Guitar & Bass Tabs
Poison
Learn Poison's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how Poison developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Poison formed in 1983 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, bringing together Bret Michaels (vocals), C.C. DeVille (guitar), Bobby Dall (bass), and Rikki Rockett (drums). They honed a swaggering, hook-driven hard rock sound that fused blues-based riffs with glossy pop sensibilities, a chemistry that helped the late-80s glam metal scene explode onto MTV and radio. After building a regional cult following, the band broke through with Look What the Cat Dragged In (1986), kicking off a string of platinum-selling records and arena tours that defined a generation of stadium-sized rock.
🎸 Want to know what gear Poison used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Unskinny Bop
Poison
Talk Dirty To Me
Poison
Your Mama Don't Dance
Poison
Fallen Angel
Poison
Look But You Can't Touch
Poison
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Poison
Cry Tough
Poison
I Want Action
Poison
I Won't Forget You
Poison
Look What The Cat Dragged In
Poison
Want Some, Need Some
Poison
#1 Bad Boy
Poison
Love On The Rocks
Poison
Let It Play
Poison
Life Goes On
Poison
Come Hell Or High Water
Poison
Ride The Wind
Poison
Don't Give Up An Inch
Poison
Something To Believe In
Poison
Nothin But A Good Time
Poison
Playing Style
Poison's playing style centers on tight, blues-influenced rhythm guitar paired with memorable, melodic lead work. C.C. DeVille’s swaggering lines sit atop chunky power chords, with plenty of palm-muted chugging and occasional expressive bends that give the songs their bite. The solos blend bluesy phrasing, flashy licks, and catchy hooks that stay in your memory long after the track ends, while the bass and drums lock in with a punchy, driving groove. The overall sound emphasizes big chorus riffing, singable melodies, and a sense of carefree swagger that’s instantly recognizable as classic glam metal.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
The Poison sound is built around bright, arena-ready tones and showy stage gear. Expect a mix of flashy, sturdy solid-body guitars and vintage tube amps—often paired with chorus and delay effects to thicken solos and ballads. Stage staples included a prominent red/guitar-front rig for C.C. DeVille and a versatile rhythm guitar setup for Bret Michaels, with effects such as Phase 90-style phasers and tasteful delays to add dimension to riffs and solos.
Why Learn Poison Songs?
Learning Poison tunes gives players a solid foundation in classic rock rhythm and lead work. You’ll practice driving power-chord progressions, palm-muted chugs, and tight verse-chorus dynamics, while also tackling melodic, blues-influenced solos that emphasize phrasing and bend control. These songs sit at a mid-level difficulty that’s accessible for intermediate players, yet challenging enough to build speed, accuracy, and stage-ready feel—perfect for developing the confidence and technique needed for 80s rock and beyond.
Did You Know?
- 1Poison formed in 1983 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and became one of the defining acts of the late-80s glam metal scene.
- 2Every Rose Has Its Thorn became Poison’s historic No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.
- 3The band’s MTV-era videos and big-screen personas helped popularize glam metal to a mainstream audience, influencing countless imitators.
- 4Bret Michaels later gained broad media visibility with reality TV and solo projects, helping keep Poison’s legacy alive long after the peak of their original era.
20 Poison lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Learn to Play Poison Guitar
Explore Poison 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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