Guitar & Bass Tabs
T. Rex
About T. Rex
T. Rex burst onto the UK scene in 1967 when Marc Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex in London, weaving lush acoustic textures with psychedelic folk and mythic storytelling. The original lineup featured Steve Peregrine Took on percussion, and their early records favored hypnotic, fairy-tale guitar shimmer and adventurous arrangements. After a major lineup shift in 1969 and a renaming to T. Rex in 1970, Bolan refined a punchy, riff-driven approach that would become a blueprint for glam rock.
With Electric Warrior (1971) and The Slider (1972), the band delivered a string of hit singles and helped define a swaggering sound that bridged folk roots with electric rock. Their concise, memorable guitar riffs—often built on power chords, bright fuzz, and tight rhythm—became a template for countless rock players. Bolan's flamboyant stage presence and the band's signature hooks influenced a generation of musicians and fashion alike, leaving an enduring mark on glam, Britpop precursors, and beyond. Bolan's untimely death in 1977 marked the end of an era, but T. Rex's legacy continues to inspire players exploring classic-rock riffs today.
🎸 Want to know what gear T. Rex used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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20th Century Boy
T. Rex
View Tab →Playing Style
Marc Bolan and T. Rex forged a signature guitar-driven glam-rock groove built on catchy riffs and confident, swaggering phrasing. The playing style leans into riff-based hooks, power chords, octave bursts, and crisp palm-muted down-strokes that land with a punch. Melodic, short phrases dominate, often trading between guitar and bass to lock in a driving groove. The overall sound is bright, punchy, and instantly singable, with fuzzed-out tones and simple, effective techniques that make their songs approachable for developing players while still sounding iconic on stage.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
The iconic gear associated with Marc Bolan and T. Rex centers on Gibson Les Paul Junior or Les Paul Special guitars with P-90 pickups, a Vox AC30 (or similar) amp for sparkling midrange grit, and a chain of fuzz pedals to fatten the riffs. Bolan often used octave or fuzz tones to thicken the rhythm parts in tracks like Bang A Gong and 20th Century Boy. This combination created the bright, punchy glam-rock tone that powered the band's influential rhythm sections.
Why Learn T. Rex Songs?
Learning T. Rex songs on guitar builds essential rock basics: strong rhythm, memorable riffs, and tight groove. These tracks are built around straightforward power-chord progressions, palm-muted grooves, and catchy melodic hooks that train timing and dynamics without overwhelming technique. They give players a clear path to mastering punchy, high-energy rock rhythm, while also introducing essential glam-rock flavor that helps you stand out in a band. The two available lessons on DadRock Tabs (Bang A Gong and 20th Century Boy) offer approachable entry points for beginners to early intermediates, with practical tips you can apply to other classic-rock riffs.
Did You Know?
- 1Tyrannosaurus Rex was the original band name before shortening to T. Rex in 1970, signaling a move toward a punchier, more radio-ready rock sound.
- 2Marc Bolan's flamboyant fashion and theatrical stage presence helped define glam rock's look and attitude.
- 3Electric Warrior (1971) is widely regarded as a glam-rock classic and a defining moment in early '70s rock.
- 4Bolan's sudden death in 1977 marked the end of an era, but T. Rex's riffs and hooks continue to influence generations of guitarists.
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