Guitar Tabs Times Like These

Decoding Guitar Tabs for Foo Fighters' "Times Like These": A Comprehensive Guide

Foo Fighters' "Times Like These" is a powerful anthem known for its emotionally resonant lyrics and driving, yet simple, guitar riff. This song's accessibility makes it a popular choice for aspiring guitarists, and learning to play it is a rewarding experience. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the guitar tabs for "Times Like These," covering everything from basic tab reading to advanced techniques and performance tips. We'll explore the main riff, variations, and even touch upon the song's structure for a well-rounded learning experience.

Understanding Guitar Tabs

Before diving into the "Times Like These" tabs, let's briefly review how to read guitar tabs. Guitar tabs, or tablatures, represent the guitar fretboard. Each horizontal line represents a string (thickest to thinnest: E A D G B e), and the numbers on each line indicate the fret to be pressed. A "0" represents an open string (not fretted). The numbers are read from left to right, following the rhythm of the song.

The Main Riff: Breaking Down the Core of "Times Like These"

The heart of "Times Like These" lies in its iconic main riff. This riff is relatively simple, making it an ideal song for intermediate players to tackle. Here's a simplified version of the main riff in standard guitar tablature:

e|-------------------------------------------------|
B|---3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---------------|
G|---0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---------------|
D|---0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---------------|
A|---2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---------------|
E|-------------------------------------------------|

This section represents the repeating part of the riff. Notice the use of power chords (A5 and G5). The riff is primarily played using the downstrokes. The rhythmic feel is crucial here, so focus on achieving a steady, driving rhythm. Practice this section slowly, focusing on accuracy before increasing speed.

Adding Nuance: Variations and Dynamics

While the core riff is simple, the song features subtle variations throughout. These variations often involve rhythmic changes or the addition of small melodic embellishments. Listen carefully to the recorded version of the song to internalize these nuances. Some variations might include:

• Palm-muted variations: Many parts of the riff benefit from palm muting (lightly resting your palm on the strings near the bridge) to create a thicker, more distorted tone. Experiment with this technique to achieve a sound closer to the original recording.
• Rhythmic variations: While the core riff is predominantly a steady rhythm, Dave Grohl occasionally employs slight rhythmic variations to add interest and energy. Pay close attention to these changes when listening to the song.
• Adding the bassline: The bassline of "Times Like These" plays a significant role in the overall groove. Learning to play this bassline simultaneously can improve your understanding of the song's rhythmic structure and make your performance more complete.

Beyond the Riff: Other Guitar Parts in "Times Like These"

"Times Like These" features more than just the main riff. The song incorporates other guitar parts, including:

• Chorus: The chorus features a slightly modified version of the main riff, with some added chords and strumming patterns.
• Bridge: The bridge section introduces different chord progressions and guitar melodies. These elements add variety and emotional depth to the song.
• Outro: The outro is a simplified and extended version of the main riff, often fading out gradually.

To fully grasp the song's guitar work, you will need to acquire tabs for these various sections. Numerous websites and resources online offer comprehensive transcriptions of the song's guitar parts.

Techniques and Tips for Mastering the Song

Here are some techniques and tips to help you master "Times Like These" on guitar:

• Practice slowly: Start by practicing each section slowly and accurately. Speed will come with consistent practice.
• Use a metronome: Using a metronome will help you develop a steady rhythm, which is crucial for this song.
• Listen actively: Pay close attention to the original recording. Analyze the dynamics, phrasing, and tone to emulate the song accurately.
• Learn the song structure: Understanding the song's structure (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) will help you navigate the different parts seamlessly.
• Experiment with tone: Experiment with different guitar tones and effects to find a sound that you like. Consider using overdrive or distortion pedals to achieve a thicker, heavier sound, similar to the original recording.
• Break it down: Divide the song into smaller sections and master each section before moving on to the next. This prevents feeling overwhelmed by the entire song.

Scientific Explanation of Guitar Playing and Learning

Learning to play guitar, particularly a song like "Times Like These," involves several cognitive and physical processes. The brain plays a crucial role in coordinating the actions required to play the instrument. Muscle memory, developed through repetitive practice, is essential for executing the finger positions and strumming patterns smoothly and accurately. The cerebellum, a region of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination, plays a central role in this process.

Furthermore, learning to play "Times Like Times" requires understanding musical notation (standard notation or tablature), and interpreting rhythm, melody, and harmony. These cognitive processes require engagement of areas in the brain related to pattern recognition, auditory processing, and memory. Successfully playing the song involves a complex interplay between cognitive function, motor control, and musical understanding. Consistent practice reinforces neural pathways, making it easier to execute the finger movements and musical passages automatically over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What level guitarist is this song suitable for? This song is suitable for intermediate guitarists. Beginners might find it challenging, while experienced players might find it relatively simple.
• What tuning is required for "Times Like These"? Standard tuning (E A D G B e) is used.
• What type of guitar is best for this song? Any electric guitar will work well, although a guitar with humbucker pickups might provide a more powerful and distorted sound similar to the original recording.
• Where can I find more accurate tabs? Many reputable online resources offer high-quality transcriptions of "Times Like These." Look for websites and forums that focus on guitar tablature.

Conclusion

Learning to play "Times Like These" on guitar is a rewarding journey. While the main riff is relatively simple, mastering the nuances and variations requires practice and attention to detail. By focusing on accuracy, developing a steady rhythm, and understanding the song's structure, you can confidently play this iconic Foo Fighters anthem. Remember, consistent practice and active listening are key to success in learning any song on guitar. So, grab your guitar, pick up your tabs, and start rocking out to "Times Like These"!