Guitar & Bass Tabs
Chicago
About Chicago
Formed in 1967 in Chicago, the band began as the Chicago Transit Authority, uniting a tight core of Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, and a powerful horn section built by James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, and Walter Parazaider. They fused rock, pop, and jazz into a signature sound that carved out a new path for horn-driven rock.
By 1969 they shortened their name to Chicago and released a string of records that dominated FM radio in the 1970s. With hits like 25 or 6 to 4 and a string of multi-platinum albums, the band established a brass-augmented, orchestra-like approach to rock that felt both grand and accessible. Their influence extends beyond charts, shaping the arena rock aesthetic and the integration of horns into mainstream rock.
In 2016 the band's legacy was recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Across decades they endured lineup changes while preserving their core sound, touring and recording while influencing generations of players who grew up learning their riffs on guitar and bass.
🎸 Want to know what gear Chicago used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
25 Or 6 To 4
Chicago
View Tab →Playing Style
Chicago's guitar and bass work centers on a horn-driven rock framework. Guitars provide punchy rhythm parts, memorable riffs, and melodic leads that weave with a powerful horn section. Expect a mix of power chords, palm-muted grooves, blues-based phrasing, and tasteful arpeggios, all delivered with a polished, accessible tone. The bass lines often join the guitar's groove with melodic counterpoints, helping lock in a swinging rhythm section that drives the band's big, anthemic sound.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic Chicago gear centers on versatile guitars and a robust horn-driven arrangement. Guitars are switched between clean, mid-gain tones and light overdrive, with Stratocaster- or Les Paul–style instruments shaping the core rhythm and lead lines. The rhythm section and keyboards create the bedrock while the horn section provides the signature brass texture. Amplifiers and effects commonly emphasize chorus, phaser, and subtle tape-delay to widen the sound and give the band its cinematic feel.
Why Learn Chicago Songs?
Learning Chicago songs on guitar gives players a solid foundation in rhythm, groove, and horn-inspired chord voicings. On DadRock Tabs, this artist page features one focused lesson on 25 or 6 to 4, giving you a practical way to apply the concepts you learn. These tracks sit at an approachable to intermediate level, featuring riff-driven intros, punchy power-chord progressions, and memorable hooks that sharpen timing, dynamics, and phrasing. Mastering them builds core rock skills: tight groove, clean palm muting, precise string bends, and smooth transitions that translate across many classic-rock styles.
Did You Know?
- 1Chicago began life as the Chicago Transit Authority in 1967 and shortened the name in 1969, a famous rebrand that stuck.
- 2They pioneered horn-driven rock, pairing a full brass section with rock band instrumentation and influencing countless acts.
- 325 or 6 to 4 is one of their most enduring anthems and remains a staple on classic rock radio and in film/TV.
- 4They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
1 Chicago lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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