Rock With You | TAB
Let’s work through all sections using TAB. This is one of those tunes bands often attempt and then keep on the setlist — as long as the arrangement and chords are right!
Intro
The intro later returns as the chorus, although the rhythm changes slightly, so get this first section perfect. All 8th notes are played short, almost like 16th notes, indicated with a small dot above the stem to make reading easier.
Notice how bars 2, 4, and 6 feature small variations. Ab11 could also be described as Gb/Ab.
Verse
The verse follows the same idea as the intro, with subtle changes. These details matter, so practise the variations carefully.
The dot now appears above a dotted 8th note — perhaps extreme, but used here for clarity. Can you spot the changes and hear their impact?
Also note that Bb11 and Ab are the same shape — only the bass moves.
Bridge
This section is brilliant. Gbmaj7 is the same shape we used earlier for Ebm9 — again, it’s the bass note that changes. Fm7 feels like a Gb triad, and Ab11 resembles a Gb too.
In the second line, I’ve pushed the notation a bit further, showing dotted 8ths the first time and straight 8ths the second time — they should feel snappier the second time around.
Finish with power chords for the G and A.
You can also play these chords with different shapes; here the G and A are triads.
Chorus
The chorus mirrors the intro but with fewer strums to leave space for the vocal. In the final bar, we shift up to new shapes. Once again, Ab11 could be described as Gb/Ab.
Middle 8
This is my favourite part. The move from Ebm9 to Bbm7 is tiny, yet when it then becomes Eb9 (major), the lift feels massive — it’s perfect writing.
The second line matches the bridge, but with the first rhythm removed. A clever reuse of harmony.
Solo
We move into a solo that ends by modulating up a semitone. Otherwise, it’s essentially another chorus.
Outro
The outro is another chorus, now up a semitone. If your band nails these parts, you’ll sound properly rehearsed and polished.
When you can play all this TAB, try putting it together and play along with the backing tracks at the top of this lesson.
Rock With You Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Rock With You | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn to play Rock With You by Michael Jackson using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Ebm9 | Ab | Bb11 | Bb11 |
Girl, close your eyes, let that rhythm get into you…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
