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Poison - Nothin’ But a Good Time - Guitar Tab

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Poison - Nothin’ But a Good Time - Guitar Tab

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Key E major
Poison - Nothin’ But a Good Time guitar tab video
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Classic Rock

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Open Up And Say . . . Ahh! album cover
Open Up And Say . . . Ahh!
1988 3:43
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Poison Glam Metal 1988 E major
Capo Advisor 0 E major · Original key

Nothin’ But a Good Time

"Nothin' But a Good Time" is a hard rock and glam metal track by Poison, released as the first single from their second studio album, Open Up and Say... Ahh! (1988). The song is a staple of the glam metal era and offers electric guitarists a solid introduction to the genre's signature style, featuring driving rhythm work and melodic lead playing. Its straightforward structure and energetic riff-based approach make it a rewarding and accessible song to learn.

  • The song was the lead single from Poison's second studio album, Open Up and Say... Ahh!, released in May 1988.
  • Two B-sides accompanied the single release: 'Livin' for the Minute' and 'Look But You Can't Touch'.
  • The track is a strong example of glam metal rhythm guitar, ideal for players exploring late-1980s hard rock technique.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

C.C. DeVille used the Les Paul Standard in Poison's later years, leveraging its thick body and warm humbucker tones for a heavier, more classic rock foundation. The instrument provided a fatter sustain than his superstrats while maintaining the cutting presence needed to slice through the band's dense arrangements.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul Custom appeared in DeVille's setup during Poison's evolution, offering premium hardware and premium pickups that reinforced his bridge humbucker-driven lead tone with enhanced articulation and sustain. Its weight and construction allowed him to achieve singing, sustained solos while keeping the glam metal edge intact.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

DeVille's signature tone came directly from the JCM800's moderate-high gain voicing, which delivered that saturated yet articulate crunch essential to Poison's Sunset Strip sound. The amp's presence peak kept his leads cutting through the mix without needing excessive gain, letting the guitar's midrange shine through the drums.

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
Pedal

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

DeVille wielded the Cry Baby Wah as his primary expressive effect, adding vocal-like sweep and movement to lead passages and rhythm accents throughout Poison's glam metal anthems. The pedal's responsive taper complemented his flashy, over-the-top playing style and became a signature element of his soloing voice.

DigiTech Whammy
Pedal

DigiTech Whammy

While not a primary tool in DeVille's original chain, the DigiTech Whammy offered harmonic shifting effects that could enhance his signature whammy bar dive bombs and pitch-bend moments during solos. The pedal's tracking algorithms could layer synth-like tones beneath his squalling leads for added drama.

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