Where to find the "Is There Anybody Out There" tab

Ultimate Guitar and Chordify both host multiple versions of the "Is There Anybody Out There" tab, usually with user ratings so you can see which arrangement is most popular. Ultimate Guitar lets you filter by difficulty and instrument tuning. Chordify pulls tabs directly from YouTube videos of the song, so you can watch someone play it while you read the tab.

Songsterr displays tabs in a scrolling format that syncs to an audio playback, which helps you hear where you are in the song as you learn. Tabs.Ultimate-Guitar.com also offers a "Tab Pro" version that includes backing tracks and a built-in tuner.

If you want a physical copy, Scribd and Sheet Music Plus sell PDF tabs and sheet music that you can read and print. These are usually transcribed by musicians rather than crowdsourced, so the accuracy tends to be higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Ultimate Guitar and Chordify are the fastest free sources for multiple versions of the tab, with user ratings to help you pick the clearest one.
  • Songsterr syncs the tab to audio playback, so you can hear the song while you read the notes and see where you are in the progression.
  • The song uses standard tuning on most tabs, but always check the tuning notation at the top of the tab before you start.
  • Tabs vary in accuracy depending on who transcribed them, so compare a few versions if one doesn't sound right when you play it.

Understanding tab notation for this song

The "Is There Anybody Out There" tab uses standard six-string notation: numbers on horizontal lines represent frets, and the lines themselves represent strings from thickest (bottom) to thinnest (top). The song is usually written in standard tuning, but some versions use drop-D or open tunings, so read the tuning line at the top of the tab before you begin.

Most tabs show single-note melodies rather than full chord voicings, which makes the song easier to learn if you are new to reading tab. The main riff repeats throughout much of the song, so once you nail the opening phrase, you have already learned a large chunk of the piece.

Difficulty level and what to expect

The song is usually rated as beginner to early intermediate on most tab sites. The main riff uses notes in a narrow fret range, typically between the open strings and the fifth or seventh fret, so you do not need to stretch across the neck. The rhythm is straightforward and does not require fast picking or complex timing.

If you are brand new to tab, this song is a reasonable starting point because the melody is straightforward and the repetition helps your fingers build muscle memory. The biggest challenge is usually keeping a steady tempo rather than the physical difficulty of the notes themselves.

Comparing versions across different tab sites

Different transcribers sometimes interpret the same song differently, especially if the original recording is unclear or if the artist has played it multiple ways live. On Ultimate Guitar, you will often see three to five versions of the same song, each with a difficulty rating and user comments saying whether it sounds accurate.

Start with the version that has the highest rating and most comments. If it does not sound right when you play it, try the next highest-rated version. User comments often point out specific sections that are wrong, so read those before you waste time learning an inaccurate tab.

Using backing tracks and audio tools while learning

YouTube has many versions of "Is There Anybody Out There" played at different speeds, which helps you slow down the song without losing pitch. Search for "[song name] slow tutorial" or "[song name] backing track" to find versions you can play along with.

Songsterr and Tab Pro both include playback features that let you hear the tab as written, which is useful for checking whether your interpretation matches what the transcriber intended. Some versions also include a metronome so you can practice keeping time while you learn the riff.

Checking tuning and adjusting tabs for your setup

Before you start, tune your guitar to match the tuning listed at the top of the tab. Most "Is There Anybody Out There" tabs use standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from thickest to thinnest string), but some use alternate tunings. If the tab does not specify, assume standard tuning.

If you want to play the song in a different tuning or key, you will need to transpose the tab. This is easier to do on Songsterr or Tab Pro, which have built-in transposition tools. If you are using a static PDF or text tab, you will need to manually move every note up or down by the same number of frets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tuning does "Is There Anybody Out There" use?

Most tabs use standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Always check the tuning notation at the top of the tab you read, because some versions use drop-D or open tunings. If no tuning is listed, standard is the safe assumption.

Can I find a tab that shows the chords instead of single notes?

Yes. On Ultimate Guitar, filter by "Chords" instead of "Tabs" to see chord-based versions. These show the chord shapes and changes rather than individual fret numbers, which is useful if you want to play the song with a strumming pattern instead of picking the melody.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

Most players can learn the main riff in a few hours of practice, depending on your experience level. The repetition works in your favor. Beginners might need a few days of daily practice to get it smooth, but the song does not have complex sections that take weeks to master.

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

Try a different version from another user on the same site. Read the comments to see if other players have pointed out mistakes. If multiple versions disagree on a section, watch a YouTube video of the song and listen carefully to that part, then pick the tab that matches what you hear.

Do I need to buy a tab or can I find it free?

Free tabs are available on Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, and Songsterr. Paid tabs on Sheet Music Plus or Scribd are usually more professionally transcribed, but the free versions are often accurate enough for learning. Start with free and upgrade only if you cannot find a version that sounds right.