Lay It Down by RATT
Lay It Down is a prime example of mid-80s hard rock from RATT, released on the 1985 album Invasion of Your Privacy. Produced by Beau Hill, the track kicks off with a punchy dual-guitar intro and a driving rhythm section that captures the era's radio-ready metal swagger. The song helped define RATT's presence in the MTV-driven rock scene, becoming a staple on rock radio and a favorite in live sets for years to come.
The twin-guitar attack of Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby weaves a tight melodic line with chunky power chords and a memorable lead figure, while the rhythm section locks into a relentless groove. Its writing and recording embody the polished yet aggressive sound that defined the era, and Lay It Down remains a go-to workout for players looking to dial in classic 80s tone, groove, and melodic phrasing.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this guitar tutorial, you'll learn the song's driving intro riff and main verse groove built from palm-muted power chords, plus the chorus hook and a melodic lead section. We'll walk through precise alternate-picking patterns, string muting for that tight, chugging feel, and how to move cleanly between shapes. The solo and fills will be broken down with bend timing, vibrato, and phrasing tips to capture the tune's melodic edge. Finally, we'll discuss tone and dynamics to help you nail the signature 80s rock sound.
Intermediate; helpful to have solid rhythm guitar skills with power chords, palm muting, and comfortable alternate picking, plus some basic lead phrasing.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Slow the riff to a comfortable tempo with a metronome and only then increase tempo to the track's speed to lock in timing.
- 💡Focus on muting and releasing strings cleanly during palm-muted sections to keep the groove tight.
- 💡Record yourself playing the lead lick and compare to the original to dial in bend timing and vibrato.
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