Where to find accurate tabs for "What I Got"

Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr are the two sites where most players find working tabs for "What I Got" by Sublime. Ultimate Guitar hosts multiple versions uploaded by different users — look for tabs with the highest rating and most comments, since those tend to be checked by other players. Songsterr displays tabs in a scrolling format that syncs to a playback of the song, which helps you hear whether the tab matches what's on the record.

Both sites are free to browse. Ultimate Guitar offers a paid subscription that removes ads and unlocks some premium tabs, but the free versions of this song are usually accurate enough to learn from. If you find a tab that sounds wrong when you play it against the original recording, try a different version — there's rarely a single "correct" tab, and different players transcribe the same song slightly differently depending on what they hear.

YouTube also hosts tabs displayed over the song itself. Search "What I Got Sublime guitar tab tutorial" and you'll find videos where someone plays through the song while showing their fretboard or a tab diagram. These are useful if you learn better by watching someone's hands move, but the tab quality varies widely.

Key Takeaways

  • Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr both have free tabs for "What I Got," and the highest-rated versions on Ultimate Guitar are usually reliable.
  • Songsterr's playback feature lets you hear the tab synced to the song, which helps you check if the transcription is accurate.
  • Multiple tab versions exist because different players hear the song slightly differently — if one doesn't sound right, try another.
  • YouTube tutorials show someone playing the song while displaying the tab, which can help if you learn better by watching hands and fretboard position.

What the tabs show you about the song structure

"What I Got" is built on a repeating chord progression that stays the same through most of the song. The tabs will show you that the main riff uses the same few frets played in a specific rhythm, and this pattern repeats for the verse, chorus, and bridge. Once you learn the basic progression, you're most of the way to playing the whole song.

The song is in a major key and uses open chords or barre chords depending on which tab version you're reading. Some tabs are written for beginners and use simpler fingerings; others show the exact way the original guitarist played it, which may involve more complex positions. Start with a version labeled "straightforward" or "beginner" if you're new to the song, then move to a more detailed tab once you understand the basic shape.

Reading tab notation for this song

Guitar tabs use 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, and the bottom line is the low E string. When numbers stack vertically, you play them at the same time (a chord). When they're spread across the lines horizontally, you play them one after another (a riff or melody).

"What I Got" tabs will show you where to place your fingers and in what order. Dashes between numbers mean you hold a note or let it ring. Slashes or other symbols indicate techniques like slides or bends. Most tabs include a legend at the top explaining what each symbol means, so check that before you start if you see unfamiliar marks.

Matching the tab to the recording

Play the original Sublime recording while you read the tab. The song is about three and a half minutes long, and the structure repeats — you'll hear the same progression come back multiple times. If your tab sounds like it matches the first 30 seconds of the song, you're reading it correctly. If it doesn't, the tab version you chose may be inaccurate or simplified.

Pay attention to the tempo. "What I Got" is a moderate-pace reggae-influenced song, not fast. If you're playing the notes in the right order but it sounds rushed, you're probably playing it too quickly. Slow down and match the rhythm of the original recording.

Common mistakes when learning this song

The most common error is playing the riff too fast. Beginners often rush through the notes because they're focused on hitting the right frets, but the song's feel depends on a relaxed, steady rhythm. Use a metronome set to around 80 to 90 beats per minute and play along with it until the timing becomes automatic.

Another mistake is not letting notes ring long enough. Some tabs show you where to press, but the original recording lets certain notes sustain and blend together. If your version sounds choppy or disconnected, try holding notes longer before moving to the next one. Listen to the original song and notice how the notes flow into each other.

Tabs versus learning by ear

Tabs are a shortcut — they show you exactly where to put your fingers without requiring you to listen carefully to the song. That's useful when you're starting out or when you want to learn a song quickly. However, learning by ear (listening to the song and figuring out the notes yourself) builds your ear and makes you a better player overall.

Many players use tabs as a starting point and then adjust by ear once they understand the basic shape. You might use a tab to learn the verse, then listen to the chorus and tweak the tab version until it matches what you hear. This combination of tab and ear training is faster than pure ear training but more rewarding than pure tab reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tuning do I need for "What I Got"?

Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E, low to high) is what the original recording uses. Most tabs assume standard tuning unless they say otherwise at the top. If a tab mentions a different tuning, it will tell you how to adjust each string before you start.

Is there a difference between tabs for acoustic and electric guitar?

The fret positions are the same on both instruments — the tab itself doesn't change. The sound will be different (acoustic is warmer, electric can be louder and more sustained), but the notes you play are identical. Use whichever guitar you have.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

If you already play guitar, a few hours to a few days depending on your speed. If you're new to guitar, expect a week or two of practice to get the basic progression smooth. The song isn't technically difficult, so the main challenge is building muscle memory for the chord changes and rhythm.

What if the tab I find sounds wrong?

Try a different version on the same site — Ultimate Guitar usually has three to five versions of popular songs. Compare the highest-rated tabs first. If multiple tabs sound off, watch a YouTube tutorial video to see someone play it, which can help you spot where the tab goes wrong.