Man, I remember the first time I tried playing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" on my old Yamaha acoustic. Sounded like cats fighting in a dumpster. That intro arpeggio? Forget about it. My fingers just wouldn't cooperate. But you know what fixed it? Finding the right Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab. Not those messy chord charts floating around, but a proper tab showing exactly where to put your fingers.
That's why I'm writing this. After 15 years teaching guitar and seeing students struggle with this Poison classic, I've tried every tab version out there. Some are gold, others... well, let's just say I've seen better tabs scribbled on napkins.
Why This Song's Guitar Tab Matters So Much
CC DeVille's playing here is sneaky tricky. Looks simple until you try it. The magic's in those little hammer-ons and the way he voices chords. I taught a workshop last summer where three students brought different Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab sheets. None matched completely. Total nightmare.
What most tabs get wrong:
- The intro fingering (most use cowboy chords instead of the real positions)
- Palm muting intensity during verses
- That subtle pre-chorus walkdown everyone misses
Got an email last week from Dave in Ohio: "Why does my version sound empty compared to the record?" Exactly what I'm talking about. Missing nuances.
Where to Find Accurate Every Rose Has Its Thorn Tab
After testing 20+ sources, here's the real deal:
| Source | Accuracy | Format | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Guitar (Pro Tab) | ★★★★☆ | Interactive tab | Subscription | Learning on the go |
| Songsterr | ★★★★★ | Play-along tab | Free/Paid | Hearing how it should sound |
| Marty Music Tutorial | ★★★★☆ | Video + PDF | Free | Visual learners |
| Official Poison Songbook | ★★★☆☆ | Printed book | $24.99 | Collectors |
Personal rant: Avoid those sketchy free tab sites plastered with pop-ups. Tried one last month - not only was the Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab wrong, it gave my laptop malware. True story.
The Songsterr Advantage
Why I recommend Songsterr for this particular Poison tab? Three reasons:
- Their version nails the chorus strum pattern most get wrong
- You can isolate guitar tracks (helps with that tricky solo)
- Tempo control - slow it down without pitch distortion
Played this at a gig last Friday using their tab. Got two compliments on how "authentic" it sounded. Score.
Breaking Down the Every Rose Has Its Thorn Tab Step-by-Step
Let's get practical. These are the sections students struggle with most:
The Infamous Intro
Most tabs show:
e|-----0-----0-----| B|-----1-----1-----| G|-----0-----0-----| D|-----2-----2-----| A|-----3-----3-----| E|-----------------|
Actually play it like this for the record's tone:
e|-----------------| B|-----1-----1-----| G|-----0-----0-----| D|-----2-----2-----| A|-----0-----0-----| E|-----3-----3-----|
See the difference? That low E root note changes everything. Fatter sound.
Verse Strumming Secrets
Here's where tabs fail hardest. The rhythm should feel like:
- Down - down - up - down (muted)
- Emphasis on 2nd and 4th beats
- Palm mute about 50% - not chugging metal style
My student Jen cried actual tears trying to get this right. We fixed it by:
- Practicing just the mute pattern on open strings
- Gradually adding chord changes
- Using a metronome at 60bpm (original is 92bpm)
The Solo Made Simple
DeVille's solo looks scarier than it is. Broken down:
| Measure | Key Technique | Practice Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Bend vibrato | Use two fingers for stability |
| 5-8 | Legato runs | Start at half speed |
| 9-12 | Harmonics | Touch, don't press |
Pro trick: That wailing note at 3:27? It's not in most Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab sheets. You need to bend the 15th fret on B string up a whole step while hitting the harmonic at 7th fret high E. Took me weeks to nail.
Free vs Paid Every Rose Has Its Thorn Tab Resources
Let's get real about what's worth your cash:
- Ultimate Guitar Pro Paid
- ✓ Syncs with Spotify
- ✓ Community corrections
- ✗ Mobile app glitchy
- Marty Schwartz PDF Free
- ✓ Perfect for printing
- ✓ Includes common mistakes section
- ✗ No audio reference
- GuitarWorld Magazine Tab Paid
- ✓ Note-for-note accurate
- ✓ Includes interview insights
- ✗ Expensive ($7 single issue)
Personal take? If you're just learning, grab Marty's free version. But if you're performing - invest in GuitarWorld's tab. That magazine tab saved my butt at a wedding gig when I blanked on the bridge progression.
Why Your Every Rose Has Its Thorn Tab Sounds Off (And How to Fix It)
Common issues I've diagnosed in lessons:
Problem: Intro sounds thin
Solution: You're probably:
- Using light strings (try .011s)
- Picking near bridge (move toward neck)
- Missing the low E root (see tab correction above)
Problem: Chorus lacks energy
Solution:
- Strum harder on "thorns" lyrics
- Add slight accent on upstrokes
- Try open chord voicings instead of barres
Problem: Solo sounds squeaky
90% of students use too much gain. DeVille used:
- Marshall JCM800 amp
- Medium gain setting
- Tube screamer boost
My cheap fix: Roll back your distortion to 5/10 and boost mids. Instant 1988 tone.
Top 5 Questions About Every Rose Has Its Thorn Tab
Is there an easier version?
Absolutely. Capo on 1st fret lets you use basic open chords:
Verse: G - D - Em - C Chorus: C - G - D
Sounds surprisingly close!
What tuning does Poison use?
Standard tuning. Despite rumors, no drop D or other tricks.
How long to learn this song?
Based on students:
- Intro: 1-2 days
- Full rhythm: 1 week
- Solo: 2-3 weeks
Best guitar for this song?
Ideally a superstrat like DeVille's Ibanez. But my $200 Squier got compliments using these settings:
| Amp Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mids | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Reverb | 2 |
Where's the official tab?
Out of print since 2006. Found a used copy on eBay last year for $45. Not worth it - the transcription has errors in bridge timing.
My Personal Journey With This Tab
Confession time: I hated this song for years. Thought it was cheesy hair metal. Then I actually learned the Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab properly for a student request.
Mind blown.
The chord movements are actually sophisticated. That B7sus4 to G#m in the chorus? Genius. Started appreciating Bret Michaels' songwriting.
Taught me something too - never judge a song till you've played it properly. Even "cheesy" songs have depth when you dig into the tab.
Last month, I played it at an open mic. Some dude yelled "Play Freebird!" during the intro. By the solo? Dead silence. Then applause. Felt good.
Final Tips for Nailing This Tab
Before you go practice:
- Watch live footage - DeVille alters parts in concert
- Record yourself - reveals timing issues
- Learn lyrics - phrasing follows vocal melody
Seriously, if my tone-deaf cousin can learn this for his wedding (true story), anyone can. Grab that Every Rose Has Its Thorn tab and make Poison proud.
Just maybe skip the spandex pants. Some things are better left in the 80s.
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