Guitar & Bass Tabs
Saxon
About Saxon
Saxon formed in 1977 in Barnsley, England, and became one of the defining bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. With a muscular blend of pounding riffs, galloping rhythms, and melodic hooks, they helped shape the early 80s metal landscape alongside Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Their breakthrough work in the late 70s and early 80s, including Wheels of Steel (1980) and Strong Arm of the Law (1980), established their signature high energy attack and stadium-ready choruses that would influence generations of players.
Over a four-decade career they have maintained relentless touring and a prolific discography, earning a loyal international fanbase. The Denim and Leather era produced some of their most enduring anthems, including 747 Strangers In The Night, and their 2015 album Battering Ram showed they remain a force in hard rock. As a pillar of NWOBHM, Saxon helped pave the way for speed and power metal, with twin guitars and heroic riffs that continue to inspire guitarists around the world.
🎸 Want to know what gear Saxon used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Battering Ram
Saxon
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747 Strangers In The Night
Saxon
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Saxon's sound is built on a relentless twin guitar attack and a thunderous rhythm section. Their playing centers on galloping riffs, tight palm muting, and powerful downbeats that drive the songs forward, paired with melodic lead lines that sit on top of the groove. Riffs strike with urgency and a memorable hook, while solos weave in and out with classic blues-based phrasing and tasteful bends. The result is a quintessential NWOBHM vibe: heavy, accessible, and instantly singable, with a sound that remains instantly recognizable across decades.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
The iconic Saxon tone has long been associated with Marshall amp stacks powering chunky rhythms and searing leads. On guitar, players have favored solid bodies such as Gibson Les Pauls and various ESP/Fender models to deliver thick, sustaining tones. In live and studio settings, the rig typically leans on overdrive and distortion pedals to punch through the mix, with occasional delay or chorus to widen solos and add atmosphere. This classic rig setup preserves the big, timeless metal sound that fans associate with Saxon performances.
Why Learn Saxon Songs?
Learning Saxon tunes is a powerful stepping stone for rock guitarists. The riffs build solid rhythm technique, precise palm muting, and confident down-up picking at moderate to fast tempos. You’ll develop a sense of groove and phrasing through catchy, repeatable motifs, while melodic leads teach you how to craft memorable solos that still serve the song. These tracks sit at an accessible intermediate level, offering a satisfying challenge that strengthens your overall rock vocabulary and prepares you for more complex metal and hard rock repertoire.
Did You Know?
- 1Saxon formed in Barnsley, England in 1977 and became a flagship band of the NWOBHM movement.
- 2Their 1980s releases helped establish the signature galloping riff that became a metal hallmark.
- 3747 Strangers In The Night is one of Saxon's best known songs and a staple in live sets.
- 4In 2015 they released the heavy album Battering Ram, proving their relentless energy into the modern era.
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