The fastest place to find the tab

Ultimate Guitar (ultimate-guitar.com) has the most reliable version of the "Where Is My Mind" tab by Pixies. Search for the song title, and you'll see multiple user-submitted tabs ranked by rating. The highest-rated versions usually have the clearest chord diagrams and the most accurate transcriptions because other players have corrected them over time.

Tabs.ultimate-guitar.com also lets you filter by difficulty level and see which tabs have video lessons attached. If you're learning this song for the first time, look for tabs marked "Beginner" or "Intermediate" rather than "Advanced" — the simpler versions strip out the exact production details and focus on what your fingers actually need to play.

Other reliable sources include Chordify (chordify.net), which pulls chords directly from the official song on YouTube or Spotify, and Songsterr (songsterr.com), which displays tabs in a scrolling format that syncs to the actual recording. Songsterr costs money for full features, but the free version shows you enough to get your free guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Ultimate Guitar has the highest-rated tabs because players vote on accuracy, so start there and pick a version with 4+ stars.
  • The song uses mostly open chords (Em, Am, D, G) in the verse and a straightforward riff pattern, so beginner tabs will get you playing quickly.
  • Chordify and Songsterr sync the tab to the actual recording, which helps you hear where you are if you get lost.
  • The original Pixies version is in standard tuning, so you don't need to retune your guitar before you start.

Understanding what the tab symbols mean

A guitar tab is six horizontal lines representing the six strings of your guitar, from thickest (bottom) to thinnest (top). Numbers on those lines tell you which fret to press. A "0" means play the string open (no finger on it). A "1" means press the first fret, a "2" means the second fret, and so on.

When numbers stack vertically, play them at the same time — that's a chord. When they line up horizontally across the lines, play them one after another in order, left to right. A dash (—) means hold the note or let it ring. An "x" means mute that string (touch it without pressing down).

Most tabs also show the chord name above the staff so you can see both the individual notes and the overall shape. If you're new to reading tabs, focus on the chord names first and learn the finger positions, then come back to the individual note numbers once you're comfortable with the rhythm.

The main riff and chord progression

The opening riff of "Where Is My Mind" is one of the most recognizable guitar parts in alternative rock. It uses a straightforward repeating pattern on the lower strings that you can learn in about 15 minutes. Most tabs show this as a series of single notes rather than full chords, which makes it easier to nail the exact timing and tone.

The verse uses Em (E minor) and Am (A minor) chords, which are two of the easiest shapes on guitar. If you already know barre chords, you can play them as full six-string shapes, but the tab will usually show you a simpler fingering that works just as well. The chorus adds D (D major) and G (G major), which are also beginner-friendly.

The bridge section drops into a different feel, but the chords stay straightforward. Once you have the verse and chorus down, the bridge usually takes only a few minutes to add. Most beginner tabs skip the exact production details (like the exact effects or the exact timing of the drum hits) and focus on the core chord shapes and riff, which is what you actually need to play the song.

Tuning and string setup

The Pixies original is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string), so you don't need to retune your guitar. If you're using a tab that says "Drop D" or "Half-step down," that's a different version or arrangement — stick with the standard tuning tabs unless you specifically want that sound.

Check the tab header or the first few lines to see what tuning it calls for. If it doesn't say, assume standard tuning. Some tabs also note whether they're for acoustic or electric guitar, but the chord shapes and riff work on both — the only difference is the tone you get.

Common mistakes when learning this song

The biggest mistake is playing the opening riff too fast. The original recording is not slow, but the riff has a specific rhythm that's straightforward to rush. Use a metronome and start at 60 beats per minute, then gradually speed up once you can play it cleanly. Most tabs show the timing with note lengths, so pay attention to which notes are quarter notes, eighth notes, or longer holds.

Another common issue is muting strings you shouldn't. The tab will show an "x" if you need to mute a string, but if there's no "x," let the string ring. Beginners often accidentally touch strings they're not supposed to, which kills the tone. Keep your fingers relaxed and only touch the strings the tab tells you to touch.

Finally, don't try to learn the whole song at once. Break it into sections: the intro riff, the verse chords, the chorus, and the bridge. Learn each section separately, then string them together. This song is short and repetitive, so once you have the pieces, the whole thing comes together in a day or two of practice.

Video lessons and play-along tracks

YouTube has dozens of step-by-step lessons for this song. Search "Where Is My Mind guitar tutorial" and filter by upload date to find recent videos. The best ones show the tab on screen while the instructor plays, so you can see both the finger positions and hear the timing at the same time.

Songsterr and Ultimate Guitar both link to video lessons from popular channels like JustinGuitar and Marty Music. These lessons usually break the song into smaller chunks and show you how to build up speed. If you're stuck on a particular section, watching someone else play it slowly is often faster than trying to figure it out from the tab alone.

You can also find play-along backing tracks on YouTube — search "Where Is My Mind backing track" or "Where Is My Mind karaoke." These let you play along with the drums and bass, which helps you lock into the rhythm and hear whether you're in time. Start at a slower tempo and speed up as you get comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between the tab for electric and acoustic guitar?

The chord shapes and note positions are the same, so the tab itself doesn't change. The only difference is the tone — electric guitar sounds brighter and more defined, while acoustic sounds warmer and fuller. Use whichever guitar you have; the tab will work on both.

What if the tab I found doesn't match what I hear in the song?

Try a different version. Ultimate Guitar shows multiple tabs for the same song, and some are more accurate than others. Look for one with a higher rating or more comments from other players. If several tabs disagree on a section, listen to that part of the song carefully and pick the tab that sounds closest.

Do I need to know music theory to read a guitar tab?

No. A tab tells you exactly which fret to press and when to press it. You don't need to know what a chord is called or why it works — just follow the numbers. Learning theory later will help you understand the song better, but it's not required to play it.

Can I play this song on a 7-string or 12-string guitar?

Yes, but use a standard 6-string tab. On a 7-string, ignore the extra string and play only the six standard strings. On a 12-string, play the same frets but let the doubled strings ring, which will give you a fuller sound. The tab itself doesn't change.

How long does it usually take to learn this song?

Most players can play the basic version in one to three days of casual practice. The riff is short and repetitive, and the chords are beginner-friendly. Getting it to sound polished and match the original timing takes longer, but you'll be playing a recognizable version much sooner.