Guitar & Bass Tabs
Racer X
Learn Racer X's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Racer X developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Racer X emerged from Los Angeles' exploding late-80s metal scene in 1985 when guitarist Paul Gilbert teamed up with like-minded players to push speed and precision beyond conventional hard rock. The band quickly became a beacon for the burgeoning shred movement, showcasing blistering technique wrapped in catchy hooks and scorching live performances. Their early work and relentless touring helped popularize a new standard for guitar virtuosity and aggressive, melodic metal that inspired countless players to push their own limits.
The band's relentless instrumentals and melodic hooks helped define the shred-metal ethos, inspiring a generation of aspiring virtuosos. They released influential records in the late '80s and early '90s and became a touchstone for fast, technical playing. The fusion of ferocious speed with memorable melodies set a template that many modern players still study today.
Active in waves over the decades, Racer X has left a lasting imprint on rock guitar. Gilbert's subsequent success with Mr. Big expanded their reach, and the group's legacy continues to influence players who chase speed, precision, and expressive phrasing.
🎸 Want to know what gear Racer X used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Time Before The Sun
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Viking Kong
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That Hormone Thing
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Evil Joe
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Frenzy
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Street Lethal
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Into The Night
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Hotter Than Fire
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Loud And Clear
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YRO
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Dangerous Love
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Sacrifice
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Gone Too Far
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Scarified
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Sunlit Nights
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Hammer Away
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Heart Of A Lion
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Motor Man
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Moonage Daydream
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Living The Hard Way
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Fire Of Rock
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Snakebite
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Technical Difficulties
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Miss Mistreater
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17th Moon
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Poison Eyes
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B.R.O.
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God Of The Sun
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Give It To Me
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The Executioner's Song
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Superheroes
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Let The Spirit Fly
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Dead Man's Shoes
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King Of The Monsters
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Mad At The World
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Playing Style
Racer X's playing style is defined by blistering speed and surgical precision. Their guitar parts hinge on relentless alternate picking, rapid scale runs, and tight palm-muted rhythms, often interleaving dramatic sweep-picked arpeggios with melodic lines. The band blends metal aggression with harmonic sophistication, employing swift tremolo picking, aggressive whammy work, and dynamic phrasing to make every note count. Expect crisp articulation, precise timing, and a fearless approach to harmony and melody that rewards disciplined practice and musicality.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic guitars include Paul Gilbert's Ibanez PGM signature models, which helped shape Racer X's biting, fast-paced tone. The band relied on high-gain tube amps and a classic setup of effects—wah for voice-like solos, delay for atmosphere, and chorus or modulation to widen the sonic landscape. This combination of signature gear and aggressive amplification is a big part of the Racer X sound that aspiring players chase in the lessons.
Why Learn Racer X Songs?
Learning Racer X tunes will push your picking accuracy, speed control, and fretboard confidence. These tracks are technically demanding, offering a rigorous workout in alternate and sweep picking, arpeggios, string skipping, and expressive phrasing. They sit at an intermediate-to-advanced level, but with consistent practice you’ll build a rock-solid foundation for fast, precise guitar playing and develop the stamina and musicality to craft blazing, melodic solos.
Did You Know?
- 1Paul Gilbert formed Racer X in 1985 in Los Angeles, quickly establishing a reputation for blistering guitar work.
- 2Racer X's technical prowess helped define the shred metal movement of the late '80s and early '90s and influenced countless players.
- 3Paul Gilbert went on to front Mr. Big, becoming a widely respected guitar virtuoso and educator.
- 4Racer X continues to inspire new generations; the band has had periodic reunions and tours over the decades.
35 Racer X lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play Racer X Guitar
Explore Racer X 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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