What the D'Angelo Tab Shows You

The "How Does It Feel" guitar tab is a notation system that tells you which frets to press on your guitar neck to play the song's main riff and chord progression. Instead of reading standard musical notation, you look at six horizontal lines (representing your six strings) and numbers that show exactly where your fingers go. The tab doesn't tell you how long to hold each note or the exact rhythm — you'll need to listen to the song or watch a video to match the timing — but it gives you the precise finger positions.

D'Angelo's original recording features a smooth, R&B-influenced guitar part that sits low in the mix. Most tabs you'll find online focus on the main riff that repeats throughout the song, which uses a combination of single notes and chord shapes played on the lower strings. The tab typically starts on the 6th string (the thickest, lowest string on your guitar) and moves between the 4th, 5th, and 6th strings for most of the progression.

Key Takeaways

  • The tab shows fret numbers on six lines representing your guitar strings, with the thickest string at the bottom and the thinnest at the top.
  • The main riff uses mostly the lower three strings and repeats as the foundation for the entire song.
  • You need to listen to the original recording or a tutorial video to understand the rhythm and timing, since tabs don't show note duration.
  • The progression is easier to learn if you start slowly and practice one measure at a time before connecting sections together.
  • Most versions of this tab are in standard tuning, so no alternate tuning is required.

Reading the Tab Layout

When you open a tab for this song, you'll see six horizontal lines stacked vertically. From top to bottom, these represent the 1st string (high E, the thinnest), 2nd string (B), 3rd string (G), 4th string (D), 5th string (A), and 6th string (low E, the thickest). Numbers on these lines tell you which fret to press. A "0" means play the string open (without pressing any fret), and numbers like 1, 2, 3, and higher tell you which fret to use.

Numbers that line up vertically mean you play those notes at the same time (a chord). Numbers that move across horizontally mean you play them one after another (a riff or melody). Dashes between numbers show the space between notes. If you see a vertical line with a double slash (like ||), that marks the end of one section and the start of another.

The Main Riff Structure

The core of "How Does It Feel" is a repeating riff that uses a minor chord shape and single-note movement. Most tabs show this riff starting on the 6th string (low E) around the 5th or 7th fret, then moving to the 5th string. The pattern typically repeats every four or eight measures, which is why the song feels hypnotic and groove-based — the same shape comes back over and over.

The riff often includes a bend or slight pitch shift on one of the notes, which gives it that smooth, soulful character. When you see a caret symbol (^) or the word "bend" in the tab, it means you press the fret and then push the string sideways to raise the pitch slightly. This is a small movement — you're not trying to reach a different fret, just making the note sound slightly higher and more expressive.

Matching Rhythm to the Recording

Tabs alone won't tell you how fast or slow to play each note. You must listen to the original D'Angelo recording or a tutorial video to hear the rhythm. The song sits in a relaxed R&B tempo — not fast, but with a steady groove. Start by playing along with the recording at full speed to feel the pocket, then slow it down using a tool like YouTube's playback speed control or a metronome app.

Pay attention to where the riff sits in relation to the drums and bass. The guitar riff locks in with the bass line, so if you can hear both together, you'll understand the timing better. Many players find it helpful to tap their foot on the beat while playing, which keeps them anchored to the song's tempo.

Common Mistakes When Learning This Tab

The biggest mistake is trying to learn the tab without listening to the song. You'll end up with the right notes in the wrong rhythm, which sounds nothing like the original. Spend time listening first, then use the tab as a map for your fingers.

Another common error is pressing too hard or bending the strings too much. D'Angelo's guitar tone is smooth and controlled, not aggressive. Use light to medium pressure on the frets, and if the tab shows a bend, make it subtle — just a quarter or half-step higher in pitch. Beginners often over-bend and end up sharp.

Finally, don't skip the lower frets. Many tabs show the riff starting around the 5th to 7th fret on the low strings, which is the sweet spot for this song's tone. Playing the same notes higher up on the neck will sound thinner and brighter, which doesn't match the original.

Finding Reliable Tabs Online

Sites like Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, and Tabs.Ultimate-Guitar.com host multiple versions of this song's tab. Look for versions with high ratings and comments from other players saying "this sounds right" or "matches the recording." Avoid tabs with very few ratings or comments, since you won't know if they're accurate.

If you find conflicting tabs, watch a YouTube tutorial video where someone plays through the song while showing their hands. Seeing the finger positions in motion is often clearer than reading numbers on a screen. Many guitarists post step-by-step breakdowns that show you exactly where to place your fingers and how to move between positions.

Building Speed and Smoothness

Start by playing the riff very slowly — about half the speed of the original song. Focus on pressing each fret cleanly and moving between positions without pausing. Once you can play it smoothly at half speed without mistakes, increase the tempo by 10 to 20 percent and repeat. This gradual approach builds muscle memory and prevents you from locking in bad habits.

Use a metronome set to a slow tempo (around 60 to 80 beats per minute) and play the riff in time with the click. When you can do that cleanly for a full minute, bump the tempo up slightly. This method takes longer than trying to play at full speed when ready, but you'll reach the correct tempo faster and with fewer errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tune my guitar differently to play this tab?

No. The tab is written in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string), which is what most guitars come set to. If your guitar is already in tune, you can start learning the tab right away without any adjustments.

What if I can't find the exact tab I'm looking for?

Try searching for variations like "How Does It Feel D'Angelo guitar riff" or "How Does It Feel bass tab" (since the bass line is similar and might help you understand the progression). Watch a few YouTube tutorials and compare what you see — most versions are very similar, and you can piece together an accurate version from multiple sources.

Should I learn the chords or just the riff?

Learning the riff is the fastest way to sound like the original recording. If you want to play the song with other musicians or write variations, learning the underlying chord progression is helpful. Many tabs show both the riff and the chord names above it, so you can see how they connect.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

If you practice 15 to 20 minutes a day, you can play the basic riff recognizably within a week or two. Playing it smoothly at full tempo with the right feel takes longer — usually a few weeks of regular practice. The song's groove is more important than speed, so focus on locking in with the rhythm before worrying about playing it fast.

Can I play this on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, the tab works on any guitar. An acoustic will sound brighter and less smooth than the original (which uses an electric guitar), but the notes and positions are identical. If you want that warm, mellow tone, an electric guitar through a clean amp or with light effects will get you closer to the original sound.