Empty Walls by Serj Tankian Chords & Tabs - Freepham Sinac

Music Tabs Analysis

1. Unique Features of the Tabs

This guitar tabs stands out for its intricate fusion of fingerpicking styles and rhythmic variations, enhancing the overall musicality.

Highlighting Specific Measures:

• In Measure 4, the tabs features a combination of B3HC4 (strike) and B3PC4 (plucking) which creates a contrast between percussive and melodic lines. The use of D (down strum) in this measure provides a rich texture, allowing players to experience both dynamics in a single phrase.
• Measure 8 showcases a B3SC4 (slide), emphasizing the smooth transition between notes which adds expressiveness. The sliding technique not only enhances the melodic flow but also requires precise finger positioning on the fretboard.
• The pattern of PM (palm muting) followed by a series of x (muted strums) in Measure 10 generates a rhythmic pulsing, creating a distinct groove that challenges players to maintain consistent timing while managing the muting technique.

These unique elements not only contribute to the artistic quality of the piece but also serve as effective exercises for developing finger dexterity and timing awareness.

2. Difficult Techniques Analysis

Several challenging techniques are present, particularly in terms of intricate finger placements and dynamic control.

Identified Measures and Challenges:

• Measure 6: The transition between B3G3Full (bending) and B3G3Harm (harmonic) requires precise finger pressure and timing. This might be particularly difficult for intermediate players due to the need for both intonation and clarity in harmonics.
• Measure 12: A rapid succession of <> (triplet) notes introduces stress on coordinating the picking hand with the fretting hand, which can lead to a loss of rhythm if not practiced slowly.

Solutions:

• To tackle the bending and harmonic notes, practice these passages slowly and gradually increase speed while ensuring clean notes. A metronome can help maintain a steady tempo.
• For Measure 12's triplet, break down the passage by first practicing each note separately before integrating them into the triplet framework.

3. Practice Recommendations

To effectively address the challenges identified in the tabs, systematic practice is essential.

Analyzing Difficulty: Many of the performance difficulties arise from complex finger movements, timing, and maintaining clarity, especially during transitions.

Targeted Practice Suggestions:

• For Measure 6:

  • Practice Method: Isolate the bending technique by focusing solely on achieving pitch accuracy. Use a chromatic tuner to ensure correct intonation.
  • Exercise: Spend 5-10 minutes on just the bend and harmonic in isolation, slowly building up to the full measure.

• For Measure 12:

  • Practice Method: Use a slow metronomic pulse to count out your triplets, emphasizing the dynamics of each note.
  • Exercise: Play the triplet with a focus on synchronization between left and right hands, gradually integrating them into the full measure once comfortable.

Overall, this exceptional guitar tabs serves not only as a piece of art but also as a tool for technical mastery. By focusing on the detailed nuances in each measure, the musician can enhance their proficiency in both fingerstyle techniques and rhythmic variety, leading to a more expressive performance. Consider utilizing these exercises to not only overcome technical barriers but to deepen your overall musicality.