Let's explore the guitar solo from the iconic song, The Final Countdown by Europe. We'll break it down so you can understand how it's played.
What is a Guitar Tab?
First, you need to understand what a guitar tab (or tablature) is. Think of it as a simplified way to read music, specifically designed for guitar. It shows you where to put your fingers on the fretboard, instead of using traditional musical notation like you'd see in sheet music for piano or violin.
Imagine you want to show someone how to climb a ladder. Instead of using complicated diagrams, you just write down the numbers of the rungs they need to step on. A guitar tab is like that for guitar – it shows you which frets to press down on, and which strings to pluck.
Each line in a tab represents a string on your guitar. The numbers on those lines tell you which fret to press down on that particular string. Zero (0) means you play the open string – you pluck it without pressing down on any fret.
Reading a Tab
Let’s look at a simple example. If you see this:
E|---0---|
B|---1---|
G|---2---|
D|---2---|
A|---0---|
E|---x---|
This means you play an E major chord. You pluck the open E string, then press down on the first fret of the B string, the second fret of the G string, the second fret of the D string and the open A string. Ignore the bottom E string.
Read the tab from left to right, just like reading a book. The numbers indicate the order in which you play the notes. If numbers are stacked vertically, it means you play them at the same time, like in a chord.
Understanding "The Final Countdown" Solo Tab
Now, let's think about what a solo is in music. It's a part of a song where one instrument, usually the guitar in rock music, gets to take the spotlight and play a melody on its own. The "Final Countdown" solo is famous for being very melodic and recognizable.
The tab for the solo will show you the sequence of notes and techniques used to play that melody on the guitar. It will include fret numbers, string numbers, and sometimes symbols that indicate specific playing techniques.
A "solo tab" is simply the tablature notation specifically for the solo part of the song. It isolates the guitar solo from the rest of the song's musical arrangement, allowing you to focus solely on learning and playing that particular passage.
Key Elements in the Solo Tab
The solo for The Final Countdown includes several key elements. Knowing what they look like in a tab will greatly assist you.
First, you will see fret numbers. These tell you which fret on which string to press down on. For instance, a "12" on the E string means you press down on the 12th fret of the thickest E string.
You'll also see "0" which, as we mentioned, means to play the open string. Simply pluck the string without pressing down on any fret.
Slides are frequently used in the solo. In a tab, a slide is often indicated by a forward slash (/) or a backward slash (\). If you see "5/7", it means you start by pressing down on the 5th fret and then slide your finger up to the 7th fret on the same string. "7\5" would mean sliding from the 7th fret down to the 5th.
Bends add a lot of feeling to the guitar sound. Bends are when you push or pull the string upwards or downwards after pressing it down on a fret. A bend is often notated with a "b" (e.g., "7b9" means you bend the 7th fret up to sound like the 9th fret), or sometimes with an upward curving arrow.
Another element may be vibrato. Vibrato is a slight, rapid wavering in pitch, created by wiggling the finger that's pressing down on the string. It's often indicated by "vibrato" written above the tab, or sometimes with a squiggly line.
Example Snippet
Imagine this small snippet from a fictional guitar tab:
e|---5/7--7b9--9--7\5---|
B|-----------------------|
This means, play the 5th fret, then slide to the 7th. Then bend the 7th fret up to the 9th. Play the 9th fret. Finally slide down from the 7th to the 5th fret.
Finding the Tab
You can find tabs for "The Final Countdown" solo online. There are many websites that offer free guitar tabs. Just search for "The Final Countdown guitar solo tab" and you'll find plenty of resources.
When looking at tabs, remember that not all tabs are created equal. Some are more accurate than others. If something sounds off, it might be a mistake in the tab. Try comparing it to other tabs or, even better, listening to the song while reading the tab to see if it matches up.
Practicing with the Tab
Start slowly. Don't try to play the whole solo at full speed right away. Work on small sections at a time. Once you can play a small section accurately, gradually increase your speed.
Use a metronome. A metronome is a tool that helps you keep a consistent tempo. Practicing with a metronome will help you develop good timing and rhythm. Set the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you improve.
Listen carefully to the original recording. Pay attention to the nuances of the guitar playing, such as the phrasing and dynamics. Try to imitate those nuances in your own playing.
Record yourself playing. This is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. You might be surprised at what you hear when you listen back to your playing.
Don't get discouraged. Learning to play the guitar takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing, and you'll eventually be able to play The Final Countdown solo flawlessly. Remember, even the best guitarists started where you are.
