Guitar & Bass Tabs
The Runaways
About The Runaways
The Runaways formed in 1975 in Los Angeles, a daring plan to launch an all female rock band led by manager Kim Fowley. The lineup included Cherie Currie on vocals, Joan Jett and Lita Ford on guitars, Sandy West on drums, and Jackie Fox on bass, with later lineup changes that included other talented players. They brought a high energy, rebellious attitude and a guitar driven sound that fused glam rock swagger with a punk bite, captivating audiences in clubs and on tour.
Over the next few years they released two influential early albums, The Runaways (1976) and Queens of Noise (1977), delivering punchy riffs and chorus drenched hooks. The single Cherry Bomb became a signature anthem of female empowerment and raw, unapologetic rock energy. The Runaways also pioneered world tours and opened pathways for future generations of women in rock, proving a female band could headline stages around the globe.
Though the group parted ways in 1979, the members carried forward a lasting legacy. Joan Jett would become a defining figure in rock with the hit I Love Rock n Roll and founding The Blackhearts, while Lita Ford forged a celebrated solo career as a guitarist and singer. The Runaways influence stretches across punk, metal and mainstream rock, inspiring countless bands to pick up guitars and play loud, fast and fearless.
🎸 Want to know what gear The Runaways used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Dead End Justice
The Runaways
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Cherry Bomb
The Runaways
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The Runaways are known for riff driven, punchy guitar parts that power their songs with minimal fuss but maximum impact. Their style leans on solid power chords, tight palm muting, and straightforward, downbeat rhythm that drives the groove. Joan Jett anchors the rhythm guitar with a gritty, no-nonsense tone, while Lita Ford delivers melodic yet aggressive leads that cut through the mix. The bass work is punchy and supportive, and the drums propel everything with a relentless, high-energy meter. The overall sound is raw, direct, and instantly catchy—perfect for developing clean picking, timing, and a fearless rock groove.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic Runaways gear centers on classic rock staples from the era: sturdy solid-body guitars like Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Teles, paired with punchy amps such as Marshall stacks to deliver that gritty, high-gain edge. Joan Jett’s rhythm tone emphasizes a straightforward, powerful attack, while Lita Ford’s lead work calls for brighter, cutting tones with strong sustain. Minimal effects and plenty of volume helped maintain the band’s raw, unapologetic energy that defined their signature sound.
Why Learn The Runaways Songs?
Learning The Runaways tunes gives you a doorway into essential rock skills: tight rhythm, punchy power chords, clean palm muting, and concise lead phrasing. Cherry Bomb and Dead End Justice are accessible for intermediate players and hold up as excellent practice for keeping steady tempo, developing aggressive picking, and locking in with a driving backbeat. These tracks lay a strong foundation for later hard rock and punk styles, helping you build confidence, tone control, and the fearless energy that defined 70s rock.
Did You Know?
- 1They were one of the first all female rock bands to achieve international fame in the 1970s.
- 2Joan Jett and Lita Ford both went on to iconic solo careers, influencing rock for decades.
- 3Their music fused glam rock with punk energy, paving the way for future generations of women in rock.
- 4The Runaways inspired a 2010 feature film and countless aspiring players to pick up the guitar and jam loud.
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