Looking for icky thump guitar tabs? Let's figure it out!

If you’re eager to dive into the electrifying riffs of ‘Icky Thump’ by The White Stripes, you’ve come to the right place! This song is iconic and offers a killer opportunity to sharpen those guitar skills. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to get started, including where to find tabs and some helpful tips for practicing.

Finding the Right Tabs

First things first: sourcing quality guitar tabs is key. While there are tons of options online, not all tabs are created equal. Here are a few places you could check out:

  • Ultimate Guitar - A go-to resource for many guitarists. Make sure to read the ratings and comments on tabs to find the most accurate versions.
  • YouTube - Search for tutorials that walk you through the song. Often, teachers will show you how to position your fingers and provide that visual guidance.
  • Guitar Pro - If you have the software, look for Guitar Pro tabs for ‘Icky Thump’. They often provide a detailed breakdown of the song, including tempo and techniques.

Tips for Playing ‘Icky Thump’

Once you have the tabs, here are some tips to help you play:

  1. Start Slow - It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the tempo and complexity. Begin by playing at a slower pace to nail down each note and transition.
  2. Focus on Techniques - ‘Icky Thump’ has some cool techniques, including slides and palm muting. Spend some time practicing these individually before incorporating them into the full song.
  3. Loop Difficult Sections - If there’s a specific part that’s tricky, loop it using a metronome or a music app. Repetition helps cement those challenging parts into memory.
  4. Play Along - After you feel comfortable, try playing along with the song. This will help you develop your timing and rhythm.

Encouragement

Remember, every guitarist struggles with learning new songs, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t click right away. Keep practicing and you’ll get there! Feel free to drop any additional tips or resources you’ve found useful below. Let’s help each other nail this song!

Happy strumming!

Hey everyone! I love the riffs in ‘Icky Thump.’ I think we should break down each one to see how to get that signature sound. I’ve been practicing the intro riff, and the trick is in quickly muting the strings. Let’s get this tutorial going!

Absolutely agree! The intro is such a beast. I find that using a fuzz pedal really nails that tone. What settings are you using?

I’m more of a visual learner. Do any of you know of video tutorials? That would help immensely!

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There’s a great YouTube channel that does breakdowns of iconic songs. I think they have one for ‘Icky Thump.’ I’ll find the link and post it here!

Awesome! I’ll definitely check that out. Meanwhile, can someone explain the right finger positioning for the chorus riff?

For the chorus riff, you can use your index finger to bar the fret and then use your ring finger to hit the higher notes. It’s all about keeping your fingers light!

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Does anyone else find that getting the dynamics right is tricky? Sometimes it feels like I’m either too loud or too soft!

You’re not alone! I often practice with a metronome to help keep those dynamics steady. It can really make a difference!

I’ve tried different amps too. Using a tube amp definitely helps with that warm tone! Anyone have suggestions for pedals?

A good overdrive pedal paired with a fuzz might give a fuller sound. Don’t forget to experiment with the placement in your signal chain!

I still can’t play it without a few mistakes, though. Sometimes I get lost in the transitions. Any tips for smoother changes?

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I totally understand! Slow practice really helps, and gradually speeding up can make those transitions easier over time.

I love how this song has such an infectious energy! It’s fun to play once you get the hang of it. Who else feels pumped just thinking about it?

Exactly! Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at jam sessions. Then everyone gets excited!

By the way, does anyone think the tuning matters a lot? I’ve been playing in standard tuning, but I’ve read mixed opinions.

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Has anyone experimented with using a G&L ASAT for that twangy sound in ‘Icky Thump’? It’s got some serious bite.

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I recently tried with a Telecaster and it nails that crisp sound. Definitely worth a shot!

To replicate that raw tone, I suggest using a Big Muff pedal. It’s great for getting a heavy, distorted sound.

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Good call! I was using a DS-1 and it’s nice, but the Big Muff really takes it to the next level.