The 1975 About You Guitar Tabs: A Complete Guide

Hey guitar wizards and fans of The 1975! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most emotionally resonant tracks from their album "Being Funny in a Foreign Language," the absolutely stunning "About You." If you've been itching to get your fingers on those beautiful guitar melodies, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down the guitar tabs for "About You" so you can start serenading yourself or your mates with this incredible song. This isn't just about learning notes; it's about capturing the feeling and the atmospheric vibe that makes this song so special. So, grab your axe, tune it up, and let's get strumming!

Understanding the Magic Behind "About You"

Before we even look at the tabs, let's talk about why "About You" is such a standout track. The 1975 have this uncanny ability to blend poignant lyrics with incredibly effective and often simple, yet powerful, guitar work. "About You" is a prime example of this. The song builds and swells, creating this immersive soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The guitar parts aren't overly complex, which is great news for us aspiring players. Instead, they focus on creating mood, layering textures, and delivering those iconic, earworm melodies that stick with you long after the song ends. The beauty of this song lies in its accessibility to guitarists of various skill levels, but mastering it to capture its full emotional weight requires attention to detail. We'll be focusing on the main guitar lines that define the song, including those shimmering arpeggios and the more driving rhythm parts that anchor the track. This song is a masterclass in using guitar to evoke emotion, and understanding its structure will make learning the tabs that much more rewarding. Think of it as learning a new language, but instead of words, we're using six strings to express ourselves.

Decoding the Intro and Verse Guitar Tabs

Alright, let's get down to business with the guitar tabs for "About You"! The intro sets the tone perfectly, and it’s relatively straightforward but requires a clean tone and a delicate touch. We're primarily looking at clean electric guitar here, possibly with some chorus or reverb to give it that signature atmospheric feel. For the intro and verse sections, you'll likely encounter a lot of arpeggiated chords. This means picking individual notes within a chord rather than strumming the whole thing. It creates that dreamy, flowing sound. A common pattern you'll see involves chords like Cmaj7, G, Am, and F, but played in a way that emphasizes the melody notes. For instance, a Cmaj7 might be played with the root note C, followed by E, G, and B, but picked in a specific order. The key here is the rhythm and the dynamics. Don't just blast through the notes; let them ring out and breathe. Pay close attention to the suggested fingering in the tabs, as it can make transitioning between notes much smoother. Many players find success using a fingerpicking style for these sections, which allows for more control over each note's attack and sustain. Experiment with different picking techniques – a combination of pick and fingers, or pure fingerstyle – to see what feels most comfortable and sounds closest to the record. The goal is to recreate that shimmering, almost ethereal quality. Remember, the beauty of this song is in its understated elegance. It’s not about speed; it’s about precision and feeling. So, take your time, listen closely to the original track, and try to match the feel of each note. You’ll often find that open strings can be utilized effectively to add resonance and sustain, contributing to the song's overall lush sound. When you're practicing, try playing along with the original recording at a slower tempo, using software or your amp's settings to slow it down without affecting the pitch. This will help you internalize the rhythm and the subtle nuances of the guitar part. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect right away; these parts require practice and patience. The reward, however, is being able to play such a beautiful and melancholic piece.

The Chorus: That Uplifting, Driving Sound

As we move into the chorus of "About You," the energy shifts. The guitar tabs for "About You" will show a transition from the delicate arpeggios to something a bit more driving and anthemic. While still retaining a clean or slightly overdriven tone, the strumming pattern becomes more prominent. You’ll often hear fuller chords being played, with a rhythm that propels the song forward. Think less intricate fingerpicking and more deliberate, impactful strumming. The chord progressions might remain similar to the verse, but the delivery is what changes the mood entirely. This is where you can really start to feel the emotional release in the song. When learning the strumming patterns, listen intently to the original track. The 1975 often use syncopated rhythms, meaning the emphasis isn't always on the downbeat. This adds a unique groove and keeps the listener engaged. Try to mimic that feeling. You might use a pick for this section to achieve a sharper attack, or if you're using fingers, focus on a more percussive strum. Experiment with palm muting techniques as well; a slight palm mute can add a controlled aggression to the strumming that perfectly complements the song's dynamics. The chorus is where the song truly opens up, and your guitar playing should reflect that sense of expansion. Don't be afraid to play with a bit more force and conviction here. The goal is to create a wall of sound that supports Matty Healy’s vocals and the overall emotional arc of the track. It’s about finding that sweet spot between clarity and power. Many guitarists find that using a capo can also open up new sonic possibilities, allowing them to play chords they might not be comfortable with in standard tuning, or to achieve different voicings that sound particularly good with the song's melody. However, for "About You," standard tuning usually suffices, and the focus is more on the strumming technique and chord voicings themselves. Remember to keep the tone consistent with the rest of the song, perhaps adding just a touch more gain or volume to make it cut through the mix. The chorus is often the most memorable part of a song, and nailing this section will give you a huge sense of accomplishment. It’s the part that makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, and your guitar should do the same!

Bridge and Outro: Bringing It All Together

The bridge and outro of "About You" offer a chance to showcase your control and musicianship. The guitar tabs for "About You" might introduce some subtle variations or a return to the atmospheric feel of the intro, often with added intensity or a slightly different melodic contour. The bridge typically serves to build tension before the final chorus or outro, and the guitar part will often reflect this. You might see sustained notes, slower arpeggios, or even a more prominent lead line that emphasizes the song's melancholic theme. This is a great opportunity to focus on sustain and tone. Let those notes ring out and decay naturally. Reverb and delay effects can be your best friend here, adding depth and space to your playing. The outro often fades out, sometimes returning to the initial motif or introducing a new, ethereal passage. The key here is to maintain the emotional journey of the song. If the song started with a delicate feel, the outro might bring you back to that, but with a sense of resolution or lingering emotion. For the outro, you might experiment with ambient effects, letting chords wash over each other or creating repeating melodic phrases that echo the main themes. Some versions might even feature a slightly distorted guitar line that adds a gritty edge before fading out. It's all about serving the song's emotional narrative. The goal is to create a sense of conclusion, whether it's a peaceful fade or a more dramatic exit. Pay attention to how the song evolves and try to mirror that evolution in your playing. Don't just play the notes; feel the story the music is telling. The outro is your final statement, so make it count. It's the last impression you leave on the listener, and for "About You," that impression should be one of lingering beauty and heartfelt emotion. Practice these sections slowly, focusing on the transitions between chords and the overall flow. The outro, in particular, can be a great place to improvise slightly, adding your own subtle touches while staying true to the song's character. It’s these final moments that can truly elevate your performance and make the song your own.

Tips for Mastering The 1975's "About You" Guitar

So, you've got the basic structure down, but how do you really make the guitar tabs for "About You" shine? Here are a few pro tips, guys. First off, tone is everything. The 1975 are known for their meticulously crafted sounds. Experiment with your guitar's pickup selector, EQ, and any effects pedals you have. A clean tone with plenty of reverb and a touch of chorus is usually a great starting point for the arpeggiated sections. For the strummed parts, you might want a slightly warmer tone or a hint of overdrive to give it some grit. Secondly, listen, listen, listen. I can't stress this enough. The best way to learn a song is to immerse yourself in it. Listen to the original track on repeat, paying close attention to the guitar parts. Try to pick out the nuances in the strumming, the articulation of the notes, and the overall feel. Slowing down the track with software can be incredibly helpful for dissecting complex parts. Thirdly, practice slowly and deliberately. Don't rush. Accuracy and feel are far more important than speed, especially with a song like "About You." Focus on getting each note clean and in time. Build up speed gradually as you become more comfortable. Fourth, work on your dynamics. This song ebbs and flows. Learn when to play softly and intimately, and when to open up and play with more power. This will bring the emotional core of the song to life. Fifth, don't be afraid to simplify. If a particular passage is too difficult, find a simpler way to play it that still captures the essence of the original. Not every note needs to be played exactly as written; sometimes a slightly altered chord voicing or a simplified rhythm can sound just as good and be more playable. Finally, play with others if you can! Playing along with a drummer or another guitarist can significantly improve your timing and your ability to lock into a groove. Even if it's just playing along to the original recording, the act of playing with the music is crucial. Mastering "About You" is a journey, and these tips should help you along the way. Remember, the goal is not just to play the notes, but to feel the music and convey the emotion that The 1975 so brilliantly captured. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and enjoy the process of bringing this beautiful song to your own guitar. It's all about the journey, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands. So go forth and shred (or, you know, gently strum)!

Conclusion: Your "About You" Guitar Journey Awaits

So there you have it, guys! We’ve navigated through the dreamy arpeggios, the anthemic choruses, and the emotional bridges of "About You" by The 1975. Learning the guitar tabs for "About You" is more than just memorizing notes; it’s about connecting with the heart of the song. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this track offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills in tone, dynamics, and emotional expression. Remember to prioritize feeling over speed, listen intently to the original, and don't shy away from experimenting with your own sound. This song is a testament to the power of simple, evocative guitar melodies, and with a little practice and dedication, you can bring its magic to your own playing. Keep strumming, keep exploring, and most importantly, have fun with it! The world of The 1975’s guitar music is rich and rewarding, and "About You" is a perfect entry point. Happy playing!