Master 'Don't Fear The Reaper': Learn with Guitar Tabs and Dominate the Classic Rock Scene

Learn how to play Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult on guitar with our easy-to-follow tabs. Perfect for beginners and intermediate players!

Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your playing to the next level? If so, I've got just the thing for you. Don't Fear The Reaper guitar tabs are an absolute must-learn for anyone looking to improve their skills on the instrument. With its iconic opening riff and haunting melody, this song is a true classic that has stood the test of time. But don't just take my word for it - let's hear what the legendary Guthrie Govan has to say about it.

Introduction

Greetings my fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we shall delve into the realm of classic rock and explore one of the most iconic songs of the genre - Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. This song has stood the test of time and is still beloved by fans all over the world. In this article, we shall focus on the guitar tabs of this masterpiece and analyze it in all its glory.

The History Behind The Song

Before we dive into the guitar tabs, let's take a moment to appreciate the history behind this classic. Don't Fear The Reaper was released in 1976 and was written by lead guitarist Donald Buck Dharma Roeser. The song reached #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remains the band's most famous song. It has been covered by numerous artists and has even been featured in several movies and TV shows. It's safe to say that this song has left a lasting impact on popular culture.

The Intro

The intro of Don't Fear The Reaper is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire song. The guitar tabs for the intro are as follows:

e|-----------------------------------------|B|-----------------------------------------|G|-----------------------------------------|D|-----------------0---2---3---2---0---------|A|-----0---2---3-----------------------3---|E|---3-------------------------------------|

Make sure to pay attention to the timing and the phrasing of the notes. The intro should be played with a clean tone and a moderate tempo. It's important to get this part right as it sets the foundation for the rest of the song.

The Verses

The verses of Don't Fear The Reaper are simple yet effective. They consist of three chords - G, Bb, and C - played in a repeating pattern. The guitar tabs for the verses are as follows:

e|-----------------------------------------|B|-----------------------------------------|G|-----------------------------------------|D|-----5---3---5---------------------------|A|---5---3---5---6---8---------------------|E|-----------------6---8---3---5---6---8---|

Make sure to strum the chords with a steady rhythm and let them ring out. The verses should be played with a clean tone and a moderate tempo. The simplicity of the chords allows the lyrics to shine through and convey the message of the song.

The Chorus

The chorus of Don't Fear The Reaper is where the song truly shines. It's catchy, melodic, and features some beautiful guitar work. The guitar tabs for the chorus are as follows:

e|-----------------------------------------|B|-----------------------------------------|G|-----5---7---9---------------------------|D|---7---7---9---9---10---------------------|A|---------------7---8---10---8---7---------|E|-----------------------------------10----|

The chorus should be played with a slightly overdriven tone and a moderate tempo. The guitar work in this part is crucial, so make sure to hit the notes with precision and clarity. The chorus is what makes this song so memorable and it's where you can really let your guitar skills shine.

The Bridge

The bridge of Don't Fear The Reaper is a beautiful instrumental section that showcases some incredible guitar work. The guitar tabs for the bridge are as follows:

e|-----------------------------------------|B|-----------------------------------------|G|-----------------12---11---9---7---6---4--|D|-----9---7---5----------------------------|A|---7-------------------------------------|E|-----------------------------------------|

This part should be played with a clean tone and a slow tempo. The guitar work in this section is intricate and delicate, so make sure to play it with care. The bridge is a perfect example of how a simple instrumental section can add so much depth to a song.

The Solo

The solo in Don't Fear The Reaper is a masterpiece of guitar work. It's melodic, emotional, and showcases the incredible talent of Buck Dharma. The guitar tabs for the solo are as follows:

e|------------------------------------------------------------|B|-------15b17r15----13----12----10----8----10----8----10b12--|G|----14----------14----14----14----9----9----9--------------|D|------------------------------------------------------------|A|------------------------------------------------------------|E|------------------------------------------------------------|

The solo should be played with a slightly overdriven tone and a slow tempo. Take your time with this part and let the notes breathe. The solo is what makes this song a true classic and it's a perfect example of the power of the guitar.

The Outro

The outro of Don't Fear The Reaper is a beautiful and haunting instrumental section that brings the song to a close. The guitar tabs for the outro are as follows:

e|-----------------------------------------|B|-----------------------------------------|G|-----5---7---9---------------------------|D|---7---7---9---9---10---------------------|A|---------------7---8---10---8---7---8---7-|E|-----------------------------------10----|

The outro should be played with a clean tone and a slow tempo. This part is meant to be played with feeling and emotion, so make sure to convey that in your playing. The outro is a perfect way to end this masterpiece of a song.

Conclusion

And there you have it my fellow guitar enthusiasts - the guitar tabs for Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. This song is a true classic of the genre and showcases some incredible guitar work by Buck Dharma. I hope this article has helped you in your quest to master this masterpiece. Remember to always play with feeling and let the music speak for itself. Until next time, keep on rockin'!

Don't Fear the Reaper Guitar Tabs

Sure thing, fellow guitar enthusiasts! When it comes to Don't Fear the Reaper, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. First and foremost, that cowbell intro is essential. Once you've got that down, it's time to dive into the guitar parts!

Some Cowbell for Good Measure

Hey there, fellow shredders! Before we dive into this classic tune's guitar tabs, let's give a quick nod to that iconic cowbell intro. After all, it's hard to resist tapping your foot along to that infectious beat.

Getting in the Mood with the Intro

Alright, onto the guitar parts. The intro to Don't Fear the Reaper sets the mood perfectly with its haunting melody. To play it, start on the third fret of the B string and use your pinky finger to reach the sixth fret. From there, slide down to the first fret before sliding back up to the fifth.

Chords for the Verses

Now that we've got the intro down, let's move onto the verses. These are pretty simple, with just three chords that repeat throughout: G, D, and Am. Strum each chord for four beats and you're good to go.

Adding a Little Strumming Variation

Of course, while the basic chords sound great, you can always spice things up a bit. Try adding some strumming variation, like a down-up pattern or some percussive hits for emphasis.

The Solo: Tasteful Melodies

Now for the highlight of any guitar track, the solo! Guthrie Govan here, and let me tell you: less is often more in a solo like this. Focus on creating tasteful melodies that complement the song's overall vibe.

The Solo: Bending and Vibrato

To really make those melodies shine, try incorporating some bending and vibrato into your solos. These techniques can add a lot of emotion and character to your playing.

The Outro: Going for the Big Finish

As we approach the end of the song, it's time to go for that big finish. The outro features a repeating chord progression of C, D, G, and Am. Try adding in some ascending or descending runs to build up to the final chord.

The Outro: Harmonizing with Another Guitarist

For an even more epic outro, consider harmonizing your guitar part with another player. You can each play the same chords, but with slightly different voicings or rhythms to create a full, rich sound.

Experimenting with Effects

Don't be afraid to experiment with different effects pedals to really make your guitar parts pop. Try adding in some delay or reverb for a more atmospheric sound, or a wah pedal for some funky wah-wah action.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, the key to nailing Don't Fear the Reaper on guitar is to put all of these elements together in a cohesive, flowing way. Focus on creating a sense of dynamics and emotion throughout the song, and you're sure to impress your audience.

Guthrie Govan, the famed guitarist, had always been enamored with the song Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult. He believed that it was a classic that deserved to be played with the utmost respect and precision. So, when he was asked to create a guitar tab for the song, he knew that he had to deliver something that would do justice to the original masterpiece.

With his guitar in hand, Guthrie began to delve into the intricacies of the song, analyzing every note and chord progression. He spent countless hours perfecting the tab, ensuring that it was accurate and easy to follow for guitar enthusiasts of all levels.

Points of view about Don't Fear The Reaper Guitar Tabs:

Accuracy: Guthrie made sure that every note and chord in the tab was as close to the original as possible. He wanted people to be able to play the song exactly how it was meant to be played.
Ease of use: Despite its complexity, Guthrie ensured that the tab was easy to follow. He included detailed instructions and explanations for each section of the song.
Respect for the original: As a musician, Guthrie understood the importance of respecting the original artist's work. He made sure that the tab was a tribute to the original song and not a mere copy.
Challenge: Guthrie wanted the tab to challenge guitarists and push them out of their comfort zones. He included some intricate guitar parts that would require practice and dedication to master.
Creativity: While staying true to the original, Guthrie also added his own creative flair to the tab. He included some unique guitar licks and improvisations that would make the song stand out.

In the end, Guthrie's guitar tab for Don't Fear The Reaper was a true work of art. It was accurate, challenging, and creative, all while paying homage to the original masterpiece. Thanks to Guthrie's dedication and talent, guitar enthusiasts around the world can now learn and play this iconic song with ease and precision.

Well, folks, it has been an absolute pleasure sharing my thoughts with all of you about the Don't Fear The Reaper guitar tabs. As a guitar player myself, I know how intimidating it can be to tackle a classic track like this one, but the rewards are truly worth it.

Remember, music is all about expressing yourself and having fun. The Don't Fear The Reaper guitar tabs are a great way to do just that. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there is something in this song for everyone.

I hope that this article has inspired you to pick up your guitar and start jamming out to this legendary track. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. After all, that's what music is all about. So go ahead and give it a shot!

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that you have found it helpful and informative. Keep on rocking, and don't forget to check back for more tips and tricks on playing the guitar. Till then, take care and keep playing!

Greetings, my fellow guitar enthusiasts! I am Guthrie Govan, and I am here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Don't Fear The Reaper Guitar Tabs.