Introduction: Discovering the Power of Heart Shaped Box Tab
The History of Heart Shaped Box Tab
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of tablature, let’s take a look at the history of this iconic song. Heart Shaped Box was released as a single in 1993, and it quickly became a fan favorite. It was part of their last studio album, ‘In Utero’, and was written by Kurt Cobain. The song featured his signature style of distorted guitar riffs and haunting melodies.
The song was a massive hit and peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. It also topped the charts in many other countries, cementing Nirvana’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. But what makes Heart Shaped Box so unique, and how can you master it? Let’s find out in the next section.
The Anatomy of Heart Shaped Box Tab
The Basic Chords and Riffs of Heart Shaped Box Tab
Heart Shaped Box Tab features a unique combination of chords and riffs that come together to create its signature sound. The song is in the key of F minor, and it uses a combination of chords like F minor, C minor, and B flat. Let’s take a closer look at each chord and its corresponding riff:
| Chord | Riff |
|---|---|
| F minor | e|—————— B|—————— G|—————— D|—————— A|–3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3– E|–1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1– |
| C minor | e|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– B|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– G|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– D|–10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10- A|–10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10- E|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– |
| B flat | e|–6–6–6–6–6–6–6–6– B|–6–6–6–6–6–6–6–6– G|–7–7–7–7–7–7–7–7– D|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– A|–8–8–8–8–8–8–8–8– E|–6–6–6–6–6–6–6–6– |
How to Play Heart Shaped Box Tab
Now that you know the basic chords and riffs, it’s time to learn how to play the whole song. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Tune Your Guitar
Step 2: Practice the Chords and Riffs
Step 3: Play the Intro and Verse 1
Step 4: Play the Chorus and Verse 2
Step 5: Play the Guitar Solo and Outro
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to practice Heart Shaped Box Tab?
Practice each section of the song separately, then play the whole song. Repeat this until you can play it smoothly without any mistakes.
2. What is the difficulty level of Heart Shaped Box Tab?
The song is ideal for intermediate guitar players.
3. Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, you can. But the song sounds best when played on an electric guitar with distortion.
4. What gear do I need to play Heart Shaped Box Tab?
You’ll need an electric guitar, an amplifier, and a distortion pedal.
5. Can I modify the tab to suit my playing style?
Yes, you can. But remember to stay true to the essence of the song.
6. Can I play Heart Shaped Box Tab without a pick?
Yes, you can. But using a pick will help you get a crisper sound.
7. What is the rhythm of the song?
The song is in 4/4 time signature, and the rhythm is a combination of eighth and sixteenth notes.
8. What kind of guitar did Kurt Cobain use to record Heart Shaped Box?
Kurt Cobain used a Fender Jaguar with a humbucker pickup in the bridge position.
9. What inspired Kurt Cobain to write Heart Shaped Box?
The song is about his difficult relationship with his wife Courtney Love. The lyrics are cryptic, but they paint a picture of a troubled love affair.
10. What are the other popular Nirvana songs that I can learn to play?
You can learn to play Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Lithium, and many other Nirvana classics.
11. Can I play Heart Shaped Box Tab on a bass guitar?
Yes, you can. But you’ll have to modify the tab to suit the bass guitar’s tuning and range.
12. What is the tempo of the song?
The song is played at a moderate tempo of around 104 bpm.
13. Can I sing along while playing Heart Shaped Box?
Yes, you can. But remember to focus on your playing first and then add the vocals later.