Guitar & Bass Tabs

UFO

12
lessons available

About UFO

UFO arrived in London in 1969, born from the synergy of vocalist Phil Mogg and bassist Pete Way. They quickly built a reputation for blues-infused hard rock and high-energy live shows, releasing a string of influential albums that bridged late-60s rock with the emerging hard rock sound. Over the 1970s they evolved into one of Britain’s premier heavy acts, their hard-hitting riffs and punchy rhythm sections inspiring a generation of guitarists.

Arguably their most famous chapter came when guitarist Michael Schenker joined in the mid-70s, catapulting UFO into international prominence with hook-filled riffs and dazzling leads on Phenomenon, Force It, and Lights Out. Tracks like Doctor Doctor, Natural Thing, and Oh My became enduring staples of the classic rock canon, while live performances set new standards for energy and precision. Through the decades and a shifting lineup, UFO left a lasting imprint on hard rock and early metal, influencing countless players and bands.

Today, UFO's catalog remains a touchstone for riff-focused guitar work and melodic solos. On DadRock Tabs you’ll find 14 in-depth lessons that break down their signature tunes note-for-note, from clean, punchy rhythm tracks to soaring lead passages. Whether you’re chasing the thunder of Lights Out or the swagger of Doctor Doctor, these lessons translate the legend into practical, playable guitar practice.

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

Watch the Lesson

Lights Out
#1

Lights Out

Only You Can Rock Me
#2

Only You Can Rock Me

Rock Bottom
#3

Rock Bottom

Sweet Little Thing
#4

Sweet Little Thing

Prince Kajuku
#5

Prince Kajuku

Doctor Doctor
#6

Doctor Doctor

Oh My
#7

Oh My

Mother Mary
#8

Mother Mary

Between The Walls
#9

Between The Walls

Natural Thing
#10

Natural Thing

Hot n' Ready
#11

Hot n' Ready

Too Hot To Handle
#12

Too Hot To Handle

Deep Dive

Playing Style

UFO’s guitar sound is built on muscular, riff-first hard rock with melodic lead lines that soar over tight rhythm parts. The classic approach blends punchy power chords, palm-muted chugs, and blues-inflected phrasing with fast, legato lead work. Expect expressive bends, precise alternate picking, hammer-ons and pull-offs, tasteful arpeggios, and shimmering harmonics that give their solos a memorable sing‑along quality. The chemistry between rhythm and lead guitar creates a dynamic stack where tight comping supports expansive, anthemic melodies—everything from molten riffage to soaring, sustain-rich leads that cut through the mix.

🎸 Gear & Equipment

Iconic UFO tones have been built around sturdy, guitar-driven rigs: Gibson Les Paul Standards and SGs often paired with Marshall amplifiers for punchy, saturated rock power, and a range of era-appropriate pedals. Players commonly used chorus and phase effects (for wide, spacey textures) and tactile delay to add depth to solos and fills. While gear has evolved across lineup changes, the signature UFO sound remains rooted in a strong, mid-forward guitar tone with plenty of grit and melodic clarity.

Why Learn UFO Songs?

Learning UFO tunes is a crash course in essential hard rock technique. You’ll develop solid rhythm chops with confident power-chord work, palm muting, and tight alternate picking, while also building your melodic vocabulary through Stevie‑like, soaring lead phrases and expressive bends. The catalog spans accessible riffs and mid‑level solos, offering a progressive path that strengthens phrasing, dynamics, and tone control. Mastering these tracks lays a strong foundation for classic rock rhythm reliability and memorable lead work.

Did You Know?

  • 1UFO formed in London in 1969 and quickly became a benchmark for British hard rock during the 1970s.
  • 2Michael Schenker's mid-70s era with UFO helped redefine their sound and earned him guitar-hero status worldwide.
  • 3Lights Out (1977) is often cited as a landmark hard rock record that influenced the development of early heavy metal guitar tones.
  • 4Doctor Doctor remains one of UFO's best-known live staples and a signature riff that has inspired countless players.

12 UFO lesson(s) available — Start learning today!

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