Guitar & Bass Tabs
Loverboy
About Loverboy
Loverboy formed in Vancouver in 1979 when powerhouse singer Mike Reno joined forces with guitarist Paul Dean, planting the seeds for a bold, stadium-ready rock sound. The duo, soon joined by a tight rhythm section and keyboards, fused hard rock grit with irresistible pop hooks, powered by Reno’s charismatic shout-singing and Dean’s punchy riff work. Their magnetic energy and savvy sense of melody helped Canadian rock break into international charts and MTV rotation.
With a string of radio-ready anthems—Turn Me Loose (1980), Working For The Weekend (1981), and Lovin’ Every Minute of It (1985)—Loverboy defined an era of big choruses and sing-along hooks. The band’s records achieved multi-platinum status in the US and Canada, and their videos became staples of the early MTV era, influencing countless young guitarists to pick up the instrument and chase that fearless, party-ready rock sound.
Over the years, Loverboy’s core lineup endured through shifts and touring, helping to sustain a legacy that spans the late 70s through the 80s and beyond. Their impact on arena rock and Canadian music remains evident in modern rock players who lean on big riffs, tight rhythm, and uplifting melodies.
🎸 Want to know what gear Loverboy used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Turn Me Loose
Loverboy
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Working For The Weekend
Loverboy
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Always On My Mind
Loverboy
View Tab →Playing Style
Loverboy’s sound centers on twin guitar textures—one player delivering chunky power-chord rhythm while the other crafts bright melodic lines and searing solos—laying a foundation for Mike Reno’s vocal hooks. The rhythm section locks in with Scott Smith’s punchy bass and a drum pocket that keeps songs driving forward. Their playing favors straightforward, high-energy rock: palm-muted chugs, bold alternate-picking on riffs, and big open-string rhythm figures that snap into choruses. Melodic lead lines and tasteful pentatonic runs provide color without overshadowing the chorus, making their material instantly singable while still teachable for developing players. The hallmark is a dual-guitar attack, clear phrasing, and anthem-like dynamics that train you to lock in with a band and serve the song.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Classic Loverboy tones came from a two-guitar setup routed through tube amps with a loud, punchy stage presence. Expect two solid-body electrics delivering big rhythm chugs and bright leads, often pushed through Marshall- or Fender-style stacks. The 80s palette frequently included chorus and phase-shift effects to widen the guitars, plus overdrive for crunch and modest delay to fatten solos. While gear evolved over the years, the signature sound stayed bright, bold, and arena-ready, perfect for the band’s party-infused rock anthems.
Why Learn Loverboy Songs?
Learning Loverboy’s catalog is a fast track to solid rock fundamentals. You’ll develop rhythm-guitar discipline through power-chord riffs, palm muting, dynamic verse-chorus contrasts, and tight groove with a bass/drum pocket. The songs offer practical exercises in tempo control, chord shapes, and chorus-hook construction, while also giving you room to explore melodic lead ideas that sit comfortably against the vocal lines. Ranging from accessible ballad feel in Always On My Mind to high-energy anthems like Working For The Weekend and Turn Me Loose, these lessons balance challenge with playability, building confidence for any aspiring rock guitarist.
Did You Know?
- 1Loverboy formed in Vancouver in 1979 and became one of Canada's most successful rock acts of the 1980s.
- 2The band's breakout hit Turn Me Loose helped them enter the US market and MTV rotation in the early 80s.
- 3Loverboy is known for a distinctive two-guitar attack that defined their arena-rock sound.
- 4Even after lineup changes, the band kept touring for decades, cementing their status as a staple of classic rock radio.
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