Guitar & Bass Tabs
Bad Company
About Bad Company
Bad Company formed in 1973 in London when Free's vocalist Paul Rodgers teamed up with guitarist Mick Ralphs, who had cut his teeth with Mott the Hoople and King Crimson. They were joined by Simon Kirke on drums and Boz Burrell on bass, and the original lineup quickly forged a blues-infused hard rock sound built on lean, muscular arrangements and Rodgers' soulful vocal presence. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1974, delivering a pair of enduring anthems and announcing a band that would help define 70s arena rock with catchy riffs, tight grooves, and a swaggering confidence that fans remember to this day.
Throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, Bad Company kept the momentum with a string of highly influential records, including Straight Shooter and Run with the Pack. Their songs bridged blues and rock in a way that felt both accessible and instantly memorable, from hard-charging riffs to melodic choruses that begged to be sung along to. The band’s catalog became a foundation for generations of players, influencing countless hard rock and blues-rock acts while remaining a staple on classic rock radio and in live arenas around the world. Even as lineups changed over the years, the core energy of Bad Company—bluesy grit, hook-laden riffs, and Paul Rodgers' distinctive voice—continued to resonate with new fans and seasoned players alike.
🎸 Want to know what gear Bad Company used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Shooting Star
Bad Company
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Rock N Roll Fantasy
Bad Company
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Can't Get Enough
Bad Company
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Rock Steady
Bad Company
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Ready For Love
Bad Company
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Bad Company
Bad Company
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Movin' On
Bad Company
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Feel Like Makin' Love
Bad Company
View Tab →Playing Style
Bad Company is defined by a blues-rock approach that emphasizes punchy, memorable riffs, solid groove, and melodic hooks. Mick Ralphs delivers straightforward, bluesy guitar lines and power-chord driven comping that lock in tightly with the rhythm section, creating a bottom-heavy, driving sound. The band's playing leans on clean to overdriven tones, tasteful palm-muting, and occasional light slide/licks that accentuate the song’s core groove rather than displaying flashy virtuosity. The combination of Ralphs' riff-led arrangements and Rodgers' soulful, expressive vocals gives Bad Company a style that feels instantly recognizable, with riffs that are both simple to pick up and immensely satisfying to play. Mastery of blues scales, solid rhythm playing, and a steady sense of timing will serve you well when tackling their catalog on guitar or bass.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic Bad Company tones come from a blues-rock setup centered around a Fender-style guitar tone, typically run through Marshall or similar tube amps for that driving, crunchy edge. Mick Ralphs is commonly associated with a Telecaster-style guitar delivering punchy, cutting riffs, while the bass lines from Boz Burrell laid a solid, punchy foundation often paired with a classic Fender Precision bass sound. Drums from Simon Kirke completed the tight, no-nonsense groove that defines the band’s feel. In live and studio settings, expect a straightforward rock rig: clean or lightly overdriven guitar, a big, warm bass tone, and a rock-solid drum kit that drives the groove forward without excessive processing or gimmicks.
Why Learn Bad Company Songs?
Learning Bad Company's catalog is a fantastic way to build foundational rock skills. Their songs center on rock-solid rhythm, punchy guitar riffs, and memorable chorus hooks that train your sense of groove, dynamics, and phrase shaping. You’ll develop precise palm-muted grooves, clean power-chord chugging, and melodic phrasing that sit comfortably in the key centers used in classic rock. The difficulty is approachable for intermediate players, yet the riffs compound in a way that teaches you timing, feel, and musical confidence—perfect for players looking to unlock that decisive, stadium-ready rock sound.
Did You Know?
- 1Bad Company formed in 1973 in London when Paul Rodgers from Free teamed up with Mick Ralphs, who had previously been with Mott the Hoople and King Crimson; Simon Kirke and Boz Burrell rounded out the lineup.
- 2Their self-titled debut album (1974) yielded two enduring hits, Can't Get Enough and Bad Company, and helped define a template for blues-infused hard rock.
- 3Paul Rodgers later performed with Queen as part of Queen + Paul Rodgers from 2005 to 2009, showcasing his versatile vocal prowess beyond Bad Company.
- 4Boz Burrell, Bad Company's original bassist, had previously played with King Crimson and sadly passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting imprint on the band's early sound.
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