How to Chart Songs for the Guitar

So you’ve been jamming out on your guitar, and suddenly, you’ve got this killer riff or melody that you want to capture. But how do you make sure you remember it, and more importantly, how do you share it with your bandmates or fellow musicians? That’s where song charting comes in. Charting songs for guitar isn’t just about scribbling some notes down; it’s a skill that can elevate your musicianship and ensure your creative ideas are communicated clearly.

Understanding the Basics of Song Charting

First things first: what exactly is song charting? If you’re imagining a bunch of sheet music with little black notes, you’re not far off, but song charting can be much simpler and more tailored to guitarists, especially if you play metal or any of its subgenres. Essentially, charting is about creating a written representation of your music. This might include tabs, chord diagrams, or even just a series of notes that help you and others understand how to play a piece.

For guitarists, particularly those into metal, this often means using tablature (tabs) as a primary tool. Tabs are great because they show exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. However, charting goes beyond tabs; it can also include chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and dynamics. Think of it as a roadmap for your music.

Tools You Need for Charting

Before you start charting, you’ll need some tools to get the job done. Don’t worry, you won’t need a lot of fancy equipment. Here’s a quick rundown of what might come in handy:

• Tablature Software: Programs like Guitar Pro or TuxGuitar can be invaluable. They allow you to write tabs and even play them back to hear how your chart sounds.
• Notation Software: If you want to get a bit more traditional, software like Finale or Sibelius can help you transcribe music into standard notation.
• Metronome: Timing is everything in music. A metronome helps you keep track of the tempo, ensuring your charts are rhythmically accurate.
• Recording Device: Sometimes, recording your idea first can help when you’re struggling to get it all down on paper.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers an interactive player for all video lessons, where you can adjust the tempo, making it easier to match your playing with what you hear and want to chart. This feature can be a godsend when you’re trying to nail down tricky parts.

Deciding What to Chart

Not every part of a song needs to be charted. So, how do you decide what to include? The answer depends on the purpose of your chart. If you’re preparing for a jam session, you might just need the chord progressions and any essential riffs. For a studio recording, however, you’ll want everything from the intro to the outro detailed.

Focus on:

• Main Riffs: These are the backbone of any metal song. Make sure they’re clear and concise in your chart.
• Chorus Progressions: Often, these are simple but crucial for the song’s structure.
• Solos: If there’s a guitar solo, chart it out, even if it’s just the key phrases or licks.
• Bridge Sections: These can be complex and may require additional notes on dynamics and timing.

Remember, the aim is to capture the essence of the song without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. After all, music is an art, not a science.

Step-by-Step: Writing Tablature

Tabs are a guitarist’s best friend when it comes to charting. Let’s break down how you can create your own:

1. Identify the Tuning: Make sure you know the tuning of your guitar. Metal often employs alternate tunings, so this step is crucial.
2. Pick Your Starting Point: Whether it’s the main riff, intro, or solo, choose a section to start with.
3. Use a Template: If you’re using software, set up your six (or seven or eight) strings and start inputting the notes.
4. Input the Notes: Enter each note as you play it on your guitar. Pay attention to timing and spacing.
5. Review and Edit: Play your tab back through the software to catch any mistakes. Adjust as necessary.

For a hands-on approach, jamming along with lessons from Riffhard can help solidify your tablature skills. With expert guidance, you can ensure your charts are both accurate and expressive.

Capturing Rhythm and Dynamics

One of the challenges in charting is capturing the rhythm and dynamics of a piece. While tabs can show you where to put your fingers, they often fall short in conveying the feel of the music. Here’s how you can address this:

• Use Notation for Rhythm: Incorporate standard notation to denote the rhythm. This can be as simple as adding stems to your tabs.
• Dynamic Markings: Indicate dynamics (like forte or piano) to show where to play louder or softer.
• Articulation Symbols: Use symbols for slides, bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to add expressiveness.
• Metronome Markings: Note the tempo at the beginning of the chart and any changes throughout.

While it might seem like a lot, these additions can make your charts much more informative. And hey, it’s always satisfying to see a well-rounded chart come together!

Translating Complex Parts

Some parts of a song are more complex than others. Maybe it’s a complicated riff or a fast solo. How do you chart these without losing your mind?

Start by breaking the section down into smaller parts. Instead of focusing on the entire solo, tackle it measure by measure. This will make it more manageable and less overwhelming. If you’re dealing with a particularly fast riff, slow it down using your recording software or a tool like the interactive player on Riffhard. This feature allows you to hear each note clearly and accurately chart them.

Also, don’t be afraid to use descriptive notes. If a part has a unique feel, write a quick note about it. Maybe it’s a “galloping rhythm” or a “syncopated chug.” These descriptions can be helpful when you or someone else is revisiting the chart later.

Sharing Your Charts

Once you’ve created your chart, it’s time to share it with others. This is where clarity and organization come into play. A well-organized chart is easy to read and understand, making it more useful to others.

• Keep It Clean: Ensure your chart is neat, with no overlapping notes or confusing sections.
• Use Clear Labels: Label sections like “Verse,” “Chorus,” and “Bridge” for easy navigation.
• Export in Multiple Formats: If you’re using software, export your chart as a PDF, tab, or music file to cater to different preferences.
• Provide Playback: If possible, include a recording of the chart being played to give a clear example.

Sharing your charts is a great way to collaborate with other musicians. It ensures everyone is on the same page and can help bring your musical ideas to life.

The Benefits of Charting

Why go through all the effort to chart your songs? Well, there are several benefits:

• Improved Communication: Charts allow you to communicate your ideas clearly to other musicians.
• Preservation of Ideas: Once charted, your music is documented and won’t be forgotten.
• Enhanced Learning: Creating charts helps you understand your music on a deeper level.
• Professional Presentation: Having charts for your songs can make you appear more professional when working with producers or studios.

All these benefits make charting a valuable skill for any guitarist, especially those looking to collaborate or take their music to the next level.

Practicing Charting Skills

Like any skill, charting improves with practice. The more you chart, the more intuitive it will become. Here are some ways to practice:

• Chart Your Favorite Songs: Start by charting songs you love. This will help you understand how other musicians structure their pieces.
• Create Charts for Band Practice: If you’re in a band, offer to chart songs for practice sessions. This will give you real-world experience.
• Use Online Resources: Explore lessons on Riffhard to learn new techniques and apply them in your charts.
• Challenge Yourself: Try charting different genres or more complex pieces to push your skills further.

Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of the music in a way that’s useful and understandable to you and others. With time and practice, you’ll become adept at creating charts that truly reflect your musical ideas.

Final Thoughts

Charting songs for guitar can be a rewarding process. It helps you document your musical ideas and communicate them effectively with others. At Riffhard, we understand the value of this skill, and our lessons are designed to give you the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re capturing the next big metal riff or charting a complex solo, remember that practice and patience are your best allies. Happy charting!