Release Date – April 1976
After the release of their first album in the late ’70s, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were shoved into the punk/new wave movement by many listeners, who picked up on the tough, shining energy of the group’s blend of Byrds riffs and Rolling Stones staggering riffs. In a way, the categorization made sense. Compared to the heavy metal and art-rock that dominated mid-’70s guitar-rock, the Heartbreakers’ gutsy return to roots was nearly as unexpected as the crashing chords of the Clash.
Intro Riff
The intro has 2 guitar parts and a keyboard part we’ve arranged for the guitar. Here’s what they sound like together:
Guitar 1
Guitar 2
Guitar 3
Complete Transcription To “Breakdown” (PDF)
Complete Transcription To “Breakdown” (Power Tab)