“Bang a Gong (Get It On)” by T. Rex is a glam rock classic, known for its infectious groove and simple, catchy riff. The original features a driving electric guitar rhythm that is fun and accessible for beginner players.
How to Play
Chords:
The song uses just three chords: E major, A major, and G major. These are all open chords and are beginner-friendly.
Strumming Pattern:
A common pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up. Keep your strumming relaxed and even, matching the steady, laid-back feel of the original. For extra groove, use palm muting on the E chord during the verses by lightly resting your palm near the bridge.
Transitions:
Practice moving smoothly between E, A, and G. The E–A transition is quick throughout the verses, so keep your fingers close to the fretboard. For the G chord in the chorus, try to lead with your ring finger for a faster switch from E or A.
Techniques:
Let the E chord ring out during the intro and bridge for maximum effect. If you want to emulate the original sound, you can lightly emphasize the bass notes of each chord before strumming the full chord.
Tips:
Play along with the recording to get the feel and tempo. Focus on keeping the rhythm steady; this song is all about the groove rather than complexity. Have fun with it—glam rock is meant to be played with energy and style!
IntroE E E E
E E E E
Verse 1Well you're dirty and sweet clad inA black don't look back and IE love you
You'reA dirty and sweet ohE yeah
Well you're slim and you're weak you've got theA teeth of a hydra upE on you
You'reA dirty sweet and you're myE girl
ChorusGet itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Verse 2Well you're built like a car you got aA hub cap diamond-starE halo
You'reA built like a car ohE yeah
Well you're an untamed youth that's theA truth with your cloak full ofE eagles
You'reA dirty sweet and you're myE girl
ChorusGet itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Verse 3Well you're windy and wild you've got theA blues in your shoes and yourE stockings
You'reA windy and wild ohE yeah
Well you're built like a car you got aA hub cap diamond-starE halo
You'reA dirty sweet and you're myE girl
ChorusGet itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
BridgeE E E E
E E E E
Verse 4Well you're dirty and sweet clad inA black don't look back and IE love you
You'reA dirty and sweet ohE yeah
Well you dance when you walk so let'sA dance take a chance underE stand me
You'reA dirty sweet and you're myE girl
OutroGet itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Get itG on, bang aA gong, get-itE on
Take meG A E