“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison is an enduring power ballad that resonates with generations. For guitar players wanting to capture the emotional depth of this iconic song, mastering the chords is the first step. This guide provides you with accurate guitar chords for “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” making it accessible for players of various skill levels to learn and enjoy. Dive in to explore the chords of this timeless hit and bring the spirit of Poison’s music to your fingertips.
Unpacking the Chords of a Power Ballad
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is built upon a foundation of accessible chords, making it a fantastic choice for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire with a classic rock ballad. The song primarily utilizes open chords and a Cadd9 variation, creating its signature melancholic yet catchy sound. Understanding these chords and their progression is key to authentically playing this Poison anthem.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” Guitar Chords – Song Structure Breakdown
Let’s break down the song structure and the corresponding guitar chords for each section, mirroring the original song’s arrangement to facilitate your learning process.
Interlude: Acoustic Foundation
G Cadd9 G Cadd9The song opens with a gentle interlude, establishing the melodic theme with a simple and repeating chord progression. This section highlights the interplay between the G and Cadd9 chords, creating a soft and inviting entry.
Verse 1: Setting the Scene
**G** I listen to our favorite song
**Cadd9** Playing on the radio
**G** Hear the DJ say loves a game of easy come and
**Cadd9** Easy go
**|G Cadd9|** But I wonder does he know
**|G Cadd9|** Has he ever felt like this
**D** And I know that you'd be here right now
**C** If I could have let you know somehow I guessThe first verse introduces the narrative with the same G and Cadd9 chords, maintaining the interlude’s harmonic foundation. The progression then moves to D and C, adding a touch of emotional tension before resolving back to the familiar chorus chords.
Chorus: The Iconic Hook
**G Cadd9** Every rose has its thorn
**G Cadd9** Just like every night has its dawn
**| G D| | Cadd9 G|** Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
**G Cadd9 (hold)** Every rose has its thornThe chorus is where the song’s emotional core is revealed, emphasized by the repeated phrase “Every rose has its thorn.” The chord progression remains centered around G and Cadd9, with brief excursions to D and back to G, creating a memorable and singable hook.
Bridge: Deepening the Emotion
**|Em D|** Though it's been a while now
**|Cadd9 - G G/F#|** can still feel so much pain |
**|Em D|** Like a knife that cuts you the wound heals
**C** But the scar, that scar remainsThe bridge shifts the harmonic landscape slightly, introducing Em and D chords. The descending bass line from G to G/F# adds a poignant touch, mirroring the lyrical theme of lingering pain and emotional scars.
Guitar Solo: Expressive Melody
G Cadd9 G Cadd9 |Em D| Cadd9 - G G/F# | |Em D | CThe guitar solo section re-emphasizes the song’s core chord progressions, providing a framework for the lead guitar to express the melody’s emotional intensity. It revisits the familiar G, Cadd9, Em, D, and C chords, allowing for a seamless transition back into the song structure.
Verse 2: Reflection and Regret
**G** I know I could have saved a love that night
**Cadd9** If I'd known what to say
**G** Instead of makin' love
**Cadd9** We both made our separate ways
**|G Cadd9|** But now I hear you found somebody new
**|G Cadd9|** And that I never meant that much to you
**D** To hear that tears me up inside
**C** And to see you cuts me like a knife I guessVerse 2 mirrors the chord progression of the first verse, continuing the narrative of regret and heartbreak. The familiarity of the chords reinforces the cyclical nature of the emotional pain described in the lyrics.
Chorus: Repetition for Impact
**G Cadd9** Every rose has its thorn
**G Cadd9** Just like every night has its dawn
**| G D| | Cadd9 G|** Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
**G Cadd9 (hold)** Every rose has its thornThe final chorus reiterates the central metaphor of the song, driving home the message with the same emotionally charged chord progression.
Outro: Fading Away
Cadd9 | G/F# G |The outro provides a gentle and fading conclusion, using Cadd9 and a final resolution to G, leaving the listener with a sense of poignant closure.
Tips for Playing “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: A common strumming pattern for ballads like this is down-down-up-down-up, but feel free to experiment to find what feels right for you.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between G and Cadd9, as these are the most frequently used chords in the song.
- Cadd9 Voicing: Ensure you are playing Cadd9 correctly. It’s similar to a C chord but with an added D note, creating a richer sound.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to dynamics. The verses are generally softer, while the chorus builds in intensity.
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” guitar chords are not only accessible but also deeply rewarding to play. By learning these chords and understanding the song structure, you can bring Poison’s classic ballad to life and enjoy playing this timeless rock anthem.
