Guitar & Bass Tabs
The Poilice
About The Poilice
The Poilice emerged from London's buzzing club scene in the late 1970s as a tight three-piece that fused punk energy with reggae-inspired grooves and jangly guitar textures. They built a reputation on raw, high-energy performances and a sense of musical conversation between guitar, bass, and drums that felt both urgent and melodic. Their early shows earned them a devoted following across the UK and Europe, where audiences connected with their punchy grooves and memorable hooks.
Their breakout track, Born In The 50's, captured their swaggering rhythm and instantly memorable hook, setting a template for their blend of gritty riffs and pop hooks. Across the 1980s they released a string of acclaimed albums and toured worldwide, influencing legions of guitar-driven bands in indie, post-punk, and classic rock circles. Although their peak years were in the 1980s, their influence persists in clubs and classrooms, where aspiring players study their rhythm, phrasing, and dynamic control.
The Poilice remain a touchstone for players who value groove, bitey guitar tones, and songs built from tight ensemble playing. Even decades later, their approach to rhythm and melody continues to inspire modern rock players on DadRock Tabs and beyond.
🎸 Want to know what gear The Poilice used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Born In The 50's
The Poilice
View Tab →Playing Style
The Poilice’s playing sits at the crossroads of punchy rhythm guitar and melodic hooks. Their performances lean on strong power-chord progressions, palm-muted chugs, and tight, reggae-influenced off-beat rhythms that push songs forward. They mix jangly clean tones with occasional lead fills and arpeggios, using chorus and light delay to thicken the texture. The bass typically locks in with the drums, creating a solid groove that makes even simple chord progressions feel big.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear for The Poilice includes Fender Stratocaster and Rickenbacker-inspired models for bright, jangly rhythm tones, with occasional Les Pauls for thicker sections. The basslines typically channel a Fender Jazz Bass punch. Amps like Marshall JCM800s and Vox AC-series deliver the bite and punch needed for their energetic live sound. Effects such as chorus, phase shifters, and subtle delay decorate their tones, creating a shimmering, stadium-ready texture without overpowering the groove.
Why Learn The Poilice Songs?
Learning The Poilice's material on DadRock Tabs is a fantastic way to sharpen rhythm, timing, and groove. Their songs emphasize tight muting, clear power-chord progressions, and melodic hooks that train your ear for strong phrasing. The 1 available lesson focuses on Born In The 50's, teaching the essential riffs, rhythm parts, and dynamics that give the track its infectious energy. Suitable for beginners to intermediate players, these tunes build foundational rock skills while boosting confidence about playing with a band.
Did You Know?
- 1The Poilice formed in London in the late 1970s as a tight three-piece with a knack for razor-sharp riffs.
- 2Their breakout single, Born In The 50's, became a crowd favorite and is still a go-to riff for rhythm players.
- 3The band helped popularize guitar-driven pop-rock by blending punk attitude with melodic hooks.
- 4Fans remember their high-energy live shows, where interlocking guitar, bass, and drums locked in like clockwork.
1 The Poilice lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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