Guitar & Bass Tabs
Slade
Learn Slade's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Slade developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Slade emerged from Wolverhampton in 1966 as The 'N Betweens, then Ambrose Slade, and finally Slade, a hard-rock juggernaut that helped redefine British rock. With explosive live shows and a relentlessly catchy sense of melody, the band forged a sound built on big riffs, shout-along choruses and fearless showmanship. The lineup solidified around Noddy Holder on vocals, Don Powell on drums, Jim Lea on bass and Dave Hill on guitar, and the group's energy became a blueprint for the glam-rock movement of the early 1970s. They racked up a string of UK hits and thrilling stadium crowds, paving the way for generations of hard rock bands with their unapologetic attitude and anthemic hooks.
From their UK chart-topping singles to their high-octane stage presence, Slade defined a ferocious, celebratory brand of rock that encouraged sing-alongs, bold fashion, and fearless live performances. Their influence reaches across decades, inspiring countless guitarists who want to capture that loud, crowd-pleasing energy while maintaining tight rhythm and memorable melodies. The band’s legacy endures in the way they fused pop-hook craft with hard rock attitude, a combination that helped shape the sound of glam and hard rock for years to come.
🎸 Want to know what gear Slade used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Run Runaway
Slade
View Tab →Playing Style
Slade’s playing is all about big, punchy rhythm guitar and memorable riffs. Dave Hill delivered chunky power-chord riffs and driving open-string lines that lock in with Jim Lea's melodic bass parts, while Noddy Holder's barked vocal lines gave the band its signature swagger. Expect prominent palm-muted sections, shout-along hooks, and crisp, high-energy solos that never outstay their welcome. The result is a sound that combines hard rock energy with pop-driven accessibility, perfect for developing rhythm clarity, punchy groove, and confident stage-ready phrasing.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic Slade gear centers on a beefy, distorted guitar tone delivered through loud amplifiers and a stage-friendly pedal setup. Dave Hill typically worked with solid-body electrics through Marshall-style amps to achieve the band's razor-edged rhythm sound, while Jim Lea handled melodic bass lines that underpinned Slade's attack. The band's live rigs, flamboyant stage outfits, and a touch of fuzz and overdrive on the guitar helped define that loud, anthemic glam-rock voice that fans still instantly recognize.
Why Learn Slade Songs?
Learning Slade tunes is a confidence booster for guitarists. You’ll practice bold power-chord rhythms, crisp down-picking, and driving verse-chorus hooks that form the backbone of classic rock. The songs tend to sit in accessible tempo ranges, with memorable riffs that train your ear for groove and phrasing, while still offering opportunities to grow with single-note fills and melodic pauses. If you’re aiming to build stamina for live playing and nail that unmistakable glam-rock punch, Slade tracks are a perfect stepping-stone.
Did You Know?
- 1Slade helped shape the UK glam-rock sound in the early 1970s with a string of energetic, stadium-filling hits.
- 2The band originally performed as The 'N Betweens and then Ambrose Slade before settling on Slade.
- 3Their cover of Mama Weer All Crazee Now became one of the era's enduring UK No.1 hits and remains a rock-radio staple.
- 4Run Runaway (1984) blended Celtic-influenced hooks with hard rock energy and helped spur a late-era comeback for the band.
1 Slade lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Slade Guitar
Explore Slade 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.
Similar Artists to Slade
If you're learning Slade on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.