In response to a question on the Forums, here's one way to convert 6 string tabs into 3 string, tuned to a dyad chord, also called 1-5-1, "power chord" or perfect fifth. (For example, tuned GDG)
Before you start
Figure out the key of the original
Most songs start and finish on the tonic chord so if the first and last chords are E for example then it's safe to say that it's in E. If they don't go with the last chord.
That'll usually do it, if you're still not sure look for other chords in the song. I IV and V chords are common in most songs if you're not sure but think it might be in E, see if there are plenty of A and B chords (count the 4th and 5th up from E, starting again when you get to G)
Find the first note of the riff or melody on the 6 string tab.
Find a 6 string fretboard map online somewhere and get the name of that first note. Count up from your tonic (the name of the key) until you get that note so that you know what number it is. For example if we're in the key of E and the note is B you count up E F G A B and the number is 5
Figure out the rest of the notes on that string
The rest of the notes on that string will have the same relationship to that first one so just count up your frets. For example the first note in the original is on fret 2, the second is on fret 4 and the third on fret 5. Now you've found that the first note is a 5 and on the open position of the middle string, find the second note by adding 2 and the third note by adding another 1.
Repeat and rinse
Do the same thing for every string on the original tab.
IMPORTANT
Do this with simple songs to start with
Satisfaction
6 string TAB
E-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
B-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
G-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
D-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
A-|-2--2----2--4--5----5--5--4--2--2--------------------|
E-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
Your tab looks like this
G-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
D-|-0--0----0--2--3----3--3--2--0--0-------------------|
G-|-----------------------------------------------------------|
Comment
Hi Scruggy the E and A strings have exactly the same relationship (interval) as the middle (5) and top (1) strings so you could play the top line (A) on the top string and the bottom line (E) on the top string.
G--0--2--3--0-2--3--0-2--3--|-------- 0----- --0---- 3--2--|
D--------------------------- |--1--3-----1- 3----- 3
G---------------------------------|--------------------------------
Now go back and see if you can figure out how to get there. This is a tricky one because the key is unclear, the notes are all in C but it doesn't really make sense there. Is it some weird-ass metal modal thing?
E---------------------------|---------------------------|
B-------------------------- -|-------------------------- -|
G-------------------------- -|-------------------------- -|
D--------------------------- |-------------------------- -|
A--0--2--3--0-2--3--0-2--3--|-------- 0----- --0---- 3--2--|
E--------------------------- |--1--3-----1- 3----- 3
what would this be?
think guna need a few read throughs before it sinks in, cheeers! good stuff!
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