Every Breath You Take Tab: Guitar Tabs & Cover

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most iconic songs ever written: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. This track is a timeless classic, instantly recognizable, and surprisingly fun to play on guitar. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting, this detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to nail the signature sound of this hit. We'll cover the essential guitar tabs, techniques, and some cool tips to help you make it your own. Let's get started!

Understanding the Song's Structure

Before we jump into the tabs, let's take a moment to understand the structure of "Every Breath You Take." Knowing the arrangement will help you anticipate the changes and make your playing more musical. The song is built around a simple yet effective chord progression, primarily revolving around A, Bm, D, and E. These chords create the haunting and somewhat unsettling atmosphere that makes the song so unique. The main riff, played on Andy Summers' guitar, is the hook that everyone remembers. Understanding how this riff interacts with the underlying chords is crucial for a successful performance. Also, it's worth noting the subtle variations in the guitar part throughout the song. Pay attention to the dynamics and the way Summers uses effects to create different textures. The song builds gradually, adding layers of intensity as it progresses. So, keep an ear out for these nuances as you learn the tab. By internalizing the structure, you'll be able to play the song with more confidence and expression.

Breaking Down the Main Riff Tab

The main riff in "Every Breath You Take" is arguably one of the most recognizable guitar parts in music history. It's deceptively simple, but nailing the timing and feel is essential. Here's a breakdown of the tab:

e|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----2-------------------------|
A|---0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0---------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

This is the basic pattern. The magic lies in the subtle nuances. Andy Summers uses a combination of delay and chorus effects to create that shimmering, ethereal sound. Experiment with these effects to get closer to the original tone. Pay close attention to your picking technique. A light, consistent touch will help you achieve the right feel. Don't overplay it; let the notes ring out and breathe. Also, consider the dynamics. The riff isn't played at a constant volume throughout the song. It ebbs and flows, adding to the overall drama. Practice this riff slowly and deliberately, focusing on accuracy and feel. Once you've mastered it, you'll be well on your way to playing the entire song. Remember, the key to success is patience and attention to detail.

Chord Progression: A, Bm, D, E

At its heart, "Every Breath You Take" relies on a simple but powerful chord progression: A, Bm, D, and E. These chords create the harmonic foundation over which the iconic guitar riff floats. Let's take a closer look at each chord and how they fit together in the song. The A chord provides a sense of stability and grounding, while the Bm adds a touch of melancholy and tension. The D chord offers a brief moment of resolution before the E chord pulls us back into the cycle. The progression is repeated throughout most of the song, creating a hypnotic and captivating effect. To play these chords effectively, focus on smooth transitions between them. Practice moving from A to Bm to D to E, paying attention to your finger placement and timing. Strive for clean, clear chords with no buzzing or muted strings. Also, experiment with different voicings of these chords to add your own personal touch. For example, you could try playing the A chord as a barre chord or using a different inversion of the Bm. The possibilities are endless! By mastering this essential chord progression, you'll be able to accompany the main riff and play the song in its entirety. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it until you can play the chords smoothly and confidently.

Essential Techniques: Fingerpicking and Arpeggios

To truly capture the essence of "Every Breath You Take" on guitar, you'll need to master a few essential techniques, most notably fingerpicking and arpeggios. Andy Summers' signature guitar style relies heavily on these techniques to create the song's unique sonic texture. Fingerpicking involves using your fingers, rather than a pick, to pluck the strings. This allows for greater control over individual notes and creates a more delicate, nuanced sound. In "Every Breath You Take," fingerpicking is used to play the main riff and to add subtle embellishments to the chords. To develop your fingerpicking skills, start by practicing simple arpeggios. An arpeggio is simply a chord played one note at a time, rather than all at once. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns, using your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers to pluck the strings. Pay attention to the dynamics of your playing, varying the volume of each note to create interest and expression. As you become more comfortable with fingerpicking, try incorporating it into your playing of the main riff. Focus on replicating the subtle nuances of Andy Summers' technique, paying attention to his use of delay and chorus effects. With practice and patience, you'll be able to master these essential techniques and bring your performance of "Every Breath You Take" to the next level.

Adding Effects: Chorus and Delay

The distinctive sound of "Every Breath You Take" wouldn't be complete without the use of effects, particularly chorus and delay. These effects add depth, dimension, and a sense of space to the guitar part, creating the song's signature sonic atmosphere. Chorus is a modulation effect that creates a shimmering, swirling sound by slightly detuning and delaying the original signal. This effect is used subtly in "Every Breath You Take" to thicken the guitar tone and add a touch of etherealness. Delay, on the other hand, repeats the original signal after a short period of time, creating a sense of echo or reverberation. In "Every Breath You Take," delay is used more prominently to create the iconic echoing effect on the main riff. To replicate these effects, you'll need either dedicated chorus and delay pedals or a multi-effects processor that includes these effects. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that matches the original recording. Pay attention to the delay time and the feedback settings. The delay time determines how long it takes for the echo to occur, while the feedback determines how many times the echo repeats. Start with subtle settings and gradually increase them until you achieve the desired effect. Remember, the key is to use these effects tastefully, enhancing the guitar part without overpowering it. With the right combination of chorus and delay, you'll be able to capture the magic of "Every Breath You Take" and bring your performance to life.

Tips for Mastering the Song

Mastering "Every Breath You Take" on guitar takes time, patience, and dedication. But with the right approach and a few helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to playing this classic song with confidence and flair. First and foremost, practice consistently. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on the song, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your technique. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the parts. Don't try to rush things; focus on accuracy and feel. Secondly, listen carefully to the original recording. Pay attention to the nuances of Andy Summers' playing, including his use of dynamics, effects, and phrasing. Try to emulate his sound as closely as possible. Thirdly, break the song down into smaller sections. Focus on mastering each section individually before putting them all together. This will make the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming. Fourthly, record yourself playing. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve. Be honest with yourself and don't be afraid to critique your own playing. Finally, don't give up! Learning a new song can be challenging, but with perseverance and a positive attitude, you'll eventually get there. Celebrate your progress along the way and enjoy the journey. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to master "Every Breath You Take" and add this timeless classic to your repertoire.

Playing a Cover

Once you've mastered the guitar parts, why not create your own cover of "Every Breath You Take"? This is a great way to put your own spin on the song and showcase your unique musical style. When creating a cover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the arrangement. Do you want to stick closely to the original, or do you want to try something completely different? You could experiment with different tempos, instrumentation, or vocal harmonies. Secondly, think about your vocal style. How can you make the song your own vocally? Do you want to sing it in the same key as Sting, or do you want to transpose it to a key that better suits your voice? Thirdly, don't be afraid to experiment with different effects. Try adding your own personal touch to the guitar parts with different chorus, delay, or reverb settings. Fourthly, pay attention to the dynamics. Vary the volume and intensity of your playing to create a more engaging and dynamic performance. Finally, have fun! Creating a cover should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; just relax and let your creativity flow. Once you've recorded your cover, consider sharing it online. You could upload it to YouTube, SoundCloud, or other music-sharing platforms. This is a great way to get feedback on your playing and connect with other musicians. So go ahead and unleash your creativity and create your own unique cover of "Every Breath You Take"!

So there you have it, guys! A complete guide to playing "Every Breath You Take" on guitar. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be able to master this iconic song and impress your friends and family. Now go pick up your guitar and start playing! Rock on!