What the "What It's Like" Tab Shows You
The guitar tab for "What It's Like" by Everlast maps out where to place your fingers on the fretboard to play the song's main riff and chord progression. Tab uses numbers on six horizontal lines representing your guitar strings—the top line is the high E string, the bottom is the low E string. Each number tells you which fret to press down on that string. This song uses a straightforward progression that repeats throughout most of the track, making it a good choice if you're learning to read tab for the first time.
The main riff sits mostly on the lower strings and uses a straightforward, repetitive pattern. You'll see the same finger positions come back multiple times, which means once you learn the opening bars, you've learned the foundation for playing most of the song. The tab also shows you where to pause, where to let notes ring out, and where to move to the next position.
Key Takeaways
- The tab shows six horizontal lines representing your six strings, with numbers indicating which fret to press on each string.
- The main riff repeats throughout the song, so learning the first section gives you the pattern for most of the track.
- You read tab from left to right, just like reading text, and play the notes in the order they appear.
- Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string) is what this tab assumes unless it says otherwise at the top.
How to Set Up Your Guitar Before You Start
Before opening the tab, make sure your guitar is in standard tuning. This is the most common tuning and the one "What It's Like" uses. If you have a tuner, tune each string to its note: the thickest string (low E), then A, D, G, B, and the thinnest string (high E). If you don't have a tuner, you can use a tuning app on your phone or watch a tuning video online.
Hold your guitar comfortably in your lap or across your body. Your fretting hand (left hand if you're right-handed) should rest under the neck with your thumb behind it, not gripping over the top. Your picking hand holds either a pick or uses your fingers to pluck the strings. The tab doesn't tell you which hand does what—that's up to you—but most people use a pick for this song because the riff moves quickly.
Reading the Tab Layout and Symbols
Each vertical line of numbers represents a moment in time. If two numbers are stacked on top of each other, play them at the same time (that's a chord or double note). If they're spread across the lines one after another, play them in order from left to right. A dash (—) means the string is open (not fretted), and a number like 3 or 5 means press down on that fret.
You'll also see symbols that tell you how to play: a bend (shown as a curved line or the word "bend") means push the string up or down after you play it to change the pitch. A hammer-on (shown as "h") means play one note, then press down on a higher fret without picking again. A slide (shown as a line between two numbers) means play the first note, then slide your finger up or down to the second fret without lifting off the string. The "What It's Like" tab uses mostly straightforward picking, so you won't encounter many of these at first.
Playing the Main Riff Step by Step
The opening riff of "What It's Like" starts on the lower strings and uses a pattern you'll repeat. Find the first number in the tab and locate that fret on the correct string. Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret wire (not on top of it), then pluck the string with your pick or finger. Move to the next number and repeat. The rhythm matters—if the tab shows numbers close together, they play quickly; if they're spread out, there's more space between them.
Play through the first four or eight bars slowly, even slower than the song sounds. Getting the finger positions right matters more than speed at first. Once you can play the pattern without looking at your hands, gradually increase your speed. Most people find this riff takes a few practice sessions to feel natural, especially if you're new to tab reading.
If you get stuck on a particular section, isolate just those bars and repeat them ten times in a row before moving forward. This builds muscle memory faster than playing through the whole thing over and over.
Matching the Tab to the Song's Rhythm
Listen to the original song while you look at the tab. You'll hear the riff you're learning, and watching where you are in the tab as the song plays helps you understand the timing. Pause the song at the end of the first riff section and try to play what you just heard. This trains your ear to connect the visual tab to the actual sound.
The song has a steady beat you can count: one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four. The riff fits into this rhythm, and the tab spacing usually reflects that. If you're having trouble with timing, count out loud while you play, or use a metronome set to the song's tempo (around 90 to 100 beats per minute for this track). A metronome keeps you from speeding up or slowing down accidentally.
Common Mistakes When Learning This Tab
The most common mistake is playing too fast too soon. Your fingers need time to build the muscle memory to find the right frets without thinking. If you rush, you'll develop bad habits that are hard to break later. Start at half speed or slower, and only increase tempo once you can play the section cleanly three times in a row without mistakes.
Another frequent error is pressing down too lightly or too far from the fret. If your notes sound muted or buzzy, press harder and move your finger closer to the fret wire (but not on top of it). Also, make sure you're not accidentally touching other strings with your fretting hand—this mutes them and makes the riff sound incomplete.
Finally, don't assume every tab you find online is correct. If something sounds wrong compared to the song, try a different version of the tab. Different tabs sometimes show variations or simplifications, so finding one that matches your ear is worth the time.
Moving From Tab to Playing Along With the Song
Once you can play the riff cleanly at a slow speed, try playing along with a slowed-down version of the song. Many online tools let you slow down audio without changing the pitch, which helps you match the song's timing without the pressure of playing at full speed. Start at 75 percent of the original speed and work your way up.
When you play along, focus on staying in time with the song rather than playing perfectly. It's better to play a few notes slightly wrong but stay with the beat than to play perfectly but rush ahead or fall behind. Once you're comfortable at full speed, you can work on tightening up any rough spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find the exact tab I'm looking for?
Try searching on sites like Ultimate Guitar or Chordify, which host multiple versions of the same song. Different tabs sometimes show simplified versions or variations. Listen to a few and pick the one that sounds closest to the original recording. If one version doesn't match what you hear, another one probably will.
Do I need to learn music notation to read guitar tab?
No. Tab is designed to be simpler than standard notation—you only need to know which string and fret to play. Standard notation tells you rhythm and pitch in a different way, but tab is enough to learn this song and many others.
How long does it usually take to learn this riff?
Most people can play it slowly and cleanly within a few practice sessions of 20 to 30 minutes each. Playing it at full speed and smoothly usually takes a week or two of regular practice, depending on your experience with guitar and how often you practice.
What if my fingers hurt while practicing?
Finger soreness is normal when you're starting out—your fingertips are building calluses. Take breaks every 10 to 15 minutes and stop if you feel sharp pain (not just soreness). As your calluses develop over a few weeks, the discomfort will decrease significantly.
Can I play this song on an electric or acoustic guitar?
Yes, the tab works on both. Electric guitars are easier on your fingers and allow you to play faster with less effort, but acoustic guitars work fine too. The tab itself doesn't change—only the sound will be slightly different depending on your guitar type.