Guitar & Bass Tabs

Ratt

41
lessons available

Learn Ratt's Guitar & Bass Style

Discover how Ratt developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.

RATT burst out of the Los Angeles metal scene in the late 1970s, evolving from the San Diego-origin group Mickey Ratt into a polished, radio-ready hard rock powerhouse. Frontman Stephen Pearcy joined as they refined twin guitar harmonies and punchy rhythm parts, teaming with Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini on guitars, Juan Croucier on bass, and Bobby Blotzer on drums. Their early energy fused street-smart hooks with stadium-sized riffs, setting the template for American glam metal and live high-energy performances.

In the mid-80s, Out of the Cellar (1984) propelled RATT into the mainstream, aided by the MTV era and hits like Round and Round. Invasion of Your Privacy (1985) built on that momentum with more combustible riffs and chorus-driven anthems. The band became one of the era's defining acts, known for their dual guitar harmonies, tight rhythm sections, and flamboyant style. Over the years, they have experienced lineup changes and hiatuses, but Pearcy's vocal presence and their signature sound endured, influencing countless hard rock and metal players and leaving a lasting imprint on the glam metal landscape.

🎸 Want to know what gear Ratt used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!

Watch the Lesson

Scene Of The Crime
#1

Scene Of The Crime

Body Talk
#2

Body Talk

Give It All
#3

Give It All

I'm Insane
#4

I'm Insane

Lay It Down
#5

Lay It Down

You're In Love
#6

You're In Love

Way Cool Jr
#7

Way Cool Jr

Slip Of The Lip
#8

Slip Of The Lip

Round And Round
#9

Round And Round

What You Give Is What You Get
#10

What You Give Is What You Get

Morning After
#11

Morning After

Wanted Man
#12

Wanted Man

Back For More
#13

Back For More

You're In Trouble
#14

You're In Trouble

In Your Direction
#15

In Your Direction

Lack Of Communication
#16

Lack Of Communication

She Wants Money
#17

She Wants Money

Between The Eyes
#18

Between The Eyes

Closer To My Heart
#19

Closer To My Heart

Got Me On The Line
#20

Got Me On The Line

One Good Lover
#21

One Good Lover

Dance
#22

Dance

Looking For Love
#23

Looking For Love

Take A Chance
#24

Take A Chance

I Want A Woman
#25

I Want A Woman

City To City
#26

City To City

Don't Bite The Hand That Feeds You
#27

Don't Bite The Hand That Feeds You

Chain Reaction
#28

Chain Reaction

Bottom Line
#29

Bottom Line

What I'm After
#30

What I'm After

Shame Shame Shame
#31

Shame Shame Shame

Lovin' You's A Dirty Job
#32

Lovin' You's A Dirty Job

Scratch That Itch
#33

Scratch That Itch

One Step Away
#34

One Step Away

Hard Time
#35

Hard Time

Heads I Win Tails You Lose
#36

Heads I Win Tails You Lose

All Or Nothing
#37

All Or Nothing

Can't Wait On Love
#38

Can't Wait On Love

Top Secret
#39

Top Secret

Givin' Yourself Away
#40

Givin' Yourself Away

Lack Of Communication
#41

Lack Of Communication

Deep Dive

Playing Style

RATT's playing blends crunchy rhythm riffs with bright melodic leads. The twin-guitar approach creates soaring harmonies that ride atop tight, palm-muted chugging and propulsive power chords. Lead lines feature rapid alternate picking, bending, and tasteful sustain, while the bass underpins the groove with a locked-in pocket. The band's sound is defined by high-energy tempos, sing-along hooks, and shimmering mid- to high-gain tones that cut through the mix, making their songs instantly recognizable in any rock setting.

🎸 Gear & Equipment

Iconic gear for RATT fans centers on two-guitar harmony rigs, often running through loud Marshall-style amp stacks, with a mix of Strat-style and superstrat guitars. Players like Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini favored bright, cutting tones, aided by chorus and delay pedals for shimmering leads. A solid rhythm foundation and tight, driving bass lines completed the classic late-80s sound that defined glam metal.

Why Learn Ratt Songs?

Learning RATT songs builds solid rock fundamentals: tight rhythm, power-chord progressions, palm muting, precise picking, and memorable hooks. With 47 lessons, you’ll explore riffs ranging from straightforward to brisk, developing technique, speed, and accuracy while embracing dynamic, stage-ready phrasing. These tracks offer a clear path from foundational rock skills to lead-work confidence, perfect for players aiming to capture that quintessential glam-metal bite on guitar.

Did You Know?

  • 1The band started as Mickey Ratt in the San Diego scene before adopting the name RATT when they hit LA.
  • 2Round and Round's video was a defining MTV anthem of the mid-80s.
  • 3Robbin Crosby and Warren DeMartini were famous for their blazing twin-lead harmonies.
  • 4Stephen Pearcy has been the enduring frontman through multiple lineup changes.

41 Ratt lesson(s) available — Start learning today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn to Play Ratt Guitar

Explore Ratt guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.

Start Here

Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.

Techniques

Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.

Next Step

Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.

Similar Artists to Ratt

If you're learning Ratt on guitar or bass, these related artists use similar riffs, tunings, playing styles, and classic rock techniques.

Ratt Guitar & Bass Tabs - 41 Free Lessons | DadRock Tabs | DadRock Tabs