This Bad to the Bone guitar lesson will teach you one of the most recognizable rock riffs ever recorded. George Thorogood’s signature tune combines simple power chords with a killer groove that sounds way harder than it actually is. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity – you can nail the main riff with just three chords, but the real magic happens when you add the right attitude and timing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a crowd-pleasing rocker to your setlist, this lesson breaks down everything you need to sound like a blues-rock legend.
Song Story & Context
George Thorogood recorded “Bad to the Bone” in 1982, and it became his biggest hit despite never cracking the top 40. The song was inspired by Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” and features that same hypnotic, single-chord groove that gets people moving. Thorogood played his trusty Gibson ES-125 through a cranked tube amp to get that gritty, overdriven tone that defines the track. What’s fascinating is how the song gained massive popularity through MTV rotation and movie soundtracks rather than radio play. The video featured real-life tough guys including professional wrestlers and members of the Hells Angels, cementing its reputation as the ultimate badass anthem.
What You’ll Learn
- The main power chord progression using E, A, and B chords
- How to get that chunky, percussive strumming style
- Palm muting techniques for controlling the sustain
- Proper chord transitions to keep the groove locked in
- Adding attitude and dynamics to simple chord changes
- Common fingering shortcuts that make changes smoother
Chord Progression Breakdown
The verse follows a straightforward progression in the key of E: E – E – E – A – A – E – E – B – A – E. Don’t let the simplicity fool you though. The trick is making these basic chords sound massive and menacing.
Start with your E power chord at the 2nd fret. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string. Keep your other fingers relaxed and make sure you’re only hitting those two strings plus the open low E. This creates that thick, chunky sound without any muddy overtones.
For the A power chord, slide everything up to the 5th fret. Same finger pattern, just moved up three frets. The transition from E to A happens quickly, so practice sliding your whole hand as one unit rather than lifting and replanting each finger separately.
The B power chord sits at the 7th fret using the same shape. This chord only appears briefly in the progression, but it’s crucial for that signature sound. Many beginners rush this change, but take your time and make sure it rings out clean.
Here’s a fingering tip that will save you headaches: keep your thumb positioned behind the neck, roughly behind your middle finger. This gives you the leverage to press down firmly while keeping your wrist straight and comfortable.
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm
The rhythm is where this song really comes alive. You’re not just strumming chords – you’re creating a percussive, driving beat that locks in with the drums. Think of your right hand as both a rhythm guitar and a percussion instrument.
Start with a basic down-up pattern, but emphasize the downstrokes heavily. The pattern goes: Down-up-down-up, with the downs being much stronger and more aggressive. Count it as “ONE-and-TWO-and” and really dig into those numbered beats.
Here’s where palm muting becomes essential. Rest the edge of your picking hand lightly against the strings right where they meet the bridge. This creates that chunky, staccato sound instead of letting the chords ring out completely. You want just enough contact to dampen the strings without killing them entirely.
Practice the rhythm with just the E chord first. Get comfortable with the palm muting and the aggressive downstroke attack. Once that feels natural, start adding the chord changes. The key is maintaining that driving rhythm even during transitions.
Tips for Playing This Song
Focus on your attack. This isn’t a gentle folk song – you need to hit those strings with authority. Use a medium to heavy pick and don’t be afraid to really dig in on the downstrokes. The aggressive pick attack is what gives the song its bite and attitude.
Watch your timing on the chord changes. The most common mistake beginners make is rushing from the A chord back to E. Count the beats carefully and make sure you’re giving each chord its full time in the spotlight. Use a metronome if you need to, starting around 90 BPM and working up to the full tempo.
Experiment with your amp settings. If you have an electric guitar and amp, try adding some overdrive or distortion. You don’t need to go crazy – just enough grit to fatten up those power chords. Keep the bass around 6 or 7, mids at 5 or 6, and treble at 4 or 5 for that classic rock sound.
Don’t neglect the spaces between chords. Part of what makes this song groove so hard is what happens in the brief pauses between chord hits. Those tiny moments of silence create tension and make the next chord hit even harder. Practice stopping the strings cleanly with your palm when needed.
Keep practicing with the video lesson and don’t get discouraged if it takes time to get that perfect groove. Even simple songs like this require patience to nail the feel and attitude that make them special.