The song generally follows this structure. Learning it in sections is the key to mastering it.
A. The Intro Riff (Melodic Arpeggios)
B. The Verse / Rhythm Section
C. The Fast Solo / Shred Section
If you can't find a high-quality free tab for "85," consider this a gift. Andy James himself learned guitar by transcribing players like Paul Gilbert and Marty Friedman. Using software like Transcribe! or Audacity (free), you can:
Writing your own tab for "85" is the ultimate guitar exercise. Once you do it, you will never need to search for "andy james 85 guitar tab free" again—because you will own the song.
Andy James is an economy picker. If you try to play the descending runs with strict alternate picking (Down-Up-Down-Up), you will fail.
Learning tracks by independent duos like Andy & James is excellent for intermediate players. It forces you to listen to the interplay between two guitars—often one playing high-register melody lines while the other holds down the rhythmic foundation.
So grab your acoustic, search those user-submitted tabs, and add "85" to your repertoire today!
Note: Always support the original artists if you enjoy their music by streaming their tracks on Spotify or Apple Music.
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. andy+james+85+guitar+tab+free
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.
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" The song generally follows this structure
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!
is a high-energy shred instrumental by British guitarist Andy James , released on his 2018 album
. The song serves as a masterclass in modern metal guitar techniques, blending high-speed technicality with melodic synthwave-inspired themes. Song Overview and Structure (2018), released via Urban Yeti Records.
While Andy James often uses standard tuning, many of his technical pieces utilize
or lower tunings to provide a more powerful bass response for rhythmic sections. loop difficult sections
Modern shred/melodic metal characterized by fluid, wide-interval licks and "impossible" to transcribe speeds. Key Technical Components
To master the guitar tabs for "'85," a player must navigate several advanced techniques central to James's playing style: Guitar Lesson: Andy James - One sequence, three licks
It is not possible to write a meaningful academic or informative essay solely about the search query “andy+james+85+guitar+tab+free”. This string of text is a specific, low-volume search term likely used by a guitarist looking for a free tablature transcription of a song by an artist named Andy James, potentially related to a demo or track from 1985 (though Andy James was not active in 1985, suggesting a possible misattribution or a different artist).
However, I can write a short essay on the broader topic that this search query represents: the culture of seeking free guitar tablature online, the ethical and legal debates surrounding it, and the role of artists like Andy James (a modern virtuoso) in this ecosystem.
Below is an essay on that relevant subject.
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:
While specific copy-paste text tabs are often inaccurate for this level of music, here is how to get the best free resources:
Most free tabs look like a wall of numbers. Players rush to play "fast."