Guitar & Bass Tabs
Europe
Learn Europe's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Europe developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Europe formed in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, emerging from a vibrant scene that fused classic hard rock with Scandinavian melodic sensibilities. Led by Joey Tempest, the band quickly developed a guitar-driven, hook-laden sound that balanced heavy riffs with soaring, anthemic melodies. Their global breakout arrived with The Final Countdown (1986), a landmark album whose title track and expansive production helped redefine 80s rock and propelled Europe to worldwide superstardom. Over the years they have sold tens of millions of albums and toured the world, establishing themselves as one of Sweden’s most enduring and influential rock acts. The lineup evolved through the decades—most notably John Norum’s temporary departure in the late 1980s and Kee Marcello stepping in—before Norum’s return in the 2000s, a testament to the band’s resilience and creative pull.
Europe’s legacy lies in their mastery of infectious hooks, high-energy performances, and a knack for big choruses that still resonate with guitar players today. Their catalog—from the early, arena-ready riffs to later comebacks like Prisoners in Paradise—demonstrates a knack for blending melodic sensibility with hard rock punch. This page showcases 23 lessons that distill their most influential parts: riff-driven rhythms, memorable vocal-guiding melodies, and lead lines that balance sweetness with edge, making their catalog a gateway to classic rock craft for players of all levels.
🎸 Want to know what gear Europe used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
The Final Countdown
Europe
Rock The Night
Europe
Ninja
Europe
Cherokee
Europe
Time Has Come
Europe
Heart Of Stone
Europe
On The Loose
Europe
Love Chaser
Europe
In The Future To Come
Europe
Scream Of Anger
Europe
Aphasia
Europe
Let The Good Times Rock
Europe
Open Your Heart
Europe
More Than Meets The Eye
Europe
Ready Or Not
Europe
Sign Of The Times
Europe
Never Say Die
Europe
All Or Nothing
Europe
Halfway To Heaven
Europe
I'll Cry For You
Europe
Little Bit Of Lovin'
Europe
Talk To Me
Europe
Prisoners Of Paradise
Europe
Playing Style
Europe’s playing style centers on melodic hard rock with a tight, infectious rhythm foundation and soaring lead lines. The core sound blends punchy power-chord riffs with bright, memorable melodies, often riding a brisk tempo that drives the chorus sections. John Norum brings blues-inflected, expressive lead guitar with tasteful bends and smooth phrasing, while Joey Tempest anchors the rhythm with grittier, punchy guitar parts that lock in with the bass and drums. The band's arrangements frequently deploy dynamic contrasts—quiet verses giving way to explosive, anthemic choruses—and their solos emphasize melodic communication over flashy virtuosity. Expect a mix of palm-muted, rhythm-heavy sections, strategic use of scales for leads, and occasional keyboard textures that lift the overall texture.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with Europe includes guitar tones built on solid-body electrics capable of tight rhythm crunch and soaring leads, often run through tube-based amps for warmth and punch. Guitars like Les Paul-style models have been used to deliver thick, sustaining riffs, paired with versatile pickups for both rhythm and lead work. Amplification ideas lean into classic, high-gain tube heads, with chorus, delay, and reverb effects shaping the big chorus moments. On record, keyboards and synth textures provide the signature shimmering arrapeggios and pads that define tracks like The Final Countdown, illustrating how gear choice helps sculpt Europe’s hallmark arena-rock sound.
Why Learn Europe Songs?
Learning Europe’s catalog is a smart move for guitarists aiming to build solid rock fundamentals. The riffs reinforce essential rhythm techniques, precise palm-muting, tight alternate picking, and clean tonality with punch. Lead lines teach melodic phrasing, bending, and expressive notes within a singable scale framework. The songs cover a range of difficulty—from accessible mid-tempo riffs to more intricate, melodic solos—allowing players to progress from rhythm-heavy sections to confident, stage-ready leads. Mastering these tunes cultivates strong musicality, timing, and a sense of epic, crowd-pleasing dynamics that translate to countless classic-rock contexts.
Did You Know?
- 1Europe formed in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, and became one of the country’s most successful rock acts.
- 2Their 1986 hit The Final Countdown helped catapult them to global stardom and sold millions of copies worldwide.
- 3John Norum left the band briefly in 1989 and was replaced by Kee Marcello before Norum rejoined in the 2000s.
- 4They are renowned for pioneering melodic hard rock in Sweden and influencing a generation of guitarists seeking big hooks.
23 Europe lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play Europe Guitar
Explore Europe guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
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