Synthpop Guitar
Synthpop is keyboard-driven by definition, but the guitar parts that do appear tend to be memorable riffs or textural layers that cut through the electronic backdrop. Think of the clean arpeggio in Take On Me or the dark rhythm tones of Depeche Mode. These parts demand precision and restraint.
On GuitarZone you will find guitar arrangements that adapt the synth hooks into playable guitar lines, giving you melodic material that works as standalone pieces.
Songs to Start With
Don't You Want Me 1
Don't You Worry Child 1
Soft Cell 1
Synthpop on Guitar
Most synthpop guitar work sits in the clean to light crunch range. The challenge is matching the rhythmic tightness of a sequencer with your picking hand. Delay and reverb are essential to fill out the sound when you are the only harmonic instrument.
Personal Jesus is a great workout for tight, muted rhythm playing. Take On Me translates the famous synth riff into a fast single-note line that tests your alternate picking accuracy. Browse New Wave for related material.