Where to Find the "What I Got" Tab and What It Shows You

The "What I Got" tab is the written-out notation for the Sublime song from 1996, showing you which frets to play on each string and when to play them. You can find tabs for this song on sites like Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, and Tabs.Ultimate-Guitar.com — search for "What I Got Sublime tab" and you'll see multiple versions posted by different users. Most tabs include both the main riff and the chord progression for the verse and chorus.

A guitar tab is six horizontal lines representing the six strings of your guitar, with numbers showing which fret to press. The top line is the high E string (thinnest), and the bottom line is the low E string (thickest). Numbers on the lines tell you exactly where to place your fingers. A "0" means play the string open (without pressing any fret), and higher numbers mean press down at that fret position.

Most "What I Got" tabs you'll find are beginner-friendly because the song uses a straightforward, repeating riff. The original uses a reggae-influenced rhythm, so the tab will show you the timing and spacing between notes. Some versions include chord diagrams above the tab to help you understand the harmony, while others just show the single-note riff that makes the song recognizable.

Key Takeaways

  • The tab shows six lines representing your guitar strings, with numbers indicating which fret to play on each string.
  • "What I Got" uses a straightforward, repeating riff that repeats throughout most of the song, making it a good choice for learning tab reading.
  • Numbers on the tab lines correspond to fret positions; 0 means play the string open without pressing any fret.
  • Most tabs include timing marks or spacing that show you the rhythm and how long to hold each note.
  • You can find multiple versions of this tab online, so try a few different ones to see which notation style makes the most sense to you.

Understanding the Layout of a "What I Got" Tab

When you open a "What I Got" tab, you'll see six horizontal lines stacked vertically. These represent your strings from top to bottom: high E, B, G, D, A, and low E. Numbers appear on these lines to show you which fret to press. For example, if you see a "3" on the second line from the top (the B string), you press down at the 3rd fret on that string and play it.

The tab reads left to right, just like reading text. Notes that line up vertically are played at the same time (together), while notes spread horizontally are played one after another in sequence. Dashes (———) between numbers show you the spacing and rhythm — more dashes mean a longer gap before the next note. Some tabs use bar lines (vertical lines crossing all six strings) to mark measures, which helps you stay organized and follow the song's structure.

The "What I Got" riff primarily uses the lower strings (A and low E strings), so you'll see most of the numbers clustered on the bottom two or three lines. This is typical for reggae-style bass lines, which is what this song features. Pay attention to which string each number sits on — playing the same fret on the wrong string will sound completely different.

How to Play the Main Riff Step by Step

Start by finding the tab version that shows the main riff clearly. Most versions begin with the iconic opening line that repeats throughout the song. Place your fingers on the frets indicated by the numbers, one at a time, moving from left to right across the tab. Use your index finger for lower fret numbers and your middle or ring finger as the fret numbers get higher.

Play slowly at first — speed comes later. Use a metronome or play along with a slowed-down version of the song to lock in the timing. The "What I Got" riff has a laid-back, reggae feel, so don't rush it. Each note should ring out clearly before you move to the next one. If a note sounds muted or dead, you're either not pressing hard enough or your finger is touching an adjacent string.

Once you can play the riff cleanly at a slow tempo, gradually increase the speed. The original song sits around 90 to 100 beats per minute, but start much slower — around 60 BPM — and work your way up. This builds muscle memory and prevents you from developing bad habits like rushing or skipping notes.

Common Mistakes When Reading This Tab

The biggest mistake is confusing which string a number sits on. Tab lines can look close together on a screen, especially on mobile devices. Double-check that you're reading the correct line before you play. If something sounds off, verify you're on the right string by counting from the top (high E) down to the line where your number appears.

Another common error is playing notes too fast or too slow compared to the spacing shown in the tab. If the tab shows wide spacing between numbers, that means there's a pause or delay before the next note — don't rush through it. Conversely, if numbers are close together, play them in quick succession. The rhythm is part of what makes "What I Got" recognizable, so getting the timing right matters as much as hitting the correct frets.

Some players also press down too hard or use poor finger positioning, which causes hand fatigue and makes it harder to move between frets quickly. Keep your fingers curved and your wrist straight. Press just hard enough for the note to ring clearly — you don't need to squeeze the fretboard.

Adding Strumming and Rhythm to the Riff

Once you can play the riff cleanly, the next step is adding the strumming pattern and understanding how it fits into the song structure. The "What I Got" tab often shows the riff alone, but in the actual song, this riff is played over chord changes. Many tabs include a second section showing the chord progression (usually Em, Am, or similar) so you can see how the riff relates to the underlying harmony.

The strumming pattern in "What I Got" is relaxed and syncopated — it doesn't follow a strict up-down-up-down rhythm. Listen to the original song and watch how the guitarist's hand moves. You'll notice the strumming is loose and laid-back, matching the reggae vibe. Practice playing the riff while someone else (or a backing track) plays the chords underneath, so you hear how they work together.

If your tab includes chord diagrams, study those too. They show you the finger positions for each chord shape. Understanding the chords helps you know where the riff sits musically and makes it easier to remember the song structure when you're playing from memory.

Choosing Between Different Tab Versions

You'll find multiple "What I Got" tabs online, and they're not all identical. Some show only the main riff, others include the full song with verse, chorus, and bridge sections. Some tabs are more detailed with timing notation, while others are simplified. The best version for you depends on your skill level and what you want to learn.

If you're new to tab reading, look for a version with clear spacing and bar lines. Avoid tabs with lots of comments or special notation if you're just starting out — they can be confusing. Read the comments section on the tab page; other players often note whether a tab is accurate or if there are mistakes. If multiple people say a tab is wrong, try a different version.

You can also compare two or three versions side by side to see which one makes the most sense to you. Different tab creators use slightly different notation styles, and what clicks for one person might not work for another. Spend a few minutes trying different versions before committing to learning from one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a "0" mean in a guitar tab?

A "0" means play that string open, without pressing down on any fret. For example, if you see a 0 on the low E string line, pluck the low E string without touching the fretboard. Open strings are often used in "What I Got" because they create the song's characteristic resonant sound.

How do I know how long to hold each note?

The spacing between numbers shows timing. If numbers are far apart horizontally, there's a pause between them. Some tabs use dashes or dots to show the exact duration. Listen to the original song while reading the tab — your ear will tell you if you're holding notes too long or moving too quickly.

Can I play "What I Got" on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, the tab works on any guitar — acoustic, electric, or classical. The song was originally recorded on an electric guitar, so it may sound slightly different on an acoustic, but the fret positions and notes are the same. Acoustic guitars have a warmer, fuller tone, which can actually sound nice for this song.

What if I can't find a tab I like?

Try searching on different sites like Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, or Tabs.Ultimate-Guitar.com. If you still can't find a version that works for you, watch a YouTube tutorial where someone plays the song slowly — you can pause and rewind to figure out the frets yourself, which is also a good ear-training exercise.

Do I need to memorize the tab or can I read it while playing?

You can do either. Many players read from the tab at first, then gradually memorize the riff through repetition. "What I Got" is short and repetitive, so most people memorize it fairly quickly. Reading while playing is fine — it's actually a useful skill to develop for learning new songs.