What "Do You Really Want It" Is and Where to Find the Tab

"Do You Really Want It" is a song that appears in multiple versions across different artists and decades. The most commonly tabbed version is the one by Squeeze from their 1979 album Cool for Cats, though other artists have recorded songs with similar or identical titles. Before you start learning, confirm which version you're looking for—search the song title along with the artist name and "guitar tab" to land on the right transcription.

Guitar tabs for this song are available on sites like Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, and Tabs.Ultimate-Guitar.com. These platforms host multiple versions submitted by different users, so you may see several tabs for the same song. Read the comments and ratings to find the most accurate one—tabs with higher ratings and positive user feedback tend to be more reliable.

Once you've found a tab you trust, read it or keep it open in a browser window while you practice. Having the tab visible on a second device (phone, tablet, or second monitor) makes learning much easier than printing it out.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm which artist's version you want to learn before searching for tabs, since multiple artists have recorded songs with this title.
  • Check user ratings and comments on tab sites to find accurate transcriptions rather than picking the first result.
  • Keep the tab visible on a separate device while you practice so you don't have to memorize it all at once.
  • Start by learning the chord progression and strumming pattern before moving to any fingerpicking or lead sections.
  • If the tab uses standard tuning, you won't need to retune your guitar before starting.

Understanding the Tuning and Capo Placement

Most versions of "Do You Really Want It" use standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string). If the tab specifies a different tuning, it will be listed at the top. Standard tuning means you can start learning without retuning your guitar, which saves time if you've been playing other songs in standard tuning.

Check whether the tab calls for a capo. A capo is a clamp that presses down all six strings at a specific fret, raising the pitch of the entire guitar. If the tab says "Capo 2," for example, place the capo across the second fret and play as if the capo is your new first fret. This is common in pop and rock songs because it lets you use open chord shapes while playing in a higher key.

If you don't have a capo, you can still play the song by learning the barre chord versions of the chords shown in the tab. Barre chords require pressing multiple strings with one finger, which takes more hand strength but produces the same pitch. Most beginners find using a capo easier while they're building finger strength.

Learning the Chord Progression and Strumming Pattern

Start by identifying the main chords in the verse and chorus. The tab will show chord names above the lyrics or above the tablature numbers. Write down the chord sequence for the verse (for example: G - D - A - D) and practice switching between them without worrying about timing yet. Focus on clean transitions where each note rings clearly.

Once you can switch chords smoothly, add the strumming pattern. The tab may show this as a diagram with downstrokes (V) and upstrokes (^), or it may describe it in words like "down-down-up-up-down-up." Start slowly—play the pattern at half speed using a metronome app set to 60 beats per minute. Increase the tempo by 5 or 10 beats per minute every few days as the pattern becomes automatic.

Most pop and rock songs use a straightforward strumming pattern, often four downstrokes per measure or a mix of down and up strokes that creates a rhythmic bounce. Listen to the original recording while you practice to match the feel, not just the mechanics.

Tackling Fingerpicking or Lead Sections

If the tab includes a fingerpicking section or a lead guitar part, learn it separately from the chord progression. Fingerpicking means plucking individual strings in a specific order rather than strumming all strings together. The tab will show which string to play and which fret, just like the chord sections.

Start fingerpicking patterns slowly—even slower than you started strumming. Use a metronome and focus on accuracy over speed. Common fingerpicking patterns repeat every measure or every two measures, so once you nail the pattern, the rest of the song often repeats it with small variations.

If the song has a lead section (a guitar solo), you can learn it note by note using the tab numbers. Each number represents a fret on a specific string. Play one note at a time, matching the rhythm shown in the tab. Lead sections often require more precision and finger dexterity than chord sections, so don't rush—spend extra time on these parts if they feel clumsy.

Matching Your Playing to the Original Recording

Listen to the original song multiple times while following along with the tab. This trains your ear to recognize the rhythm, dynamics, and feel of the piece. Pay attention to where the guitar is loud or soft, where it sits in the background, and where it takes the lead.

Many guitarists make the mistake of learning the tab correctly but playing it with the wrong feel. A song can be technically accurate but sound flat if you don't match the original's energy and timing. Record yourself playing and compare it to the original—you'll hear differences in tempo, emphasis, and tone that the tab alone doesn't capture.

If the original uses effects like reverb, delay, or distortion, your guitar won't sound identical without those effects. That's normal. Focus on nailing the notes and rhythm first; effects are a refinement you can add later if you have a pedal or amp that supports them.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If a chord transition sounds sloppy, slow down and practice just that transition for a few minutes. Place your fingers on the first chord, then move to the second chord, then back to the first. Repeat this 10 to 20 times at a slow tempo. This isolates the problem and builds muscle memory faster than playing the whole song over and over.

If you're unsure whether your tab is correct, compare it to another version on a different site. If two or three tabs show the same chords and progression, you're probably on the right track. If they differ significantly, listen to the original recording and see which tab matches the sound better.

If your fingers hurt while playing, you may be pressing too hard. Use only enough pressure to make each note ring clearly—excess pressure tires your hand and slows your progress. Also check that your guitar is properly set up; a guitar with high action (strings far from the fretboard) requires more finger strength and is harder to play.

Moving Forward After You've Learned the Song

Once you can play the song from start to finish without stopping, work on playing it smoothly at the original tempo. Use a metronome and gradually increase the speed until you match the recording. This is where the song stops feeling like a list of chords and starts feeling like music.

After that, experiment with small variations. Try different strumming patterns, adjust the dynamics (play some sections softer or louder), or add your own fingerpicking flourishes. This is how you develop your own style while respecting the original song.

Finally, consider learning other songs by the same artist or in the same style. Once you've internalized one song, the next one usually comes faster because you recognize similar chord progressions and rhythmic patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the tab I found doesn't sound right when I play it?

Try a different tab from another user on the same site or a different tab site. Compare two or three versions to see which one matches the original recording. Read the comments on each tab—other users often point out errors or corrections.

Do I need to learn music theory to understand guitar tabs?

No. Tabs show you exactly which fret to play on which string, so you can learn by following the numbers without knowing chord names or music theory. Learning theory later will deepen your understanding, but it's not required to play from a tab.

How long does it usually take to learn a song from a tab?

A straightforward song with basic chords and strumming can take one to two weeks of regular practice. A song with fingerpicking, lead sections, or complex rhythms may take three to six weeks. Consistency matters more than duration—practicing 20 minutes daily is more effective than one long session per week.

Can I play this song on an acoustic or electric guitar?

Yes. The tab works on both acoustic and electric guitars. Acoustic guitars have a warmer, fuller tone, while electric guitars can be shaped with effects and amp settings. The notes and chords are the same either way.

What should I do if I can't find a tab for this specific version?

Search for the song title with different artist names, or search for "chords" instead of "tab." Some sites list only chords rather than full tablature, which is enough to play the song if you already know how to read chord diagrams. You can also watch YouTube tutorials where guitarists play the song and explain their approach.