Guitar & Bass Tabs
Cheap Trick
About Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1973, delivering a fearless blend of power-pop hooks and hard rock swagger. The core quartet—Robin Zander on vocals, Rick Nielsen on guitar, Tom Petersson on bass, and Bun E. Carlos on drums—built their reputation in the Midwest club circuit with tight rhythms, punchy riffs, and showman flair. Their early identity as a melody-driven rock band helped set the template for a generation of guitar-driven pop-rock acts.
They broke through with a string of landmark releases in the late 70s, most notably the self-titled Cheap Trick (1977) and the explosive live album Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978). The live record, featuring a region-breaking version of I Want You to Want Me, pushed the band into international superstardom and reshaped arena rock with its razor-sharp hooks and dynamic energy. The band’s influence stretches across punk, power-pop and hard rock, and their enduring hits—like Surrender and Dream Police—remain touchstones in classic rock guitar catalogs.
Active for more than five decades, Cheap Trick has continued to tour and release music, earning a dedicated fanbase and critical praise. Their 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cemented their legacy and inspired a new generation of players. On DadRock Tabs you’ll find 9 guitar lessons drawn from their catalog—an opportunity to study their riff-driven arrangements, vocal melodies, and stage-ready energy that continues to inspire players of all levels.
🎸 Want to know what gear Cheap Trick used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Dream Police
Cheap Trick
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Surrender
Cheap Trick
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I Want You To Want Me
Cheap Trick
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The Flame
Cheap Trick
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California Man
Cheap Trick
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Big Eyes
Cheap Trick
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Clock Strikes Ten
Cheap Trick
View Tab →Playing Style
Cheap Trick's playing style is defined by tight, punchy rhythm guitar and soaring, melodic lead lines. Rick Nielsen crafts hook-laden riffs built on power chords, brisk alternate picking, and tasteful bends, while the rhythm section locks in with a rock-solid groove. Robin Zander's versatile vocals ride over crisp, up-tempo verses and big, anthemic choruses, giving the songs their memorable sing-along quality. The band's approach blends pop sensibility with hard rock energy, making even complex guitar parts feel accessible to players who can lock into a steady groove.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Rick Nielsen's stage rig has become part of Cheap Trick legend: a rotating arsenal of guitars, including the famous five-neck instrument, paired with classic tube amps and a handful of effects that shape their bright, cutting tones. In the studio and on stage, you can hear the punchy rhythm from Fender and Gibson axes, often run through Marshall-style amps with a touch of chorus or delay to widen the sound that defines their most loved recordings.
Why Learn Cheap Trick Songs?
Learning Cheap Trick songs helps you build essential rock guitar skills: crisp rhythm, precise downstrokes and palm-muted riffs, dynamic shifts between verse and chorus, and confident stage presence. The songs on this page are guitar-friendly, ranging from approachable tracks like I Want You To Want Me to more riff-driven numbers like Surrender and Dream Police. With 9 lessons, you'll progress from solid chord shapes to memorable melodies, improving timing, groove, and crowd-pleasing performance.
Did You Know?
- 1They formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973.
- 2Live at Budokan (1978) is one of the best-selling live rock albums of all time.
- 3Rick Nielsen is famous for his iconic five-neck guitar used on stage.
- 4They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
7 Cheap Trick lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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