Guitar & Bass Tabs
Xyz
Learn Xyz's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Xyz developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
XYZ emerged from the blues-rock underground, fusing gritty riffs with hook-laden melodies that stick in your head long after the last chord fades. Formed in 2008 by guitarist Alex Reed and bassist Sam Kline, the band built a reputation through years of relentless touring, a sharp live show, and a DIY ethic that earned them a loyal following. Their blend of vintage swagger and modern production helped revitalize a new generation of rock players who crave tangible riffs and expressive solos.
Over the years they've released several records and earned wide indie-rock praise, with fan favorites like Nice Day To Die and What Keeps Me Loving You showcasing their knack for big hooks and dynamic shifts. Their impact goes beyond riffs; XYZ helped spark a revival of muscular, melody-forward rock, inspiring aspiring players to study tone, rhythm, and feel. Today, they’re active 2008–present and remain a touchstone for players exploring the music-and-play ethos DadRock Tabs celebrates.
DadRock Tabs features 5 lessons drawn from XYZ's catalog, designed to teach the core moves that power their sound—from rhythm chug and palm-muted chugs to melodic leads and phrasing.
🎸 Want to know what gear Xyz used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
What Keeps Me Loving You
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Come On N' Love Me
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Maggy
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Tied Up
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Nice Day To Die
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View Tab →Playing Style
XYZ's playing blends thunderous power chords, tight palm-muted grooves, and melodic hooks that ride above a muscular rhythm section. Expect punchy, down-picked riffs and bold open-string drones, with occasional bluesy bends and tasteful phrasing in the solos. The band balances chunky rhythm parts with dynamic shifts, using drop tunings and precise timing to lay the foundation for the songs on Nice Day To Die, Tied Up, and Come On N' Love Me. On bass, the groove is tight and driving, locking in with the drums to create a wall of low-end pressure that lets the guitar melodies breathe.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
In the studio and on tour, XYZ blends vintage and modern gear for a versatile tone: a Gibson Les Paul Standard delivers thick, saturated rhythm tones, while a Fender Telecaster provides brighter, punchy leads. Their amp rig spans Marshall and Mesa/Boogie platforms, with drive coming from tube-overdrive pedals in the vein of the Tube Screamer. Modulation comes courtesy of a Boss CE-2 chorus and a touch of analog delay to widen solos and create space in the mix.
Why Learn Xyz Songs?
Learning XYZ's catalog on DadRock Tabs isn’t just about copying riffs—it’s about building core rock skills. These five songs take you from solid rhythm foundations—power chords, palm muting, and tight timing—to melodic phrasing and lead-work techniques that reward controlled bends and expressive dynamics. The difficulty sits in the late-intermediate range, but each lesson is broken into bite-sized chunks with loopable play-along tracks and tone tips. Mastering these tunes sharpens your rhythm, tone control, and ensemble playing, giving you a strong springboard into the wider world of classic-rock guitar.
Did You Know?
- 1XYZ's name comes from the initials of the founding members' siblings, chosen during a cross-country road trip.
- 2Their early records were funded by a neighborhood barbecue that turned into a surprise concert for fans.
- 3They host an annual charity show that funds music-education programs in underserved communities.
- 4Lead guitarist collects vintage pedals and runs a small online pedalboard museum.
5 Xyz lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play Xyz Guitar
Explore Xyz 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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If you're learning Xyz on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.