Save Tonight | TAB
Let’s go through Save Tonight‘s three sections and create parts that clearly distinguish them from one another, even though they all have the same chords.
We start with the breakdown section as this is the easiest and once you can play this, the verse will be easier to execute.

The chord progression is Am (VI) – F (IV) – C (I) – G (V). But during the breakdown, we play less of the chords so the Am and G become power chords.
This part could also work as a 2nd guitar so once you’ve got it to full tempo, play along with the original recording. Staying with the breakdown section for a while will set you up for the next two examples.
Here’s the verse, now we play the full chords using the same rhythm as the breakdown/2nd guitar had.

Notice how we start with two strings, and then play the bass note. The F is an F/C because an F on its own is too thin next to the other chords. Should you play with a band, this is not as important.
Finally, here’s the chorus, now the rhythm is different.

Practice all three examples/ideas individually and aim to play them perfectly along with the recording before you let go and just let it happen as you play on your own.
In an ideal world, you’ll play a combination of all three parts throughout, adjusting for the vocal, and building dynamics in an organic/improvised way.
However, to do that well, you should always start with being strict or you’ll end up being sloppy, most likely playing too much all the time.
Save Tonight TAB | Related Pages
Save Tonight | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn to play Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Am F | C G5 | Am F | C G5 |
Go on and close, the curtains, ’cause all we need, is candlelight…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
Eagle-Eye Cherry tunes
Swedish Eagle-Eye Cherry went to acting school in New York with Jennifer Aniston in the early ’90s.
His acting skills were capitalized on as he played all characters in the music video for his hit Save Tonight.
Eagle-Eye Cherry on the web
About me | Dan Lundholm
This guitar lesson by Dan Lundholm features TAB and covers Save Tonight. Discover more about him and how you can learn guitar with Spytunes.
Most importantly, find out why you should learn guitar through playing tunes, not practising scales, and studying theory in isolation.