Where to find accurate tabs for "Do I Wanna Know"
The most reliable sources for "Do I Wanna Know" tabs are Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify. Ultimate Guitar hosts multiple versions submitted by users, each with a rating system—look for tabs with the highest ratings and most comments, since those have been checked by other players. Songsterr displays tabs in a scrolling format synchronized to the actual song, which helps you hear where you are in the progression. Chordify lets you upload or paste a YouTube link and generates chord charts automatically, though you'll need to verify the accuracy against the original recording.
Each site has a different strength: Ultimate Guitar is best if you want written notation you can print or save offline; Songsterr works well if you learn by ear and want visual timing; Chordify is fastest if you just need the basic chord sequence to jam along. None of these sites charge money to view tabs, though some offer paid premium features you don't need to learn the song.
Key Takeaways
- Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify all host free tabs for "Do I Wanna Know," each with a different layout and playback features.
- The song uses a repeating riff in E minor that stays in the same position on the fretboard, making it manageable for intermediate players.
- User-rated tabs on Ultimate Guitar tend to be more accurate than random submissions, so check the rating and comment count before you start learning.
- Watching a video tutorial alongside the tabs helps you match the rhythm and tone, since the original recording has a specific groove that written tabs alone won't show.
Understanding the main riff and chord progression
"Do I Wanna Know" is built around a single repeating riff in E minor that plays throughout most of the song. The riff uses notes on the low E string and D string, staying in one position rather than moving up and down the neck. This makes it one of the more approachable Arctic Monkeys songs if you're past beginner level—you're not jumping between positions constantly.
The underlying chord progression is E minor, G major, D major, and A major, cycling through in that order. The riff itself outlines these chords without playing them as full strums, which is why the song has that hypnotic, minimal feel. Once you have the riff down, you can play the whole song by repeating it and letting the drums and bass carry the rhythm.
How to read the tab notation
Guitar tabs show six horizontal lines representing the six strings of your guitar, from thickest (top) to thinnest (bottom). Numbers on those lines tell you which fret to press. For "Do I Wanna Know," you'll see numbers mostly on the low strings—the E and D strings—because the riff lives there.
When numbers stack vertically, play them at the same time. When they're spread across the lines horizontally, play them one after another. Dashes (—) represent open strings or silence, depending on context. Most tabs include timing markers or beat numbers to show you the rhythm, though these vary by site. If the timing looks confusing, watch a video of someone playing the song at normal speed while following along with the tab—your ear will fill in what the notation doesn't make clear.
Matching the tab to the recording
The original recording of "Do I Wanna Know" has a very specific tone and groove. The riff is played with a clean, slightly overdriven tone—not heavy distortion, but not completely clean either. If you're using a heavily distorted amp or a completely clean tone, the song won't sound right even if your notes are correct. Set your amp to a moderate gain level and listen to how the original sits in the mix.
The rhythm is also crucial. The riff has a slight swing to it—it's not perfectly metronomic. Play along with the recording at half speed using a YouTube slow-down tool or a music app like Amazing Slow Downer. This trains your ear to the actual timing rather than guessing from the tab. Once you can play it at half speed, gradually bring it up to full tempo.
Choosing between different tab versions
On Ultimate Guitar, you'll often find three to five different versions of the same song. Some are labeled "Intro," "Verse," "Solo," or "Full Song"—these break the song into sections. Others are labeled by difficulty: "straightforward," "Intermediate," or "Advanced." For "Do I Wanna Know," the straightforward version usually shows just the main riff; the intermediate version adds the bass line or alternate picking patterns; the advanced version might include the lead guitar parts or a full transcription.
Read the comments on each version before you choose. If someone has written "This is wrong at measure 12" or "The timing is off here," that's useful feedback. Tabs with dozens of comments and a 4.5+ rating have usually been corrected by multiple players. A tab with no comments and a 2-star rating is probably incomplete or inaccurate.
Learning the song step by step
Start by learning the main riff slowly, one note at a time, without worrying about rhythm. Get your fingers in the right positions and make sure each note rings clearly. Once you can play the notes in order without looking at your hand, add the rhythm. Use a metronome set to a slow tempo—around 80 beats per minute—and play the riff over and over until it feels automatic.
After the riff is solid, listen to the full song and count the bars. Most tabs mark the structure—intro, verse, chorus, bridge—so you know when the riff repeats and when it changes. Practice switching between the riff and any chord strums or variations that appear in other sections. Record yourself playing along with the original song so you can hear how your timing and tone compare.
Common mistakes when learning from tabs
The most common mistake is trusting a single tab without checking it against the recording. A tab might have a typo—a wrong fret number or a missing note—that sounds obviously wrong when you play it. Always listen to the original while you're learning, especially in the first few weeks. If something sounds off, it probably is.
Another mistake is playing too fast too soon. "Do I Wanna Know" sounds straightforward, but the groove depends on precision. If you rush it, it loses the hypnotic quality that makes the song work. Spend time at a slow tempo until the riff is muscle memory, then gradually increase the speed. This takes longer than just blasting through it, but you'll end up with a version that actually sounds like the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tuning does "Do I Wanna Know" use?
Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). You don't need to tune down or use any alternate tuning for this song, which makes it easier to learn if you're used to standard tuning on other songs.
Is "Do I Wanna Know" hard to play?
The main riff is intermediate level—not beginner, but not advanced either. You need clean finger placement and steady rhythm, but the riff stays in one position and doesn't require complex techniques. Most players can learn it in a few weeks of regular practice.
Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, the notes are the same on acoustic. The tone will be different—acoustic guitars sound brighter and less sustained than the electric tone on the recording—but the riff itself works fine on acoustic. You won't get the overdriven tone of the original, but the song is still recognizable.
Do I need to learn the lead guitar solo?
No. The main riff is the core of the song, and most people learn just that. The lead guitar parts come later in the track and are optional. If you want to learn the full arrangement, look for an "Advanced" or "Full Song" tab that includes those sections, but you can play a complete version of the song with just the riff.
Why does my version sound different from the recording?
Check three things: your amp settings (the original uses moderate gain, not heavy distortion), your tempo (use a metronome to match the original speed), and your timing (the riff has a slight swing, not a perfectly straight rhythm). Watch a video of someone playing it correctly while you follow the tab, and your ear will adjust.