Raining Blood by Slayer Chords & Tabs - Philtwain Joandam

Guitar Tabs Analysis

Unique Features of the Tabs

This guitar tabs presents a number of distinctive characteristics that enhance its musicality and technical prowess.

Key Sections

• Measures 5-8: The use of pull-offs (B3PC4) within these measures creates a flowing legato effect that enriches the melodic content. In measure 6, the transition from the 5th fret (A string) to the 7th fret (D string) requires the player to execute a pull-off, showcasing the connection between notes while maintaining fluidity.
• Measure 12: The introduction of harmonics (B3G3Harm) adds a textural layer that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding chords. Playing the 12th fret harmonics on the G string produces a bell-like sound, contributing to the overall ethereal quality of this section.
• Measure 16: The presence of rapid 16th note runs (C___) leads into a crescendo, effectively building energy towards the culminating section of the piece. Here, precise finger placement on the high E and B strings will be essential to delivering a clean articulation of notes.

Performance Difficulty Analysis

Certain segments of the tabs pose notable challenges that require focused attention.

Difficult Passages

• Measures 4-5: The repeated use of sliding (B3SC4) and hammer-ons (B3HC4) necessitates dexterity and accurate finger coordination. Players may find maintaining tone and clarity while transitioning between these techniques to be particularly challenging.
• Measures 10-11: The combination of palm muting (PM) and strumming (D) requires a sensitive touch and precise timing. The transition from muted staccato to full chords demands careful control of dynamics and rhythm.

Suggested Solutions

To address these difficulties:

1. Isolate and Loop: Focus on practicing the challenging measures independently, slowly increasing tempo as familiarity builds.
2. Alternating Technique: When practicing slides and hammer-ons in measures 4-5, alternate between using index and middle fingers to facilitate smoother transitions.

Practice Recommendations

To effectively conquer the performance challenges within the tabs, specific exercises can be employed.

Exercises for Specific Sections

• For Measures 4-5: Start by practicing a slow, metronome-accompanied exercise focusing solely on the sliding and hammer-on techniques. Gradually integrate these into complete measures for fluidity.
• For Measures 10-11: Develop a calisthenic routine that alternates between palm muting and full chord strumming, varying the dynamics. This can build a stronger muscle memory to switch between muted and open sounds seamlessly.

Utilization of the Tabs

• Mastering Techniques: This tabs serves as an excellent vehicle for honing legato playing through its use of pull-offs and slides. Regular practice of these techniques will ultimately lead to more expressive playing.
• Dynamics and Expression: Pay careful attention to dynamic markings throughout the piece as they encourage emotional performance. Try out variations to discover a personal interpretation that still respects the original compositional intentions.

By employing these focused practice methods, guitarists can effectively navigate the complexities of this piece, ultimately enhancing their overall skill set and musical expression.