Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn to play that iconic instrumental piece, "Always With Me, Always With You"? You know, the one that just screams guitar virtuoso? Well, you've come to the right place! This article is going to be your ultimate guide (see what I did there? 😉) to finding accurate tabs and mastering this Joe Satriani classic. We'll break down everything you need to know, from where to find the best tabs to some tips and tricks for nailing those tricky licks. So, grab your guitar, and let's dive in!

Finding the Right Tabs: A Quest for Accuracy

Okay, let's be real. The internet is overflowing with guitar tabs, but not all tabs are created equal. Some are downright awful, riddled with errors that will leave you scratching your head and potentially learning the song wrong. And nobody wants that, right? Especially with a complex piece like "Always With Me, Always With You," accuracy is key. You really need to focus on sources that are known for their reliability and attention to detail. Think of it like this: you wouldn't want to follow a treasure map drawn by a toddler, would you? You'd want one from a seasoned explorer, one that's been tested and proven.

So, where do we find these trusty treasure maps, I mean, guitar tabs? Here are a few gold standards in the online tab world:

• Ultimate-Guitar.com: This is like the giant mega-mall of guitar tabs. Seriously, they have everything. But the beauty of Ultimate-Guitar is their rating system. You can see how many stars a tab has and how many people have rated it. This is super helpful because you can quickly weed out the duds and focus on the tabs that the guitar community has vouched for. Look for tabs with lots of ratings and a high star count (4 stars or higher is a good benchmark).
• Songsterr: Songsterr is cool because it offers interactive tabs. What does that mean? Well, you can actually play the tab along with the music! It scrolls along in real-time, so you can see exactly what's being played. This is an amazing tool for learning the timing and feel of a song, especially one with as much nuance as "Always With Me, Always With You." Plus, you can slow the tempo down to practice those faster sections. Game-changer, right?
• Guitar Pro Tabs: Guitar Pro is a software, and tabs created for it are often incredibly detailed and accurate. They're usually created by serious guitarists who are dedicated to getting things right. The downside is that you'll need the Guitar Pro software to open these files (there's usually a free trial available). But if you're serious about learning, it's an investment worth considering. Think of it as upgrading from a regular map to a topographical one – you're getting a whole new level of detail.

Now, even with these resources, it's always a good idea to use your ears! Listen closely to the original recording and compare it to the tab. Does it sound right? If something seems off, it probably is. Trust your musical instincts, guys! Your ears are your best friends when it comes to learning guitar.

Breaking Down the Song: Key Sections and Techniques

Alright, you've got your tabs. Awesome! But "Always With Me, Always With You" isn't exactly a beginner-friendly tune. It's got some serious shredding, some beautiful melodies, and some tricky chord changes. So, let's break it down into manageable chunks. We'll talk about the key sections of the song and some of the techniques you'll need to master to play it convincingly. Consider this your roadmap to shredding glory!

The song can be broadly divided into these sections:

1. The Intro: That iconic, soaring melody. It's deceptively simple but requires a delicate touch and precise vibrato. This section really sets the mood, so you want to nail the feeling.
2. The Main Theme: This is the part everyone recognizes! It's a catchy, melodic riff that's both powerful and emotive. This is where you'll really lock in the main feel of the song.
3. The Verses: These sections feature more chordal playing and some intricate lead lines. They provide a nice contrast to the intensity of the main theme.
4. The Bridge: This is where things get interesting! The bridge introduces some new harmonic ideas and builds the tension towards the solo.
5. The Solo: The solo. The one everyone's waiting for. It's a masterpiece of melodic shredding, filled with fast runs, sweep picking, and soaring bends. This is the Mount Everest of the song – the ultimate challenge.
6. Outro: A reprise of the main theme, bringing the song to a satisfying conclusion.

Now, let's talk techniques. To really do "Always With Me, Always With You" justice, you'll need to have these under your fingers:

• Legato: This is all about smooth, flowing lines. Think of it as making the notes glide together seamlessly. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are your friends here. Satriani is a master of legato, so this is crucial to capturing his style.
• Vibrato: Oh, vibrato. The soul of the guitar. It's that slight wavering in pitch that adds emotion and sustain to your notes. There are different types of vibrato (finger vibrato, whammy bar vibrato), and you'll likely use both in this song. Practice your vibrato until it becomes second nature – it's like your guitar's voice!
• Alternate Picking: This is the foundation of fast picking. It's simply picking every note, alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. It might seem basic, but mastering alternate picking is essential for speed and accuracy. Think of it as training your picking hand to be a finely tuned machine.
• Sweep Picking: Now we're talking! Sweep picking is a technique where you pick through multiple strings in a single, fluid motion. It's what gives those fast, arpeggiated runs their characteristic sound. This takes practice, but the payoff is huge. It's like unlocking a cheat code for shredding!
• Bends: Bending notes is a fundamental guitar technique, and Satriani uses them extensively. You'll need to develop the strength and control to bend notes accurately and in tune. Practice bending to specific intervals (whole steps, half steps) until you can hit them consistently. Think of bending as your way of making the guitar cry.

Don't be intimidated by this list! It's a journey, not a race. Start with the basics, focus on clean technique, and gradually build up your speed. And most importantly, have fun! Learning guitar should be enjoyable, even when it's challenging.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Song

Okay, so you've got your tabs, you've identified the key sections, and you're working on the necessary techniques. Now, let's talk about some specific tips and tricks that will help you conquer "Always With Me, Always With You." These are the little things that can make a big difference in your playing.

1. Start Slow: This is the golden rule of learning any challenging piece. Don't try to play it at full speed right away. You'll just end up making mistakes and developing bad habits. Start at a tempo where you can play everything cleanly and accurately. Use a metronome! It's your best friend for developing good timing. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
2. Practice in Sections: Don't try to learn the whole song at once. Break it down into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on mastering one section before moving on to the next. This is much more efficient than trying to learn everything at once and feeling overwhelmed. It's like building a house – you need to lay the foundation before you can put up the walls.
3. Isolate Difficult Passages: Identify the sections that give you the most trouble and work on them separately. Slow them down even further, and repeat them until you can play them flawlessly. This targeted practice is key to overcoming technical challenges. Think of it as focusing your energy on the weakest link in the chain.
4. Use a Metronome (Seriously!): I know I already mentioned it, but it's worth repeating. A metronome is essential for developing solid timing and rhythm. It will expose any inconsistencies in your playing and help you develop a more consistent groove. There are plenty of metronome apps available for your phone or tablet, so there's no excuse not to use one!
5. Record Yourself: This is a great way to identify areas for improvement. When you're playing, it's easy to miss mistakes. But when you listen back to a recording, they become much more apparent. Be honest with yourself, and use the recording as a tool for self-assessment. It's like having a coach who can give you objective feedback.
6. Visualize: Before you even pick up your guitar, try visualizing yourself playing the song perfectly. Imagine your fingers moving smoothly and effortlessly across the fretboard. This mental rehearsal can actually improve your physical performance. It's like training your brain to play the song before your hands even touch the guitar.
7. Listen Actively: Don't just listen to the song passively. Listen actively, paying attention to the nuances of Satriani's playing. How does he phrase the melodies? What techniques does he use? Try to internalize the feel of the song. It's like learning a language – you need to immerse yourself in it to become fluent.
8. Take Breaks: Practicing for hours on end can lead to fatigue and frustration. It's important to take regular breaks to rest your hands and your mind. Short, focused practice sessions are often more effective than long, drawn-out ones. Think of it as recharging your batteries so you can come back fresh and focused.
9. Don't Give Up! Learning "Always With Me, Always With You" is a challenging but rewarding experience. There will be times when you feel like you're not making progress. Don't get discouraged! Keep practicing, and you will eventually get there. Remember, even the greatest guitarists started somewhere. It's like climbing a mountain – it's tough, but the view from the top is worth it.

Conclusion: The Journey to Guitar Mastery

So there you have it, guys! Your comprehensive guide to finding tabs and mastering Joe Satriani's "Always With Me, Always With You." It's a challenging piece, no doubt, but with the right resources, a focused approach, and a whole lot of practice, you can absolutely nail it. Remember to prioritize accuracy, break the song down into manageable sections, and don't be afraid to slow things down. Use the tips and tricks we've discussed, and most importantly, have fun along the way. Learning guitar is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of improvement, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be inspiring other guitarists with your rendition of this iconic instrumental masterpiece. Now go grab your guitar and start shredding!