The tab you're looking for exists in multiple versions across several sites

"Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 has been tabbed by hundreds of guitarists, so you'll find the song on nearly every major tab site. The most reliable places to start are Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify. Each site hosts multiple versions—some simplified for beginners, others that attempt to match the studio recording note-for-note. Because different tabbers interpret the same song differently, you may need to try a few before you find one that sounds right to your ear.

The song's main riff is relatively straightforward once you locate a clear tab, but the versions vary in how they notate the delay effect and rhythm. Some tabs include the studio production details (like the delay that makes the opening riff shimmer), while others strip it down to the core notes. Start with tabs marked as "Intro" or "Main Riff" if you just want the opening section, or look for full-song tabs if you want verse, chorus, and bridge.

Key Takeaways

  • Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify all host multiple tabs for this song, so compare a few versions to find one that matches your skill level.
  • The opening riff uses a delay effect in the studio version, but most tabs show only the notes themselves—you'll add the effect yourself or skip it.
  • Tabs marked "Intro" or "Main Riff" show just the opening section, while full-song tabs include every part from start to finish.
  • If a tab sounds wrong when you play it, try a different version rather than assuming you're playing it incorrectly.

Where to find the tabs online

Ultimate Guitar is the largest tab database and usually ranks highest in search results. Search for the song title and filter by "Tabs" to see versions sorted by user rating. The top-rated versions tend to be more accurate, though "accurate" is subjective—some players prefer simplified tabs that capture the spirit of the song, while others want every note from the recording.

Songsterr offers interactive tabs that play along with a metronome and let you slow down the tempo without changing pitch. This is useful if you want to hear how the tab should sound before you attempt it. Chordify works differently: you paste a YouTube link to the song, and it generates chords and tabs in real time by analyzing the audio. The results are less precise than hand-tabbed versions, but they're often good enough to learn from.

If you want tabs that sync to the actual song, look for versions on Songsterr or apps like Ultimate Guitar's own player, which lets you play the original recording alongside the tab at any speed.

Understanding the tab notation for this song

The opening riff sits on the high E string (the thinnest string) and uses frets in the 12th to 15th range. Most tabs show it as a series of single notes rather than chords. The rhythm is steady and repetitive, which is why the song is approachable for intermediate players—you're not jumping between complex chord shapes, just moving along one string.

The numbers on the tab lines represent fret positions. A "12" on the top line means the 12th fret of the high E string. The spacing and alignment show you the timing: notes lined up vertically happen at the same time, and notes spread horizontally happen one after another. If the tab includes a delay effect notation (sometimes shown as "D" or explained in a legend), that's a production detail—the actual notes are what matter for learning the riff.

Why different tabs sound different

The Edge, U2's guitarist, plays the song with a digital delay effect that repeats the notes slightly behind the original. Some tabbers notate this by writing out the delayed notes as well, which makes the tab longer and more complex. Others tab only the notes he actually plays, leaving the delay to you. Neither approach is wrong—they're just different interpretations of what "the tab" should show.

The song also has subtle variations between the studio version and live performances. If you're learning from a tab that doesn't sound like the recording you're listening to, check whether the tab is based on the studio version or a live version. This is usually noted at the top of the tab.

How to choose between beginner and advanced versions

If you're new to tabs, look for versions labeled "Intro" or "Beginner." These usually show just the main riff without the delay notation or extra production details. You can play the core of the song in a few minutes and build from there.

Intermediate and advanced tabs often include the full song structure: intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. They may also notate techniques like palm muting or the exact delay timing. If you're comfortable reading standard tab notation and want to match the recording closely, these versions give you more detail to work with.

Getting the rhythm right

The opening riff has a steady, almost hypnotic rhythm. If your tab doesn't include timing notation (like note durations or a tempo marking), listen to the song while reading the tab to understand the spacing. Most tabs assume you'll listen to the original recording alongside them.

If you're using Songsterr or a similar interactive tab player, the software will play the notes for you at a set tempo. This removes the guesswork—you can hear exactly when each note should happen. For tabs on static sites like Ultimate Guitar, you'll need to match the rhythm by ear or by watching a tutorial video that uses the same tab.

When a tab doesn't match what you hear

If you've found a tab but it doesn't sound right when you play it, the most common reasons are: the tab is based on a different version of the song (live vs. studio), the tempo is wrong, or the tabber made an error. Before assuming you're playing it incorrectly, try a different tab from a different site.

You can also search YouTube for "Where the Streets Have No Name guitar tutorial" and watch someone play through the tab you're using. Seeing the guitarist's hand position and hearing the correct tempo at the same time often clarifies what the tab is trying to show.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a tab and a chord chart?

A tab shows individual notes and fret positions on each string, so you know exactly where to place your fingers. A chord chart shows finger positions for full chords. This song's main riff is single notes, so you need a tab, not a chord chart.

Do I need to use the delay effect to play this song?

No. The delay is a studio effect that The Edge adds in post-production. You can play the notes cleanly without any effects and still have the song sound recognizable. Adding delay later is optional.

Is there a standard "correct" tab for this song?

No. Different tabbers interpret the song slightly differently, and there's no official tab from U2. The best tab is the one that sounds closest to the version you're learning from and matches your skill level.

Can I learn this song from a video tutorial instead of a tab?

Yes. Many guitarists post full tutorials on YouTube that show hand position and timing. Some people find videos easier to follow than tabs, especially for rhythm and timing.

What if the tab I found is marked "Capo 2"?

That means the tabber transposed the song to a different key for easier playing. The notes will be different from the original recording, but the song will still be recognizable. If you want to match the studio version exactly, look for a tab without a capo.