Guitar & Bass Tabs
Krokus
About Krokus
Krokus burst onto the European hard rock scene in the mid- to late-70s and became Switzerland’s flagship rock act. Formed in 1975 in Zurich by bassist Chris von Rohr and guitarist Fernando von Arb, the early lineup built a reputation for high-energy live shows and fearless riffs. With Marc Storace on vocals and a rotating cast of players, their blend of bluesy hooks and metal swagger set a template for European hard rock that would influence generations.
The band's breakthrough arrived in the early 1980s with Metal Rendez-Vous (1980), which helped them cross into larger European venues, followed by the Headhunter era (1983) that yielded the signature track Screaming In The Night. The Blitz (1984) and subsequent releases kept the band touring worldwide, earning gold and platinum certifications in multiple markets and cementing Krokus as one of the era’s most reliable arena-ready acts. Despite lineup changes and pauses, their impact on hard rock remains undeniable.
Today, Krokus's legacy endures as a bridge between classic 70s energy and 80s stadium rock. Since 1975, they've weathered lineup changes and occasional hiatuses, but the band keeps performing and recording. Their music continues to inspire aspiring players who crave tight riffs, memorable melodies, and a fearless approach to rock guitar. The enduring appeal of their hard-hitting anthems shows why Krokus remains a touchstone for classic rock fans.
🎸 Want to know what gear Krokus used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
I'm On The Run
Krokus
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To The Top
Krokus
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Screaming In The Night
Krokus
View Tab →Playing Style
Krokus’s playing style is built on punchy, guitar-driven hard rock with a strong emphasis on rhythm and hook-driven leads. Expect chunky power-chord riffs, palm-muted verses, and tight alternate picking that lock in with a powerful backbeat. The guitar work blends bluesy bends and melodic fills with solid, almost anthem-like motifs, giving songs like Screaming In The Night a driving bite while leaving space for vocals. Solos lean toward memorable melodies and concise phrasing rather than extreme speed, making their catalog highly approachable for players building solid rock fundamentals.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Their tone is rooted in reliable, stage-ready gear. Expect Gibson-style Les Paul–type guitars or similar solid-bodies paired with loud valve amps (Marshall-style or equivalent) to deliver thick, saturated rhythm. Effects are typically tasteful and band-friendly—chorus, delay, and light overdrive—used to thicken riffs and create a wide, live-front sound without losing attack or clarity.
Why Learn Krokus Songs?
Learning Krokus tunes helps guitarists develop strong rhythm foundations, precise palm-muted chugging, and catchy melodic hooks that translate across hard rock. The songs offer approachable tempos and memorable riffs that build hands-on coordination, timing with the drummer, and confident lead phrasing without requiring extreme technique. With three distinct lessons—Screaming In The Night, To The Top, and I'm On The Run—players can progress from solid rhythm work to crafting solid rock solos while strengthening overall groove and stage-ready dynamics.
Did You Know?
- 1Krokus formed in 1975 in Zürich and became Switzerland’s flagship hard rock act.
- 2Frontman Marc Storace, a Malta-born vocalist, has been a defining voice for the band across multiple lineups.
- 3Their 1980 album Metal Rendez-Vous and the 1983 release Headhunter helped launch international fame and touring.
- 4The band’s name, Krokus, is a nod to the crocus flower and their Swiss roots.
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