Transcribing Notes From John Neil (Head Transcriber)
Being the main theme song for the 1980 film American Gigolo, Deborah Harry wrote the words from the standpoint of a male prostitute. I was this years old when I learned that.
Melody
A nice melody with a pretty large range – A3 to E5. There is some foreign language speaking in the bridge – Deborah says “love, call me” in Italian, then says “call me, my darling” in French.
Download the Melody Music Here
Keyboard
The keyboard covers as much as possible with 2 hands. It’s set up so it’s possible to play on 1 keyboard, but is meant for multiple keyboards. A lot of it is a plucky synth sound that would work best with delay on it – feedback set to about 2 echos for a triplet effect. The keyboard solo was actually played by Harold Faltermeyer (of Beverly Hills Cop fame) … small world, ey?
Download the Keyboard Sheet Music Here
Lead and Rhythm Guitars
The lead guitar does the more sustainy guitar work, and signature riffs like at bar 6.
Download the Lead Guitar Tab Here
The rhythm guitar does more of the reggae guitar hits, as well as doubling on sustained guitar that the lead does.
Download the Rhythm Guitar Tab Here
Strum/Ukulele
There isn’t really a guitar nor ukulele part in the song, so a part was made up that keeps the rhythm going.
Download the Strum Tab Here
Download the Ukulele Tab Here
Bass
A bassy tone, that seems to be played with fingers as opposed to a pick.
Download the Bass Tab Here
Drums
Download the Drum Music Here
Download the Lead Sheet Here