Ode to Joy
Beethoven
- Starts on
- High e string, open
- This excerpt
- Main melody
- Strings used
- High e, B
- Written in
- Open-string version
The tab
Tab is short for tablature: a picture of the strings. Numbers are frets. 0 means play the string open.
Computer notes — not the original recording.
First line
High e
thinnest string
B
2nd thinnest
Second line
High e
thinnest string
B
2nd thinnest
Rhythm in words
Da da da da, da da da da. Da da da da, da da daaa.
How to play this
- 1Start on the thinnest string (high e) with no fingers pressing — that is an open 0.
- 2Keep the notes even, like walking. That marching feel is the tune.
- 3When you see B, switch to the next string over (the B string).
- 4Hold only the very last note.
Practice slowly
This melody is slow and proud. If it rushes, it stops sounding like Beethoven. Start with Hear the notes at full speed or slower, then copy on the guitar. If a note buzzes, press a little closer to the fret wire — not in the middle of the space.
This arrangement is a simplified educational excerpt for learning. Playback is a computer playing the tab notes, not the original recording. It is not a full transcription and is not affiliated with Beethoven.
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