How to Create Guitar Tabs for Any Song

Crafting guitar tabs for any song can feel like cracking a musical code, but with a little guidance, it becomes a rewarding challenge. Whether you’re looking to transcribe a blistering metal solo or a soulful acoustic riff, creating tabs is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of guitar playing. This article will guide you through the steps of creating accurate and useful guitar tabs, ensuring that you’re ready to tackle any song that comes your way.

Understanding the Structure of Guitar Tabs

First things first, let’s break down what a guitar tab (or tablature) actually is. Essentially, it’s a simplified form of musical notation that indicates where you should place your fingers on the fretboard. Tabs are a language all their own, and once you learn to read and write them, a world of music opens up.

• Strings: Tabs are written with six lines, each representing a string on the guitar. The top line corresponds to the high E string, and the bottom line represents the low E string.
• Frets: Numbers on these lines represent which fret you should press down. For example, a “3” on the second line means you should play the third fret on the B string.
• Rhythm and Timing: While tabs show you where to place your fingers, they often don’t convey rhythm as precisely as traditional notation. Listening to the song is crucial to get the timing right.

Having a solid grasp of these basics sets the foundation for creating your own tabs. It’s like learning the rules of a game before you start playing. Once you’re comfortable with this structure, you’re ready to tackle more complex pieces.

Choosing the Right Song

Not all songs are created equal when it comes to tabbing. If you’re just starting out, it’s wise to choose a song that matches your skill level. Picking a tune that’s too complex might leave you frustrated, while a song that’s too simple won’t challenge you.

For metal enthusiasts, you might start with a classic riff like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” It’s iconic, relatively straightforward, and a great way to practice palm muting. If you’re into progressive metal, a track by Dream Theater might provide the right challenge with its intricate riffs and solos.

Consider the following when selecting a song:

• Familiarity: Choose a song you know well. It’ll be easier to transcribe something you can hum in your sleep.
• Complexity: Gauge the complexity of the song. Does it have multiple layers or a simple, repetitive riff?
• Instruments: Focus on songs where the guitar is prominent, unless you’re transcribing for multiple instruments.

By carefully selecting your song, you set yourself up for a more enjoyable and successful tabbing experience.

Listening and Breaking Down the Song

Once you’ve picked a song, it’s time to listen—really listen. This step is about dissecting the piece into manageable chunks. After all, even the most complex solos are just a series of notes played one after the other.

Here’s how to break down a song effectively:

• Section by Section: Divide the song into its main sections: intro, verse, chorus, bridge, solo, etc. Tackle each section individually.
• Use a Slowdown Tool: Software like Audacity or DAWs with time-stretching capabilities can slow down the track without changing the pitch. This helps when deciphering fast solos or intricate rhythm parts.
• Repeat and Focus: Loop tricky parts and listen repeatedly. Focus on small segments rather than trying to transcribe the whole solo in one go.

Breaking the song into smaller pieces prevents overwhelm and allows for more accurate transcription. It’s like eating a pizza one slice at a time instead of trying to swallow it whole!

Identifying Notes and Chords

Now comes the detective work. With your guitar in hand, it’s time to find those elusive notes and chords. This step requires patience, a good ear, and sometimes a bit of guesswork.

Here’s a systematic approach:

• Find the Root Notes: Start by identifying the root notes of each chord or riff. These are often the bass notes and can guide you in figuring out the rest of the chord.
• Listen for Open Strings: Open strings have a distinct sound. Identify them first to help anchor your transcription.
• Use Your Guitar: Play along with the recording to match the notes. Your instrument is your best tool here.
• Utilize Technology: Apps like Guitar Pro can help visualize notes and chords, providing a reference point.

This step can be challenging, especially for complex solos, but remember—every note you figure out gets you closer to completing the puzzle. And if you find yourself stuck, there’s no shame in consulting online resources or existing tabs for a nudge in the right direction.

Writing Down the Tabs

With your notes and chords identified, it’s time to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard, as it were. There are a few ways to write down tabs, and the method you choose depends on your preference and tools available.

Here are some options:

• Handwritten Tabs: Grab some tab paper and start writing. This method is great for brainstorming and quick jotting.
• Digital Tools: Software like Guitar Pro or TuxGuitar allows for precise tab writing, complete with playback features to check your work.
• Text Editors: For a simple approach, text editors like Notepad can be used to type out tabs. Just remember to maintain the correct format.

Whichever method you choose, make sure your tabs are clear and easy to read. Consistency is key—keeping the spacing uniform ensures that others (or you, in the future) can easily follow along.

Our own Riffhard platform offers downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files for all lessons, which can be a great resource for seeing how pros put their tabs together.

Fine-Tuning Your Tabs

Once you’ve got your initial draft down, it’s time to refine. Think of this as the editing phase—polishing your work to make it shine.

Here’s how to fine-tune your tabs:

• Double-Check Notes: Play through your tabs while listening to the original track. Make sure the notes and rhythms match up.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure your tabbing style is consistent throughout. This includes spacing, note lengths, and any notation for techniques like bends or hammer-ons.
• Get Feedback: Share your tabs with fellow guitarists for feedback. A fresh set of eyes (or ears) can catch mistakes you might have missed.

This stage is all about making your tabs as accurate and useful as possible. Remember, the goal is to create a tool that helps you and others play the song effortlessly.

Adding Techniques and Articulations

Music is more than just notes—it’s about expression. In guitar playing, techniques and articulations bring a song to life. Incorporating these elements into your tabs makes them richer and more informative.

Consider adding the following:

• Bends: Indicate bends with arrows or the letter “b” (e.g., 7b9 for a bend from the 7th to the 9th fret).
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Use “h” for hammer-ons and “p” for pull-offs (e.g., 5h7 or 7p5).
• Slides: A forward slash “/” for slides up and a backslash “\” for slides down (e.g., 5/7 or 9\7).
• Vibrato: Indicate vibrato with a tilde “~”.

These notations help convey the nuances of a piece, making sure the player captures the essence of the song. It’s these little details that transform a series of notes into a musical performance.

Finalizing and Sharing Your Tabs

Once you’re satisfied with your tabs, it’s time to share them with the world—or at least with your fellow musicians. Sharing your work not only helps others, but it also provides an opportunity for you to get feedback and improve.

Here’s how to share your tabs effectively:

• Online Platforms: Websites like Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr allow you to upload and share your tabs with a large community of musicians.
• Social Media: Sharing tabs on platforms like Instagram or Facebook can reach a diverse audience. Consider adding a video of you playing the song alongside your tabs.
• Collaborate with Friends: Share your tabs with fellow guitarists for jam sessions or collaborative projects.

Sharing your tabs can lead to valuable feedback, new connections, and even collaborations. It’s a way to give back to the guitar community and keep the music alive.

Using Riffhard for Learning and Inspiration

Creating guitar tabs is a skill that improves with practice, and sometimes a little external help can make a world of difference. That’s where Riffhard comes in. As the premier online school for modern metal guitarists, we offer a vast library of lessons from some of the world’s most respected metal musicians.

Here’s how Riffhard can enhance your tabbing journey:

• Access to Expert Lessons: Learn from guitar legends like Dean Lamb and Zakk Wylde, who share their insights on rhythm and lead techniques.
• Interactive Learning: Our platform includes an interactive player for lessons, allowing you to adjust the tempo and follow along at your own pace.
• Comprehensive Resources: With over 150 video lessons and downloadable tabs, Riffhard provides a treasure trove of material to inspire and inform your tabbing efforts.

By incorporating these resources into your practice, you’ll not only improve your guitar skills but also gain the knowledge and confidence to create more accurate and expressive tabs.

Final Thoughts

Creating guitar tabs for any song is a journey of discovery and creativity. It enhances your understanding of music and sharpens your guitar skills. By following the steps outlined, you’re well-equipped to tackle any song that catches your ear. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists to further support your musical endeavors. So grab your guitar, start transcribing, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating your own tabs.