Guitar & Bass Tabs
Ram Jam
About Ram Jam
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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