Master Tom Waits' "Rain Dogs" on Guitar: Step-by-Step Lesson

Lucas Aug 20, 2026

If you're a fan of Tom Waits' gritty, blues-infused sound and have always wanted to learn his unique guitar style, you're in the right place. Diving into Waits' musicventory, we find a gem like "Rain Dogs," where his guitar playing is nothing short of captivating. So, let's explore "Rain Dogs" Tom Waits guitar lesson, complete with key techniques, chords, and riffs.

a person playing an electric guitar in front of a wall
a person playing an electric guitar in front of a wall

Understanding Tom Waits' Guitar Style

Walking Into Chords Guitar Lesson
Walking Into Chords Guitar Lesson

Before we dive into "Rain Dogs," let's first understand Tom Waits' guitar playing style. He's known for his rhythmic, percussive approach, often using a Telecaster for its bright, twangy sound. His playing is heavily influenced by the blues, with open tunings and slide guitar techniques featuring prominently.

The most crucial thing to remember is to keep it loose and expressive. Waits' playing is about feeling as much as technical proficiency.

a man playing an electric guitar with the caption you can play it
a man playing an electric guitar with the caption you can play it

Open Tunings and Slide Guitar

Open tunings are a staple of Waits' guitar sound. In "Rain Dogs," he uses Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D), which allows for rich, resonant chords and easy slide playing. Start by tuning your guitar to Open D, then practice playing major chords in this tuning.

sheet music with the words have you ever seen the rain? and an image of guitar chords
sheet music with the words have you ever seen the rain? and an image of guitar chords

To play slide like Waits, use your finger or a slide (Waits often uses a metal or glass bottle neck slide). Practice playing whole notes, then move on to eighth and sixteenth notes for that distinct Waits rhythmic feel.

Blues Chords and Riffs

Many of Waits' guitar parts are based on blues chord structures and riffs. In "Rain Dogs," listen for the dominant seventh chords and turnarounds that lend a bluesy flavor to the song. Start by practicing these simple progressions and riffs slowly, then build up speed over time.

an iphone screen showing the guitar tabs for each song in which they are arranged
an iphone screen showing the guitar tabs for each song in which they are arranged

Try using a metronome to develop your timing and accuracy. Remember, it's about playing expressively, not just rapidly.

Learning "Rain Dogs"

"Rain Dogs" is a rich tappestry of sounds, but its backbone is a simple verse progression. Let's break down the chords and riffs.

Rain Dog
Rain Dog

For the verse, strum these open D chords slowly, allowing each note to ring out: D - A - A - D.

Verse Riff

L'Atelier des guitaristes Débutants - Tablatures et backing tracks added a... - L'Atelier des guitaristes Débutants - Tablatures et backing tracks
L'Atelier des guitaristes Débutants - Tablatures et backing tracks added a... - L'Atelier des guitaristes Débutants - Tablatures et backing tracks
a man sitting at a table with an electric guitar in front of him and the words empty lounge at 3am
a man sitting at a table with an electric guitar in front of him and the words empty lounge at 3am
a man sitting in front of a guitar with the words takto civic on it
a man sitting in front of a guitar with the words takto civic on it
a black and white photo of a man with a hat on playing an acoustic guitar
a black and white photo of a man with a hat on playing an acoustic guitar
a man sitting on top of a couch playing an electric guitar in front of a microphone
a man sitting on top of a couch playing an electric guitar in front of a microphone
a man sitting down with a guitar in his lap
a man sitting down with a guitar in his lap
the guitar chords are arranged in order to make it look like they're playing
the guitar chords are arranged in order to make it look like they're playing
the guitar tabs are shown in black and white, with text that reads have you ever seen the rain?
the guitar tabs are shown in black and white, with text that reads have you ever seen the rain?
How to Play intro - Have You Ever Seen The Rain #guitartutorial
How to Play intro - Have You Ever Seen The Rain #guitartutorial

The verse riff is a classic Waits move - a repeated, syncopated pattern played with a slide. In Open D tuning, bar the third fret with your index finger, then slide your third finger up and down between the third and fifth frets, like this (1 - 3 - 3 - 1):

D - A - A - D

After practicing this riff, try incorporating it into the song with the verse chords, letting it flow naturally.

Guitar Solo

Waits' guitar solo in "Rain Dogs" is a singable melody, drawing heavily from the blues scale. Play this melody slowly at first, focusing on the shapes and intervals. As you become more comfortable, increase your speed and add some swing.

Record yourself playing the solo, then listen back critically. Try channeling that Waits swagger and attitude - this is blues guitar, after all. Have fun with it!

Now that we've explored the key elements of "Rain Dogs" Tom Waits guitar lesson, it's time to put it all together. Listening to the original and playing along, aim to absorb the feel and nuances of Waits' guitar part. As always, practice patiently and with a smile, and soon you'll be channeling a little of that Waits magic yourself.

Keep exploring Tom Waits' extensive discography, and don't forget to check out his other exceptional guitar work, like "Jersey Girl" and "Downtown Train." Happy playing, and may the thrill of the blues be with you!