You can learn 16 Reggae and Ska tunes using chords, lyrics, analysis, chord charts, TAB, step-by-step guidance, and video guitar lessons!
Reggae Foundations with Bob Marley and Beyond
Reggae and Ska bring a completely different rhythmic feel to your playing. Instead of driving strums or heavy backbeats, the groove sits in the space between the beats. Upstrokes become essential, accents shift to the off-beats, and your right hand must stay relaxed and consistent. It’s less about force and more about feel.
When played correctly, this style creates lift, movement, and a subtle pulse that feels effortless but requires control and precision.
At the heart of this section is Bob Marley, whose songwriting defines classic reggae guitar. His songs teach you how to lock into the skank rhythm, control muting, and support the groove without overplaying.
Alongside Marley, we explore reggae and ska-influenced tracks by The Police, who fused Caribbean rhythms with rock and new wave energy. Their music adds sharper dynamics and tighter rhythmic interplay. We also look at crossover songs by 10cc and Jason Mraz, where reggae elements blend into pop songwriting. These tracks are perfect for learning how the style adapts across genres while keeping its signature off-beat character.
Technically, this collection focuses on clean chord stabs, barre chord control, partial shapes, and rhythmic discipline. You’ll work on muting techniques, percussive strums, and keeping steady upstroke motion without rushing. Many songs use simple harmony, which means your timing and groove must carry the performance.
Reggae and Ska are brilliant for improving rhythmic awareness. Once you internalise the feel, it strengthens every other style you play. The space, control, and subtle syncopation you develop here will make your strumming more refined across the board.
Because I Got High | Afroman
You can learn Because I Got High by Afroman using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| G5 | C5 |
I was gonna clean my room, until I got high…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Because I Got High (Afroman) Guitar Lesson wtih TAB.
Could You Be Loved | Bob Marley
You can learn Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D | Bm | G | D |
Could you be loved, and be loved…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Could You Be Loved – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Down Under | Men At Work
You can learn Down Under by Men At Work using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Bm A | Bm G A |
Traveling in a fried-out Kombi…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Down Under (Men At Work) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Dreadlock Holiday | 10cc
You can learn Dreadlock Holiday by 10cc using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| Gm (Dm) | Cm (Dm) | Gm (Dm) | Cm (Dm) |
I was walking down the street, concentrating on truckin’ right…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Dreadlock Holiday – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Englishman In New York | Sting
You can learn Englishman In New York by Sting using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Em7 A | Bm Bm9 Bm/A |
I don’t drink coffee, I take tea, my dear…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Englishman In New York (Sting) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
I Shot The Sheriff | Bob Marley
You can learn I Shot The Sheriff by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| Gm | Cm (Cm7) | Gm7 (Gm) | Gm7 (Gm) |
I shot the sheriff, but I didn’t shoot no deputy, oh no! Oh…
Start learning with the full lesson series: I Shot The Sheriff – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
I’m Yours | Jason Mraz
You can learn I’m Yours by Jason Mraz using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| B |
Well you done, done me and you bet I felt it…
Start learning with the full lesson series: I’m Yours – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Is This Love | Bob Marley
You can learn Is This Love by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| F#m7 | D | A E/G# |
I wanna love you, and treat you right…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Is This Love (Bob Marley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
It Must Be Love | Madness
You can learn It Must Be Love by Madness using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Am | Amadd9/E | Am | Amadd9/E | G | Gsus4 | G | G G# |
I never thought I’d miss you, half as much as I do…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: It Must Be Love (Madness) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Master Blaster (Jammin’) | Stevie Wonder
You can learn Master Blaster by Stevie Wonder using chords, lyrics, a backing track, a chord chart, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| Cm | Cm Bb | Ab | Ab G |
Everyone’s feeling pretty, it’s hotter than July…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Master Blaster – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
No Woman, No Cry | Bob Marley
You can learn No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C G/B | Am7 F | C F C/E Dm C | C (G A B G) |
No, woman, no cry. No, woman, no cry…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: No Woman, No Cry (Bob Marley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
One Love | Bob Marley
You can learn One Love by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Bb | F |
One love, one heart…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: One Love (Bob Marley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Our House | Madness
You can learn Our House by Madness using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C | Gm |
Father wears his Sunday best…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Our House (Madness) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Redemption Song | Bob Marley
You can learn Redemption Song by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| G | Em | C G/B | Am |
Old pirates yes they rob I, sold I to the merchant ships…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Redemption Song – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Roxanne | The Police
You can learn Roxanne by The Police using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and Spytunes video guitar lessons.
| Gm | Dm/F | Ebmaj7 | Dm |
Roxanne, you don’t have to put on the red light…
Start learning with the full lesson series: Roxanne – Guitar Lessons with TAB.
Three Little Birds | Bob Marley
You can learn Three Little Birds by Bob Marley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| A | A | D | A |
Don’t worry, about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be alright…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Three Little Birds (Bob Marley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
