Take On Me by a-ha Acoustic Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

Guitar - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1831554

By a-ha. By Magne Furuholmen; Morten Harket; Pal Waaktaar. Arranged by Dr. Tom Zlabinger / Telematic Studios / Dr. Tom's Charts. This edition: pdf, streaming. Pop. Chords/Lyrics. 7 pages. Dr. Tom's Charts / Telematic Studios #1391297. Published by Dr. Tom's Charts / Telematic Studios (A0.1831554).

"Take On Me" is a-ha's synth-pop masterpiece from their landmark 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low, featuring one of the most euphoric and instantly recognizable synthesizer hooks in the history of popular music. "Take On Me" is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced bands ready to tackle the golden era of synth-pop with energy, precision, and a flair for the dramatic. The keyboard and synth work is absolutely central, demanding clean, articulate playing and a bright, punchy tone that captures the song's irresistible melodic drive — teaching musicians how a single riff can carry an entire arrangement. The rhythm section is crisp and propulsive, requiring tight interplay between bass and drums to maintain the song's relentless forward momentum while leaving space for the signature melodic elements to shine. For singers, "Take On Me" is one of pop music's great vocal challenges — the soaring chorus demands impressive range, head voice control, and the ability to hit stratospheric high notes with confidence and clarity while maintaining pitch and expression. The song's timeless euphoria and undeniable melodic brilliance make it an instant singalong moment that showcases a band's ability to blend precision, energy, and pure pop joy into something truly unforgettable.


A NOTE ABOUT DR. TOM’S CHARTS™
DR. TOM’S CHARTS™ help musicians make more music together. Inspired by the Nashville Number System and the classic Rise Up Singing, these charts emphasize song form with lyrics overlaid on top of evenly spaced chords. These musical roadmaps let you focus on what you love: vocal delivery, groove, harmonies, feel, and more! You can even experiment with different styles and meters.

In the HYBRID chart, the first chord of each line aligns with the first word or syllable on the downbeat, highlighting pickups and delayed entries. Subsequent chords may not align exactly with every word, but once the singer nails the entry, everything locks in! This format might look unfamiliar at first, but evenly spaced chords improve groove and accuracy. The harmonic rhythm guides the melody! For singers, the LYRICS ONLY chart provides all the words with rehearsal cues (intros, verses, bridges, solos).

Keep on jammin’!
Dr. Tom


WHO IS DR. TOM?
Dr. Tom Zlabinger is a bass player, guitar player, and singer who has been jamming since high school. He is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY, where he has taught popular music performance since 2003. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, an M.A. in jazz performance from Queens College / CUNY, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the Graduate Center / CUNY. Dr. Tom has published on jams, live online performance, and the role of musicians across various media franchises. He is passionate about innovations that make music making more accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds. In 2022, he founded Telematic Studios® to help musicians connect through online voice lessons, clear and legal charts, and live online performance.