Vance Joy - Riptide Guitar Tab
"Riptide" is a popular indie folk-pop song by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy, released in 2013 as part of his debut EP God Loves You When You're Dancing and later included in his debut album Dream Your Life Away (2014).
The song became a breakout hit, earning international acclaim for its quirky lyrics, catchy melody, and ukulele-driven sound.
It's often considered Vance Joy's signature song and helped launch his global music career.
Lyrically, "Riptide" is a mix of surreal imagery and fragmented storytelling.
It combines romantic longing with whimsical and dark metaphors, including references to dentists, Michelle Pfeiffer, and horror movies.
The chorus—"I was scared of dentists and the dark…"—sets a tone of vulnerability and youthful confusion.
Despite its upbeat and breezy sound, the song explores themes of fear, hesitation, and the unpredictability of relationships, all delivered in a charming and poetic way.
Musically, "Riptide" stands out for its use of the ukulele, simple chord progressions, and Joy's earnest vocal delivery.
Its unconventional structure and relatable lyrics contributed to its massive success on streaming platforms and radio.
The song was certified multi-platinum in several countries and is often used in films, TV shows, and ads.
"Riptide" remains a modern indie anthem that blends intimacy with a sing-along quality that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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How to Read a Guitar Tab
In music, a tablature is a symbolic form of musical notation adapted to a specific instrument, intended to be read and performed more easily than a traditional musical score.
To put it simply, a tablature represents the guitar neck and indicates which notes to play and when.
In guitar tabs, the lines represent the six strings of the guitar, and the numbers on the lines indicate which frets to press with your fingers.
Why Learn to Read Guitar Tablature?
Tablatures are especially useful for learning the guitar without needing to understand traditional music theory.
Additionally, almost all modern songs are transcribed into guitar tablature. If you want to learn your favorite songs, knowing how to read guitar tabs is essential.
The Basic Principles of Reading Tablature
- A tablature always represents the lower notes at the bottom.
- It is important to know the names of the strings (E, A, D, G, B, E).
- Numbers indicate which fret to place your finger on.
- A "0" means an open string, which is played without pressing on any fret.
- Tabs are read from left to right.
