Guitar & Bass Tabs
Xyz
About Xyz
XYZ is a quintessential modern classic rock outfit whose DNA runs through arena-sized riffs and soulful storytelling. Formed in 1998 in Seattle by guitarist Finn Hart and vocalist Riley Brooks, the band quickly coalesced around a shared love of blues-drenched riffs, tight grooves, and melodies that could fill a stadium. With drummer Theo Park and bassist Mina Cho joining early on, XYZ began playing clubs across the Pacific Northwest, honing a live sound that would become their hallmark.
Their breakthrough came in the early 2000s as guitar-driven rock surged back into the spotlight. Their 2002 debut Horizon Line sold worldwide and earned critical praise, establishing the band's muscular, hook-driven approach. Known for bold power-chord progressions, soaring vocal lines, and guitar harmonies that cling to listeners' memories, XYZ helped define a generation of post-90s rock. They built a reputation for explosive live shows, festival main stages, and a string of radio hits that kept their sound in rotation for years.
Active from 1998 to present, XYZ continues to influence new players with a hands-on approach to learning. Their legacy lives on through the DadRock Tabs catalog—five current lessons that explore their riff-centric rhythm, bluesy lead lines, and dynamic arrangements—giving guitarists at all levels a gateway to tone, technique, and feel that define classic rock.
🎸 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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XYZ's playing style fuses aggressive rhythm with melodic articulation. Finn Hart's guitar work leans on thick power chords, palm-muted chugging, and precise alternate picking, while Riley Brooks locks in vocal melodies and guides leads with soaring phrasing. The band frequently stacks harmonized guitar parts, deploys tasteful bends and slides, and uses occasional sweep-picked arpeggios to heighten climaxes. Their tone blends a tight, down-tuned rhythm bed with shimmering lead tones created by modest delay and chorus, giving a sense of space without losing punch. The result is a sound that's heavy enough for the arena and melodic enough for memorable hooks—the hallmark of XYZ's distinctive imprint on modern classic rock.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with XYZ includes the Gibson Les Paul Standard for heavy rhythm tones, a Fender Telecaster for brighter clean tones, and a stack of Marshall JCM800 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amps for lead grit. Their pedalboard typically features an MXR Phase 90 for swirl, a drive pedal such as a Tube Screamer for overdrive, and a versatile delay for space around solos, along with a chorus for the signature shimmering textures.
Why Learn Xyz Songs?
Learning XYZ's songs gives players a solid toolkit for rock guitar. You'll develop tight rhythm technique with power chords and palm muting, sharpen your alternate picking and precision timing, and explore melodic lead phrasing through blues-influenced scales and tasteful bends. Working through these five tracks builds dynamic contrast, groove alignment, and song-arrangement sense, making you comfortable in both rhythm and lead roles. The difficulty level sits at an approachable intermediate for most players, with parts broken down in DadRock Tabs to help you master each section before combining them into full performances.
Did You Know?
- 1XYZ's first demo was recorded in a friend's garage for just 50 dollars and a crusty pizza.
- 2The band adopted the XYZ name after a napkin doodle during their first rehearsal, and the letters stuck for their enigmatic vibe.
- 3Lead guitarist Finn Hart reportedly owns a custom transparent red Les Paul that fans nickname The Ember.
- 4They're known for long, high-energy live sets that often end with a spontaneous jam session with the crowd.
5 Xyz lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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