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Master the Shred: Andy James "85" Guitar Tab Guide If you are looking for an Andy James 85 guitar tab free, you likely already know that this track is a masterclass in modern shred guitar. Released as a standout single, "85" showcases Andy James’ signature blend of incredible speed, melodic phrasing, and "mechanical" precision.
Whether you are a seasoned shredder or an intermediate player looking to level up your technique, "85" provides a perfect workout for your alternate picking and legato. Why "85" is a Must-Learn for Guitarists
Andy James is widely considered one of the most technically proficient guitarists in the world. "85" is a high-octane instrumental that distills his style into a few minutes of pure fire. Key techniques found in the song:
High-Speed Alternate Picking: Rapid-fire 16th and 32nd note runs.
Fluid Legato: Seamless transitions between notes for a "liquid" sound.
Aggressive Vibrato: Wide, controlled pitch bends that give the melody its "voice."
String Skipping: Challenging interval jumps that test your pick-hand accuracy. Finding the Best Andy James 85 Guitar Tab Free
While official transcriptions are available through Andy’s own platforms, many hobbyists look for community-driven tabs to get started. When searching for a free version, keep an eye out for these formats:
Guitar Pro Files (.gp or .gpx): These are the gold standard. They allow you to slow the tempo down, loop difficult sections, and hear the MIDI playback to ensure you’re hitting the right notes. andy+james+85+guitar+tab+free
PDF/Text Tabs: Great for a quick glance at the fretboard positions, though they lack the rhythmic playback of interactive software.
YouTube Tutorials: Many creators offer a "free tab" link in their descriptions or provide on-screen tabs that you can follow along with in real-time. Tips for Learning "85"
Don't try to play this track at full speed immediately. Even for advanced players, the nuances of Andy's attack are difficult to replicate.
Section by Section: Break the song down into the main riff, the melodic bridge, and the solo.
Use a Metronome: Start at 60% speed. "85" relies heavily on rhythmic "tightness." If you're sloppy at a slow speed, it will fall apart at 100%.
Focus on the Pick Slant: To achieve Andy’s speed, pay attention to your picking angle. Slight downward or upward slanting can help you clear strings more efficiently during those fast runs. Conclusion
Learning an Andy James 85 guitar tab is a journey that will undoubtedly improve your dexterity and stamina. While "free" tabs are a great starting point for many, remember that supporting the artist by purchasing official tab books often gets you the most accurate, note-for-note transcriptions directly from the source.
Grab your guitar, fire up the metronome, and get ready to shred! Master the Shred: Andy James "85" Guitar Tab
Since we are focusing on the "free tab" search, I will provide a text-based transcription of the opening 4 bars. Note: This is a representation. Use this to verify the tabs you find online.
Tuning: Drop C (C G C F A D) Tempo: ~140bpm
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
|-------0-----0-----0-----0---|-------0-----0-----0-----3---|
|-0-3-5---3-5---3-5---3-5-----|-0-3-5---3-5---3-5---3-5-----|
PM--| PM--| PM--| PM--| PM--| PM--| PM--| PM--|
Legend: PM = Palm Mute. Numbers = Fret.
Execution Tips:
One major issue with free tabs is that they often lack rhythm notation. You get the frets, but not the timing. To solve this, import a free Guitar Pro file (even the trial version of Guitar Pro 8 allows viewing) into:
Load the "85" tab and slow the playback to 50%. Andy James plays with robotic precision; if you try to play the tab at full speed immediately, you will build bad habits.
Ultimate Guitar (UG) is the 800-pound gorilla of tabs. While they sell an "Official" tab for Andy James tracks (usually $5/month for the app), users often upload Pro Tabs or Text tabs that are free.
The first line of any good tab will say "Tuning: C G C F A D" (Drop C). If it says E Standard, close it immediately—it is wrong. How to Play the Intro Riff (Step by
While we can't print the full copyrighted tab here, the song generally follows a comforting progression typical of the genre. If you are jamming along, try starting with:
Intro/Verse Skeleton:
- G Major – D Major – Em7 – Cadd9
Tip: Pay attention to the high E string when strumming the Cadd9 to capture that shimmering quality heard in the original recording.
If you try to learn the song without these techniques, you will hit a wall.
1. Sweep Picking
2. Hybrid Picking
3. Tapping