Guitar & Bass Tabs
Argent
About Argent
Argent formed in 1969 in England, rising from the ashes of The Zombies as Rod Argent launched a new band built around bright keyboard work, punchy guitars, and a propulsion-heavy rhythm section. They fused art-rock ambitions with hard-hitting rock, blending organ-forward melodies with hook-laden riffs to create a sound that felt both adventurous and accessible. Their early work established a reputation for smart compositions and a confident, groove-heavy approach that set them apart in the era's crowded rock landscape.
Their breakout moment arrived with Hold Your Head Up in 1972, a radiant, guitar-driven anthem built atop Argent's sparkling organ textures and a soaring chorus. In the early 70s they released influential albums that showcased complex arrangements, memorable hooks, and a willingness to push rock beyond simple verse-chorus forms. Argent's blend of prog-leaning atmosphere with blues-rock energy left a lasting imprint on keyboard-forward rock and influenced countless players chasing big, melodic riffs.
🎸 Want to know what gear Argent used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Hold Your Head Up
Argent
View Tab →Playing Style
Argent’s guitar work tends to be punchy, riff-driven, and groove-oriented, perfectly complementing the band’s keyboard-forward writing. Expect tight rhythm parts that lock in with the bass and drums, plus memorable hooks and bluesy lead lines. Common techniques you’ll hear include power chords with palm muting for grit, crisp alternate picking in solos, and melodic octave ideas that sit nicely against organ textures. The result is a dynamic blend: rock-solid groove with moments of bold, melodic storytelling that mirrors the band’s keyboard brilliance.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
The sound most associated with Argent centers on Rod Argent’s bright Hammond organ, which shapes the characteristic texture of many tracks. Guitars provide bold, mid-focused tones that cut through the mix, often driven by tube amps reminiscent of 1970s Marshall/ Fender stacks. Effects like phaser or chorus were used to widen the choruses and add space to the guitar and keyboard interplay. While lineups varied, the era’s gear trio of organ, guitar, and a sturdy rhythm section remains the defining sonic footprint.
Why Learn Argent Songs?
Learning Argent tunes gives guitarists a direct route into classic rock’s groove-driven, keyboard-rich foundation. You’ll develop solid rhythm chops, power-chord technique, and melodic sense in the service of strong hooks. The material ranges from accessible, punchy anthems to more textured, progressive-flavored passages, making Hold Your Head Up and similar tracks excellent stepping stones for building timing, phrasing, and chord voicings that translate to countless rock classics.
Did You Know?
- 1Argent formed in 1969 in London after Rod Argent left The Zombies.
- 2Hold Your Head Up is Argent's signature hit and a staple of classic rock radio.
- 3Rod Argent is celebrated as one of rock's great keyboardists, known for his bright Hammond organ tones.
- 4Argent helped bridge late-60s prog textures with early-70s radio-friendly rock, influencing many guitarists.
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