Heaven Shall Burn: Voice Of The Voiceless - Guitar Tab & Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 66 views

Hey metalheads! Ready to dive into the crushing sounds of Heaven Shall Burn? Today, we're breaking down the epic track "Voice of the Voiceless." This song is a staple for any metalcore enthusiast, packed with intense riffs, soaring melodies, and that signature HSB energy. We'll explore the guitar tab, learn some essential techniques, and make sure you can play this banger like a pro. Get your guitars ready, because we're about to unleash some sonic fury!

Understanding the Basics: Gear and Tuning

Before we jump into the tab, let's talk about the essentials. First off, what kind of gear do you need? For "Voice of the Voiceless," you'll want a guitar with humbucker pickups for that thick, powerful tone. A solid-state or tube amp with high gain capabilities is also crucial. Think about those tight, aggressive sounds you hear in the song. A distortion pedal can help, too, especially if your amp doesn't have enough natural gain. Effects like a noise gate and a delay can add to the overall atmosphere, but they are not essential to playing the song.

Now, onto tuning. Heaven Shall Burn, like many modern metal bands, often tunes down to achieve that heavy, guttural sound. "Voice of the Voiceless" is played in Drop B tuning:

  • Low to High: B-F#-B-E-G#-C#

This tuning gives you a lower register, making those power chords and chugs sound monstrous. Make sure your guitar is set up to handle the lower tension of the strings in Drop B; otherwise, you may face intonation issues. Also, you may need thicker gauge strings to prevent your strings from becoming too loose.

The Importance of Proper Setup

Before you start, make sure your guitar is set up correctly. This includes adjusting the action (the height of the strings off the fretboard), intonation, and truss rod. A guitar that isn't set up well will be harder to play, sound out of tune, and can even damage your fretting hand. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, take your guitar to a local guitar tech. This small investment can make a huge difference in your playing experience.

Essential Practice Tips

  • Warm-up: Always warm up before playing. Start with simple scales, arpeggios, and exercises to get your fingers moving. This reduces the risk of injury and helps improve your overall technique.
  • Slow Down: Don't rush! Play the song slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean picking. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
  • Metronome: A metronome is your best friend. Use it to keep your timing consistent and develop your internal sense of rhythm.
  • Listen Critically: Listen to the original recording of "Voice of the Voiceless" multiple times to get a feel for the song's rhythm, phrasing, and dynamics.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Even short, focused practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, long ones. Aim to practice at least 30 minutes a day, if possible.

Breaking Down the Guitar Tab: Riffs and Sections

Now, let's get into the meat of the matter: the guitar tab! We'll break down the main riffs and sections of "Voice of the Voiceless" step by step. I'll provide you with a simplified tab version to help you get started.

Verse Riff 1

This riff sets the tone for the verse with a series of palm-muted power chords and a few well-placed single notes. It is crucial to have the timing right in the rhythm guitar.

B|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
F#|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
G#|---4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4---5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5---------------|
C#|---2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3---------------|

Chorus Riff

The chorus is where the song explodes with energy, and this tab reflects that.

B|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
F#|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---------------|
E|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---------------|
G#|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---------------|
C#|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---------------|

Bridge Breakdown

The bridge is another essential section and where the song may get a bit more complex. Always listen to the song to ensure your part is properly played.

B|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
F#|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---------------|
E|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---------------|
G#|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---------------|
C#|---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---------------|

Practice Strategies for Each Section

  • Verse: Focus on the palm-muted chugs. Make sure your picking is precise and consistent. Experiment with different picking patterns to find what works best for you. Practice going between the power chords and single notes cleanly.
  • Chorus: Strum the chords with aggression and emphasis. Pay attention to the transitions between the power chords. Feel the energy of the chorus, and channel it through your playing.
  • Bridge: This section may involve more complex rhythms and riffs. Break it down into smaller parts. Isolate any tricky sections and practice them slowly. Pay close attention to the timing, and make sure each note is clear.

Techniques and Tips for Mastering the Song

Let's get into some techniques that will help you nail "Voice of the Voiceless."

Palm Muting Mastery

Palm muting is a critical technique in metal, and it's essential for this song. Place the side of your picking hand near the bridge of your guitar, lightly muting the strings. This creates a short, percussive sound. Experiment with the amount of pressure you apply to the strings to control the amount of muting. Practicing palm muting along with a metronome will help you develop your technique. Make sure to apply it in the correct parts as described by the tab.

Power Chord Precision

Power chords are the backbone of many metal riffs. Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly on the fretboard and that you are cleanly fretting each note. Practice moving between power chords smoothly and quickly. Strive for a consistent sound with each chord, and ensure that all the notes are clear and audible. The proper finger positioning is crucial to achieve the best sound.

Alternate Picking Proficiency

Alternate picking involves using downstrokes and upstrokes to play the notes. This technique will help you play the riffs in "Voice of the Voiceless" faster and more accurately. Focus on keeping a consistent motion with your picking hand, and ensure that each note is played with equal emphasis. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo. It may take some time to be perfectly accurate in this skill.

Other Important Techniques

  • Synchronization: Pay attention to the synchronization between your picking hand and your fretting hand. They must work together in a smooth, coordinated motion. Practice slowly, focusing on getting the timing right.
  • Rhythm: Rhythm is critical in metal music. Focus on keeping a steady beat, and listen closely to the rhythm section in the original recording. Use a metronome to improve your rhythm and timing.
  • Dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics of the song. Notice the changes in volume and intensity. Try to replicate these changes in your playing.

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you have the basics down, you can explore some advanced techniques to add some flair to your playing. These will help you elevate your performance to the next level.

Adding Vibrato

Vibrato can add expression and emotion to your playing. Use a vibrato on sustained notes to make them sound more alive. Experiment with different types of vibrato, such as finger vibrato and wrist vibrato.

Sweep Picking and String Skipping

Sweep picking and string skipping are advanced techniques that you can use to play complex riffs and solos. These techniques are commonly used in metal music to create fast, fluid passages. Learn the basics of these techniques and then apply them to the song.

Understanding Song Structure

Understanding the structure of "Voice of the Voiceless" can help you learn and play the song. The song typically follows a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure. Knowing the song structure will help you follow the tab and play along with the song.

Practice Routine for Optimal Results

To make the most of your practice time, follow this routine:

  1. Warm-up: Start with 5-10 minutes of warm-up exercises, such as scales, arpeggios, and finger exercises. This helps prepare your fingers for playing.
  2. Section Breakdown: Break the song down into sections (verse, chorus, bridge). Focus on one section at a time.
  3. Slow Practice: Play the section slowly, focusing on accuracy and technique. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
  4. Gradual Increase: Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the section. Don't rush; it may take time.
  5. Full Song: Once you've practiced each section, try playing the full song from start to finish. Focus on transitions and flow.
  6. Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas for improvement. Listen to the recording and make notes of what you need to work on.
  7. Regular Practice: Practice regularly, ideally every day or at least several times a week. Consistency is key to improving your skills.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Metal God

And there you have it, metalheads! You've got the tab, the techniques, and the knowledge to conquer "Voice of the Voiceless." Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep at it, and you'll be shredding this song in no time. If you got any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

So crank up the volume, grab your axe, and let's make some noise! Keep rocking, and never give up on your passion for metal. If you want more lessons and tabs, let me know. Happy playing, and may your riffs be heavy! And don't forget to headbang along the way!