How to Read Guitar Tabs on YouTube

Guitar tabs might just be the modern guitarist's best friend, especially when you're trying to replicate that killer riff you stumbled upon late at night on YouTube. If you've ever found yourself mesmerized by a video and itching to play along, but got stuck trying to decipher those cryptic lines and numbers, you're not alone. In this post, we're going to unravel the mystery of guitar tabs on YouTube, making it easier for you to jump right in and start jamming along with your favorite metal guitar tracks.

What Are Guitar Tabs Anyway?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of reading tabs on YouTube, let’s go over what guitar tabs are. Unlike traditional sheet music, which can look like an alien language if you're not used to it, tabs are a simple way of notating music that shows you exactly where to place your fingers on the guitar's fretboard.

• The six lines in a tab represent the six strings of the guitar, from the thickest (low E) at the bottom to the thinnest (high E) at the top.
• Numbers on these lines correspond to frets. For example, a "3" on the top line means you play the third fret on the high E string.
• Tabs can include symbols for bends, slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, each adding a layer of expression to your playing.

Tabs are fantastic for learning riffs and solos quickly, especially when they’re paired with video demonstrations that show technique and timing. This is where YouTube shines.

Finding Quality Tab Videos on YouTube

Now that we know what tabs are, the next step is finding the right videos on YouTube. There’s a plethora of content creators out there, each with their own style and approach to teaching through tabs.

Search Smartly

When searching for tabs on YouTube, try using specific keywords related to the song or artist, along with "guitar tab" or "lesson." For instance, if you’re trying to learn a Metallica song, "Metallica Master of Puppets guitar tab" might be your go-to search phrase.

Check the Video Quality

High-quality video and audio are crucial. A blurry video or muffled sound can make it incredibly hard to follow along. Look for videos with clear visuals and sound. Often, creators will use software to display the tabs on screen while playing, which is a huge plus.

Look for Reputable Channels

Certain channels are well-known for their excellent tab videos. Channels like GuitarLessons365, Marty Music, and others provide high-quality content regularly. It's always beneficial to subscribe to a few reliable channels so you have a steady stream of new material to learn from.

Interpreting the Tab Layout

Once you've found a good video, the next step is understanding the tab layout shown on the screen. Different creators might use different tools, so you might see variations in layout. Here’s a breakdown of common elements you’ll encounter:

• Numbers: Indicate which fret to press on a particular string.
• Lines: Represent the strings of the guitar, as mentioned earlier.
• Symbols: Look out for symbols like / for slides, b for bends, h for hammer-ons, and p for pull-offs.

Many modern videos will also include software-generated tabs that scroll in real-time, matching the music. This can be incredibly useful for learning timing and rhythm.

Syncing Your Playing with Video Tabs

One of the biggest challenges is syncing your playing with the video. It’s easy to get lost if you’re not keeping time, especially with faster metal riffs. Here are some strategies to keep up:

Slow It Down

Most YouTube videos allow you to adjust playback speed. If a riff is too fast, consider slowing the video down. This will give you more time to see each note and match it with your playing.

Use a Metronome

A metronome can be a lifesaver. Set it to the tempo of the song and practice along with it. This will help you internalize the rhythm and make playing along with full-speed video much easier when you're ready.

Loop Sections

If you’re struggling with a particular section, loop it. Many YouTube tutorials come with built-in features that allow you to replay sections repeatedly. This repetitive practice can cement the notes in your memory.

Interestingly enough, we at Riffhard offer a custom metronome designed for guitar practice, which can be incredibly useful for getting those tricky parts down.

Understanding Timing and Rhythm

Timing and rhythm can make or break your playing. While tabs show you what to play, they don’t always communicate how to play it in terms of timing. That’s where the video demonstration becomes essential.

Watch the Picking Hand

In metal genres, the picking hand often does the heavy lifting. Watch how the guitarist in the video uses their picking hand. Are they using alternate picking, down picking, or a combination? This physical aspect is just as crucial as hitting the right notes.

Count It Out

Counting out loud or in your head can help you keep track of complex rhythms. If a section is in an odd time signature or has syncopated rhythms, break it down by counting the beats.

Practice with a Drum Track

To get a real sense of timing, try practicing with a drum track. This can simulate playing with a band and help you lock into the groove more effectively.

For those looking to take it a step further, Riffhard provides downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files that can help you practice along with professional-level backing tracks.

Handling Complex Techniques

Metal guitar often involves complex techniques that can be difficult to pick up just from tabs. Techniques like sweep picking, tapping, and advanced palm muting require more than just reading notes off a screen.

Slow and Steady

When learning complex techniques, take it slow. Focus on precision over speed. It’s better to play slowly and accurately than fast and sloppy. Over time, you can gradually increase your speed.

Break It Down

If a technique seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts. Master each component before putting it all together. For instance, if you’re learning a sweep picking pattern, start by practicing just the upstrokes or downstrokes separately.

Find Dedicated Lessons

Sometimes a tab video isn’t enough to fully grasp a technique. In those cases, look for dedicated lessons focusing on that specific technique. For example, if you want to learn sweep picking, find videos or resources that dive deep into that technique.

On Riffhard, we offer extensive lessons on these advanced techniques, taught by some of the best modern metal guitarists, which can provide you with the necessary skills to tackle even the most complex riffs.

Putting It All Together

Once you've mastered the individual parts of a song, it's time to put everything together. This is often the most rewarding part of the learning process, as you start to see your hard work come to fruition.

Play Along with the Track

Try playing along with the original track to see how closely you match. This can highlight areas where you might need more practice and help you get a feel for playing with the full band sound.

Record Yourself

Recording yourself can be an invaluable tool. It allows you to hear yourself objectively and identify areas that need improvement. Plus, it’s fun to track your progress over time.

Share Your Progress

Don’t hesitate to share your playing with others. Whether it’s with friends, on social media, or in online guitar communities, sharing your progress can be motivating and provide feedback that can help you grow as a musician.

Using Riffhard for Advanced Learning

While YouTube is a fantastic resource, sometimes you need more structured guidance to advance your skills, especially in niche genres like metal. That's where Riffhard comes in.

• Expert Instructors: Learn from world-class guitarists who specialize in metal genres.
• Comprehensive Lessons: Access over 150 video lessons covering a wide range of techniques.
• Interactive Player: Slow down videos, loop sections, and practice with the tempo that suits you.

Our platform is designed to help you achieve your guitar goals faster and more efficiently, with resources tailored specifically to the demands of modern metal guitar playing.

Keeping Motivation High

Learning guitar can be a long journey, and it's easy to get discouraged. Keeping your motivation high is crucial to continuing your progress.

Set Achievable Goals

Break your learning into small, manageable goals. Instead of aiming to learn an entire song in a day, focus on mastering a single riff or section. Celebrate these small victories to keep your spirits high.

Join Online Communities

Being part of a community can provide support and motivation. Join online forums or social media groups where you can share your experiences and learn from others.

Stay Inspired

Regularly listen to new music, watch live performances, and explore other guitarists' work. Inspiration can come from anywhere and can reignite your passion for playing.

Remember, if you ever need extra guidance or inspiration, Riffhard is here to support you with lessons from some of the most inspiring guitarists in the metal scene today.

Final Thoughts

Reading guitar tabs on YouTube is a skill that can open up a world of musical possibilities, especially for metal enthusiasts. By understanding tabs, syncing with videos, and utilizing resources like Riffhard, you can enhance your learning experience and take your playing to the next level. Happy shredding!