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
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