Metallica – Nothing Else Matters guitar tab for beginners
Learn the Nothing Else Matters guitar tab with our beginner guide. Master Metallica's classic using easy fingerpicking tips and clear, 2026-ready diagrams!!
magicchords.com
1/17/2026
Master the Nothing Else Matters guitar tab with this 2026 beginner's guide. Learn Metallica’s iconic intro and chords through our easy-to-follow, step-by-step tutorial for newcomers.
Mastering the nothing else matters guitar tab is a rite of passage for every aspiring guitarist. As we move into 2026, Metallica’s 1991 masterpiece remains the gold standard for learning fingerstyle technique and emotional dynamics. For beginners, the beauty of this song lies in its accessibility; the iconic opening is played entirely on open strings, meaning you can produce a legendary sound without even pressing down a single fret.
Nothing Else Matters guitar tab: chords to play
Guitar chords: Em, Am, D, C, G, B7 and A
Chords in original key: Em, Am, D, C, G, B7 and A
Capo: no capo
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the nothing else matters guitar tab into manageable sections designed specifically for those just starting their musical journey. We focus on the E-minor arpeggio that forms the soul of the track, providing clear diagrams and rhythmic cues to ensure your timing is perfect. Whether you are using a steel-string acoustic guitar or an electric with a clean setting, our 2026 updated tutorial ensures you grasp the subtle nuances of James Hetfield’s technique.
Beyond the intro, we explore the verse transitions and the powerful chorus chords. Understanding the nothing else matters guitar tab involves more than just hitting the right notes; it’s about mastering the 6/8 time signature that gives the song its waltz-like, melancholic feel. Our step-by-step breakdown eliminates the frustration of complex fingerings, offering simplified alternatives for the trickier bar chords found later in the song.
By practicing this nothing else matters guitar tab, you will build essential finger independence and calluses that will serve you throughout your guitar-playing career. We’ve optimized this lesson with slow-motion video references and interactive tabs to help you visualize every movement. Grab your guitar, find a quiet space, and let’s start learning one of the most recognizable rock anthems of all time. Your journey to becoming a confident player starts with these six strings.
Useful advices for beginner guitar players 1: Learning to play the guitar can be both exciting and challenging. Many beginners start by searching for popular songs, like the nothing else matters guitar tab, to practice their skills. However, it’s common to experience a finger sore from guitar playing after long sessions, especially when pressing down on the strings repeatedly. This discomfort often signals that your fingers are building strength and calluses, which is essential for smoother playing over time. Despite the initial soreness, perseverance leads to improvement, and soon you’ll be able to play your favorite tunes effortlessly. Keep practicing and enjoy the journey!
Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters is one of the most recognizable guitar songs ever written, blending emotion, simplicity, and powerful songwriting. While the original version features fingerpicking and expressive lead parts, beginners can absolutely learn this song using chord-based arrangements that still capture its spirit. Working through the Nothing else matters guitar tab helps new players develop timing, dynamics, and confidence while playing a real, meaningful song. This guide explores the chords used, how to play them smoothly, beginner tips, strumming ideas, and how to bring everything together musically.
Nothing Else Matters guitar tab: chords
The foundation of the nothing else matters guitar tab lies in a small group of open chords that are ideal for beginners. The song centers around E minor, a chord that instantly sets the emotional tone and is one of the easiest shapes to play. Because it requires only two fingers, E minor allows beginners to focus more on rhythm and expression rather than hand strain.
A minor appears next and adds depth to the progression. It helps players practice clean finger placement while maintaining a darker, reflective sound. Alongside A minor chord, chords like D major, C, G, and A are classic open chords found in countless songs. Learning these shapes strengthens your overall chord vocabulary and prepares you for many other pieces beyond this song.
The B7 chord is often the most challenging for beginners. It requires more finger coordination and accuracy, but it’s worth learning. B7 introduces tension and resolution, an important musical concept. Taking time to practice B7 slowly will greatly improve finger independence and control.
When working through the Nothing else matters guitar tab, focus on letting each chord ring clearly. Avoid rushing changes, and listen closely to how each chord contributes to the emotional flow of the song.
How to play Nothing Else Matters guitar tab with chords
To play the nothing else matters guitar tab with chords, start by understanding the structure of the song. While the intro is famous for fingerpicking, many beginner-friendly versions simplify sections using chords so new players can focus on rhythm and transitions. Begin with E minor and allow it to ring fully before moving on.
Smooth chord changes are essential for this song. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and avoid lifting fingers too far off the strings. Small, controlled movements lead to cleaner transitions and less tension. Practice moving between Em and Am slowly, then add other chords once you feel comfortable.
Dynamics play a huge role in how this song sounds. Strum softly during verses and slightly stronger during choruses to reflect the emotional build. Playing everything at the same volume can make the song feel flat, even if the chords are correct. Breaking the song into sections helps tremendously. Practice each part separately before attempting the full progression. This approach reduces frustration and builds confidence. As you become more comfortable, you’ll notice the Nothing else matters guitar tab feels more natural and expressive.
Nothing Else Matters guitar tab: Tips for beginners
One of the most important tips for beginners learning Nothing Else Matters is patience. This song rewards slow, deliberate practice far more than speed. Start at a comfortable tempo and gradually build consistency before worrying about playing along with the original track. Finger soreness is common when learning new chords, especially ones like B7. Take breaks when needed and practice in short, focused sessions. Consistency is more effective than long, exhausting practice routines.
Use a metronome set to a slow tempo to help develop timing. Even gentle strumming needs steady rhythm to sound musical. Playing slightly out of time can take away from the emotional impact of the nothing else matters guitar tab.
Another useful tip is to practice chord transitions on their own. Loop two chords repeatedly until the movement feels smooth. Choose the C major and the A major chord for example. This targeted practice makes full-song playthroughs much easier and more enjoyable. Finally, make sure your guitar is comfortable to play. A proper setup with reasonable string height can make a huge difference, especially for beginners.
Strumming pattern: Nothing else matters guitar tab
The strumming approach for Nothing Else Matters should remain soft and controlled. Many beginners start with simple downstrokes, which work well for slower sections and help maintain consistency. As you gain confidence, you can introduce a basic down-down-up pattern to add motion and texture. The most important aspect of strumming in the Nothing else matters guitar tab is feel. Keep your wrist relaxed and your movements small. Tension in your strumming hand can make the rhythm sound stiff and uneven.
Let the chords ring naturally and avoid muting the strings unless it’s intentional. Listen to how long each chord sustains and try to match that feel. This song benefits from space and resonance rather than constant motion. Pay attention to where the song builds emotionally and adjust your strumming intensity accordingly. Subtle changes in volume often make a bigger impact than complex patterns.
Conclusion: Nothing Else Matters guitar tab by Metallica
Nothing Else Matters is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists who want to play something meaningful while developing solid fundamentals. The approachable chords, slow tempo, and emotional depth make the nothing else matters guitar tab both challenging and rewarding in the best way.
By focusing on clean chord shapes, smooth transitions, relaxed strumming, and thoughtful dynamics, beginners can play a convincing version of this classic without feeling overwhelmed. The skills you build here—timing, control, and expression—will carry over into countless other songs. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t rush progress. With consistent practice, Nothing Else Matters becomes more than just a song you learn—it becomes a milestone in your guitar journey
Useful advices for beginner guitar players 2: Learning music theory helps guitarists understand how songs are built and why certain sounds feel emotional. Practice routines often include scales, rhythm exercises, and chord transitions to build confidence. In the middle of many progressions, the D minor chord appears, adding a sense of tension and mood to simple arrangements. Beginners may struggle at first, but repetition improves finger placement and timing. Over time, players notice smoother changes, cleaner tone, and better control. Consistent practice, patience, and curiosity allow musicians to grow creatively and technically, turning basic lessons into expressive performances they can confidently share with others around the world.