How to Find Tabs for Any Song on the Guitar

Finding guitar tabs can feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you’re itching to nail that killer riff or solo from your favorite metal track. Whether you’re into black metal’s haunting melodies or the tight rhythms of djent, locating the right tabs is crucial for learning and mastering those tunes. Let’s explore the world of guitar tabs and how to find them for any song you want to play.

Why Tabs Are Your Best Friend

Guitar tabs, or tablature, are a simplified form of musical notation that show you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Unlike traditional sheet music, tabs are more intuitive for guitarists, especially if you’re not versed in reading music. They break down songs into digestible chunks, allowing you to focus on finger placement and technique rather than deciphering notes on a staff.

For metal guitarists, tabs are especially useful. Consider the complexity of a Meshuggah riff or an intricate solo from Archspire. Tabs can help you visualize and break down these challenging parts, making them accessible even if you’re not a virtuoso—yet!

Additionally, tabs often come with timing indicators, helping you get the rhythm right—a crucial factor in metal. So, if you’re diving into a fast-paced thrash metal piece, tabs will guide you through the whirlwind of notes with precision.

Where to Start Searching for Tabs

So, where do you begin your quest for tabs? The internet is a vast resource, but not all tabs are created equal. Here are some reliable starting points:

• Ultimate Guitar: One of the largest online guitar communities, Ultimate Guitar offers a vast library of tabs across all genres. The platform also lets users rate and comment on tabs, so you can quickly spot high-quality, accurate versions.
• Songsterr: This site provides interactive tabs that allow you to play along with the music. It’s perfect for those who learn better with audio aids.
• Guitar Pro Tabs: If you use Guitar Pro software, this site offers downloadable tabs that you can play, pause, and slow down—ideal for tackling those insane solos.

These platforms often have a range of versions. Look for those with high ratings or feedback, as they’re likely to be the most accurate.

Understanding Tab Notation

Once you’ve found a tab, it’s crucial to understand its notation. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Numbers on lines: Each line represents a string, and the number indicates which fret to press. For example, a ‘5’ on the top line (E string) means you should press the fifth fret on the high E string.
• Symbols: Tabs use particular symbols to denote specific techniques:
  • h for hammer-ons
  • p for pull-offs
  • / for slides up
  • \ for slides down
  • b for bends
  • PM for palm muting

Mastering these symbols is important, especially in metal where techniques like palm muting and slides are common.

Decoding Complex Tabs

Metal songs can get pretty intricate, and sometimes tabs look like a wall of numbers and symbols. Here are some tips to break them down:

1. Segment the Song: Divide the song into sections—intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and solo. Focus on learning one section at a time.

2. Slow Down: Use tools like Guitar Pro or online players that allow you to slow down the tab and play along. This helps you master difficult sections at a comfortable pace.

3. Practice the Rhythm: Pay attention to timing. Use a metronome to practice the rhythm separately from the notes if needed. This is especially helpful for metalcore or djent pieces with complex time signatures.

Remember, patience is key. Even the most complex riffs become manageable when broken into smaller parts.

Finding Tabs for Obscure Songs

Not every song you love will have a readily available tab, especially if it’s an obscure track. When the usual sites don’t have what you’re looking for, here’s what you can do:

1. Check Band Forums: Many bands have dedicated forums where fans share tabs they’ve transcribed. You might find someone has already tackled the song you want.

2. YouTube Tutorials: Search for guitarists who post playthroughs or lessons of the song. They often provide tabs or at least visual guidance that can help you transcribe the song yourself.

3. DIY Transcription: If all else fails, you might need to transcribe the song yourself. This is a skill worth developing, as it improves your ear and understanding of music.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that can help improve your ear training, making this process easier over time.

Using Riffhard for Better Tab Learning

Speaking of Riffhard, our platform is a treasure trove for metal guitarists. We offer a range of resources that can enhance your learning experience:

• The Shredule: Our bi-weekly lesson plan helps you stay organized and focused, making it easier to tackle complex tabs
• Interactive Lessons: With over 150 video lessons, you can learn techniques directly from top guitarists like Zakk Wylde and Aaron Marshall.
• Custom Metronome: Practice with precision using our metronome designed specifically for guitarists.

These tools can significantly improve your ability to learn from tabs, especially when diving into the technical world of metal guitar.

Tab Software and Apps

Technology is a guitarist’s friend. There are several apps and software that can make tab learning more interactive:

• Guitar Pro: This software allows you to view, play, and edit tabs. It’s a great tool for practicing since you can loop sections and slow down playback.
• Fretello: An app designed to improve your guitar skills, Fretello offers exercises and lessons that can complement your tab learning.
• Yousician: Although more focused on beginners, Yousician offers interactive lessons that can help reinforce techniques you learn from tabs.

These tools can be particularly useful if you’re tackling a style that requires precise timing and technique, like progressive metal or death metal.

Troubleshooting Common Tab Challenges

Sometimes, even with the right tabs, things can go awry. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

• Tabs Don’t Sound Right: Check the tuning. Many metal songs use alternate tunings, like drop D or C standard. Ensure your guitar is tuned correctly before playing.
• Technique Troubles: If you’re struggling with a particular technique (like sweep picking), slow it down and practice the motion without worrying about speed. Focus on accuracy first.
• Timing Issues: Use a metronome to keep you on track. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons on rhythm and timing, which can help iron out these challenges.

Building Your Own Tab Library

As you gather tabs, consider creating your own library. Organize them by band, album, or difficulty level. This can make it easier to find what you need and track your progress over time.

Consider using digital solutions like cloud storage to keep your tabs accessible from anywhere. This is especially handy if you practice in different locations or want to share them with fellow guitarists.

Additionally, as you improve, try creating tabs for songs you love. This not only helps others but also sharpens your transcription skills.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right tabs is a game-changer for any guitarist, especially in the demanding world of metal. Whether you’re playing crushing riffs or soaring solos, the right resources can make all the difference. At Riffhard, we provide tools and lessons from some of the best metal guitarists to help you on your journey. Dive into our library and take your guitar skills to the next level.