Learn to Play "Roxanne" by The Police on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play the iconic song Roxanne by The Police on the guitar. This classic features some incredible guitar work by Andy Summers, making it a great song to work on to improve your barre chords and short staccato chord stabs.

💡Struggling with barre chords? Check out my free E Shape Barre Chords and A Shape Barre Chords courses. :)

In this tutorial, we'll go through the chords used in the song and discuss some key techniques to help you master this classic tune! So, grab your guitar, and let's get stuck in!

Roxanne: Guitar Chords

The first chord you'll need is G minor, which I typically play using the third finger on the fifth fret of the fourth string and a first finger mini bar on the thinnest three strings. It's important to mute the thickest two strings, with the tip of your third finger touching the fifth string and your thumb muting the thicker string.

The chord progression then moves from G minor to F6. Again, mute the thicker strings with your third finger and thumb. Next, we have an E flat major 7 chord, where the tip of the first finger mutes the thicker string. This is a major 7 shape that moves down one fret, transitioning to a D minor 7 chord, similar to D minor but with the little finger lifted off. Moving down two frets, we have a C minor 7 chord, which uses the same shape as the D minor 7. The last chord we'll cover is an F7 sus4 with a unique grip. While playing this chord, you can include the bass note or now! Then, we have a G7 sus4.

Technique: Short Staccato Chords

To truly capture the essence of Roxanne, it's crucial to master the short staccato way of playing the chords. This technique involves a concise and direct hit on the strings. While strumming the chords, focus on quickly pressing them down and then relaxing your fingers without releasing the shape entirely. This technique lets you achieve a muted sound, especially by muting the strings with your fretting hand.

To practice this, start with the G minor chord. Strum the chord and immediately release the pressure without lifting your fingers off the strings. This exercise will help you develop the ability to play the chord with a short staccato feel! ;)

Strumming Pattern and Timing

Roxanne's strumming pattern is based on eighth notes, with eight down strums per bar. However, we only emphasize the strums on the beat, while the "ands" are usually played softly or skipped altogether. Ensure that your timing is tight and aligned with the drums and bass, as this will help you achieve the desired groove and feel of the song.

The Chorus and Power Chords

The chorus of Roxanne features chord progressions from C minor to F7 sus4 and G7 sus4. The strumming pattern remains consistent throughout, with four beats per bar. On the second repetition of the chorus, the G7 sus4 chord is played on the "and" after four, creating a slight variation. Pay attention to the rhythm and timing to accurately execute this section.

After the chorus, the song transitions to a section based on power chords. A bass-heavy sound and a driving rhythm characterize this part. The power chord progression starts on the G and follows a specific pattern, adding new chords on the "and" after four. Listen closely to the original recording to capture the nuances and variations in this section.

Performance Tips: Your Cover!

To truly capture the essence of Roxanne, focus on tight timing, groove, and the short staccato feel of the chords. Pay attention to the dynamics and energy of your strumming hand, emphasizing the chords played on the beat. Practice the muting technique with your fretting hand to achieve a clean sound and avoid unwanted string noise. Remember to lock in with the rhythm section, particularly the drums and bass, to maintain the song's groove. Experiment with variations and add your personal touch to make the song your own!

Enjoy learning Roxanne by The Police on guitar! Watch the video for the complete lesson, and don't forget to check out all my free song lessons. :)

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