Guitar & Bass Tabs
T. Rex
Learn T. Rex's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how T. Rex developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
T. Rex emerged from the late 1960s London scene, guided by Marc Bolan, blending mythic storytelling with electric swagger. Born as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967, the duo—and later a full band—helped turn psychedelic folk into punchy, guitar-driven rock. In 1970 they shortened their name to T. Rex and began crafting the lean, anthemic riffs that would define glam rock in the early 70s.
With hits such as Bang a Gong (Get It On), Jeepster, and 20th Century Boy, their catalog fused catchy hooks with no-nonsense power, delivering monumental stage presence and unmistakable style. Bolan’s glittering persona and razor-sharp riffs pushed rock toward a more theatrical, commercially accessible sound, influencing a generation of bands and paving the way for glam-rock icons to come.
🎸 Want to know what gear T. Rex used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
20th Century Boy
T. Rex
Playing Style
Marc Bolan’s guitar work is built on memorable, hook-first riffs and blues-based phrasing. He favored concise, melodic figures—often pocketed within the rhythm—that sit perfectly with a tight rhythm section. Common techniques include power chords and palm-muted chugs for drive, simple octave riffs to reinforce the hook, and tasteful fills. The sound is characteristically crisp and punchy, often achieved with a modest amount of overdrive, a bit of fuzz, and a direct, song-first approach that makes even early glam-rock feel accessible.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with T. Rex centers on Marc Bolan’s go-to guitar, the Gibson Les Paul Junior (P-90), which delivered a biting, single-coil tone through tube amps. He also used other guitars like Fender Telecasters at times and a no-frills, straight-ahead amp setup—think Marshall-style tube amps for rock crunch and stage-ready volume. Fuzz pedals and occasional phasers added grit for the glam edge, rounding out the signature T. Rex tonality.
Why Learn T. Rex Songs?
Learning T. Rex songs helps players lock in tight riffs, strong rhythm, and a confident stage feel. The patterns are riff-centric and groove-driven, good for practicing timing, palm muting, and simple power-chord transitions. The material ranges from easy to intermediate, making it an accessible entry to glam-rock foundations while still challenging players to punch through a track with conviction.
Did You Know?
- 1Tyrannosaurus Rex started in 1967 as a psychedelic folk duo before becoming T. Rex in 1970.
- 2Marc Bolan's flamboyant stage presence and outfits helped define glam rock aesthetics.
- 320th Century Boy features one of rock's most enduring guitar riffs and remains a staple in film and TV.
- 4Their rise helped spark the British glam-rock movement of the early 1970s and influenced peers like David Bowie.
1 T. Rex lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play T. Rex Guitar
Explore T. Rex 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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