Learn How to Play "Can't Stand Losing You" by The Police on Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Can't Stand Losing You by The Police - one of my all-time favorite songs! This classic features some incredible guitar work by Andy Summers, and it's a great song for Advancing Beginners.

To get started, we'll learn all about the chords we'll use to play Can't Stand Losing You. The main chord progression revolves around three chords: Dm, Gm, and Am. These chords create a powerful, moody sound that perfectly captures the song's essence.

Strumming and Technique

Before we jump into the details of the chords, let's talk about the strumming and technique. We want to achieve a nice, tight sound with our chords, so we'll use a technique I call Chips. This technique involves strumming the chords and immediately relaxing our fingers to produce a short and crisp sound. It may take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can create the song's signature sound.

Song Structure

Now, let's break down the song structure. Check out the video tutorial to watch how I put it all together. :)

Verses

The verse section starts with two beats in D minor and two in A minor. Finally, we play one bar in G minor. This progression repeats throughout the verse, creating a captivating and gloomy atmosphere. Focus on the chords' timing and feel to capture the song's essence.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus

After the verse, we move on to the pre-chorus section. Here, we play a B flat chord followed by an F chord. These chords add a dynamic and uplifting feel to the song, leading to the catchy chorus.

The chorus is where the song shines. We return to the D minor, A minor, and G minor chords, creating a powerful and emotional sound. This part is perfect for singing along and letting your emotions flow through your guitar.

Bridge and Outro

In the bridge section, we introduce some harmonic techniques to add a unique twist to the song. Using half harmonics, we create a dreamy and ethereal sound that takes the song to another level. It may take some time to master this technique, but that extra magic touch is well worth the effort.

Finally, we wrap things up with a powerful outro. We revisit the main chords of the intro and verse, bringing the song full circle and leaving a lasting impression.

Your Cover!

Watch the full video lesson to dive into the details, and don't miss out on the opportunity to master Can't Stand Losing You by The Police. I hope you enjoy the lesson and have fun exploring the iconic sound of The Police. Don't forget to make it a cover of your own. :)

Remember to keep practicing, experiment with your style, and, most importantly, have fun playing music. Stay tuned for more exciting lessons and tutorials. See you in the next video!

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