Roy Orbison released Oh, Pretty Woman in 1964.  This is a legendary song. Catchy. A perfect tune for your strumming & singing repertoire complete with a an opening riff that is known the world over.

Today we’re going to break down the iconic riff and the chords (and strumming pattern).

THE RIFF:

The riff begins by playing an E7 arpeggio (as below ).

It then extends to play a repetition of E9 arpeggios (as below).

THE CHORDS:

(if you are unable to play the bar chord F#m I have given 2 alternates that you can substitute)

THE RHYTHM:

The following rhythm plays throughout the song….the top rhythm is the simplest.  If you are ready to graduate onto adding mutes into your rhythm try the second rhythm below.  This will add a bit more drive to the song.

The song is in 4/4.  You will play the rhythm pattern once for each chord unless stated.

THE CHORD PROGRESSONS:

Section 1 & 2 play the following chord progression.  The riff played is the E9 riff.

Section 3

Sedtion 4

THE SONG STRUCTURE:

RIFF

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4 

SECTION 1 CHORDS (ENDS ON AN EXTENDED E CHORD INSTEAD OF THE RIFF)

RIFF (E7 followed by E9 chord 9 times)

END ON A CHORD

 

Enjoy this song. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.   Check out the vid below for the full video lesson 🎸