Guitar & Bass Tabs
Ram Jam
Learn Ram Jam's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Ram Jam developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Ram Jam emerged in the mid-1970s when guitarist Bill Bartlett assembled a tight, no-nonsense lineup to chase a raw, riff-driven blues-rock sound. The band quickly built a reputation for high-energy performances and a compact, punchy approach that could fill loud rooms and stadiums alike. With Myke Scavone on vocals and a tight rhythm section, Ram Jam delivered a direct, guitar-forward aesthetic that fused blues, hard rock, and pop hooks into a combustible whole.
Their breakout moment arrived with the 1977 single 'Black Betty,' a ferocious cover of a traditional song that became the band's signature track. The accompanying Ram Jam album captured that electric energy and solidified their place in late-70s rock history, influencing countless players with its relentless groove and riff-first mentality. Though the group's initial run was brief, their impact lives on in the way they tempered blues-rock fire with stadium-ready hooks, helping to define a generation of hard rock guitar tones.
🎸 Want to know what gear Ram Jam used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Black Betty
Ram Jam
View Tab →Playing Style
Ram Jam's playing style centers on a guitar-driven, riff-heavy hard rock approach. Bartlett's rhythm work lays down tight, palm-muted power chords and chunky riffs that propel songs forward, while blues-inflected scales shape the occasional lead lines. The band's sound thrives on a direct attack: steady, down-stroked rhythm parts, aggressive picking, and a bold midrange that sits right in the pocket of classic rock airplay. The result is a gritty, energetic tone that feels both accessible for beginners and satisfying for seasoned players aiming for bold, stage-ready riffs.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Ram Jam's sonic signature leans on a chunky, guitar-forward rig: a Gibson-style solid-body guitar through a high-gain amplifier (think a Marshall-style stack) for that dense, mid-forward rock tone, with modest use of overdrive or fuzz. A straightforward effects setup—primarily a touch of overdrive and, at times, a hint of a wah for color—lets the riff-heavy material breathe and punch through a mix.
Why Learn Ram Jam Songs?
Learning Ram Jam songs unlocks core hard rock competencies: tight rhythm discipline, palm-muted power-chord mechanics, and dynamic 'quiet-loud' energy. The riffs are memorable and approachable, making them ideal for beginners eager to play a recognizable rock anthem, while offering enough nuance to challenge intermediate players. Mastering Black Betty's driving groove builds stamina, timing, and stage-ready confidence.
Did You Know?
- 1Ram Jam's breakout hit 'Black Betty' is a hard-rock cover of a traditional blues song that became one of the most recognizable riffs of the late 70s.
- 2The band's sound helped popularize the raw, riff-driven hard rock that influenced many later acts.
- 3Lead guitarist Bill Bartlett led the band and wrote much of the material.
- 4Ram Jam's success with a single track became a case study in how a bold, simple riff can define a band's legacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Ram Jam Guitar
Explore Ram Jam 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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