Guitar & Bass Tabs

Triumph

13
lessons available

About Triumph

Hailing from Toronto, Triumph formed in 1975 when guitarist Rik Emmett joined forces with drummer Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine. The trio quickly established a reputation for marrying soaring guitar melodies to hard-hitting, hook-laden rock, a chemistry that would define their sound for over a decade. Their early records blended progressive confidence with accessible choruses, earning them a devoted fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic.\n\nAcross the late 70s and early 80s Triumph became one of Canada's best-loved rock acts, scoring gold and platinum albums and packing arenas around the world. Allied Forces (1981) proved their international breakthrough, yielding signature tracks and anthemic live energy that showcased Emmett's melodic lead work and Levine's solid bass lines alongside Moore's relentless grooves. Triumph's influence on countless guitarists is felt in the way they fused tight riffing with expressive solos, a template that DadRock Tabs players will recognize in many of the site’s Triumph lessons.\n\nEven as the band weathered lineup changes and shifts in popular taste, Triumph's legacy endures as a benchmark for melodic hard rock. Their music remains a favorite among players who value strong hooks, dynamic arrangements, and technical prowess delivered with feel as well as speed. On DadRock Tabs, the 16 Triumph lessons give guitarists and bassists a guided path through their classic catalog, from punchy riffs to memorable solos.

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

Watch the Lesson

Fight The Good Fight
#1

Fight The Good Fight

Lay It On The Line
#2

Lay It On The Line

Never Surrender
#3

Never Surrender

Movin On
#4

Movin On

Young Enough To Cry
#5

Young Enough To Cry

Just A Game
#6

Just A Game

Ordinary Man
#7

Ordinary Man

Fool For Your Love
#8

Fool For Your Love

A World Of Fantasy
#9

A World Of Fantasy

Allied Forces
#10

Allied Forces

Say Goodbye
#11

Say Goodbye

Tears In The Rain
#12

Tears In The Rain

Somebody's Out There
#13

Somebody's Out There

Deep Dive

Playing Style

Triumph's sound centers on Rik Emmett's guitar work—bright leads, blues-based rhythms, and classical-flavored phrasing that threads melodies through power chords. Emmett often crafts arpeggiated figures and octave-leap lines that ride over tight rhythm sections provided by Levine's bass and Moore's drums. Expect palm-muted chugs, precise alternate picking, and melodic solos that mix fast runs with tasteful, singable hooks. The band also uses clean, acoustic textures for ballads and scale-based passages, making their songs feel expansive without losing their hard rock punch.

🎸 Gear & Equipment

Iconic gear associated with Triumph includes Rik Emmett's versatile arsenal of solid-body electrics (humbucker-loaded guitars for heavy leads and brighter single-coil tones for rhythm and sparkle) and occasional acoustic guitars for ballads. Their tone has historically come from tube amps—classic Marshall- or Hi-Watt-style heads through 4x12 cabinets—often layered with chorus, delay, and a touch of wah to accent solos. The rhythm section anchors the sound with a punchy bass tone and tight drumming that drive the riffs and keep the melodies ringing.

Why Learn Triumph Songs?

Learning Triumph tunes on guitar builds core rock skills: solid rhythm foundations from punchy riffs and power chords, strong string articulation, and confident lead-playing through melodically focused solos. These songs offer a finger-friendly entry to more complex scales and arpeggios, with dynamic contrasts that teach you to shape a performance from quiet verse to explosive chorus. With 16 Triumph lessons on DadRock Tabs, players can progress from early riffs to more advanced lead lines, building endurance, accuracy, and musicality that translate to countless classic rock staples.

Did You Know?

  • 1Triumph formed in Toronto in 1975 and became one of Canada's most successful hard rock acts.
  • 2Rik Emmett is renowned for blending blues-based rock with classical guitar influences and melodic lead work.
  • 3Allied Forces (1981) helped propel Triumph onto the international stage, yielding enduring fan favorites like Magic Power.
  • 4Triumph built a reputation for high-energy live performances and tight musicianship that inspired countless players.

13 Triumph lesson(s) available — Start learning today!

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