Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome and intense world of System of a Down? Today, we're breaking down the guitar tab for their mind-blowing track, "Mind." Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this guide will help you nail those iconic riffs and impress your friends with your newfound SOAD skills. Let's get started!

Introduction to "Mind"

"Mind" is a quintessential System of a Down song, known for its dynamic shifts, unpredictable rhythms, and overall chaotic energy. Released as part of their self-titled debut album in 1998, it quickly became a fan favorite. The song's lyrics touch on themes of social commentary and political unrest, delivered with Serj Tankian's signature vocal style. But what truly makes "Mind" stand out is its distinctive guitar work, courtesy of Daron Malakian. The song is characterized by its heavy, distorted riffs and unconventional chord progressions that create a sense of unease and tension, perfectly complementing the song's lyrical content. The way Malakian uses syncopation and abrupt changes in rhythm adds to the song's chaotic feel, making it both challenging and rewarding to play. Learning to play "Mind" is not just about mastering the notes; it's about capturing the raw energy and emotion that System of a Down is known for. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the sonic landscape of "Mind".

Tuning and Equipment

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the tab, let's talk about tuning and equipment. System of a Down typically uses Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D). This lower tuning gives their sound that heavy, guttural quality. Make sure your guitar is properly tuned before you start, as playing in the wrong tuning will throw everything off. As for equipment, Daron Malakian is known for using Ibanez guitars and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers. However, you don't need the exact same gear to get a similar sound. A guitar with humbucker pickups and a high-gain amplifier or distortion pedal will do the trick. Experiment with different settings to find a tone that you like. Remember, the goal is not to replicate Malakian's sound exactly, but to capture the essence of it. A good starting point is to dial in a tone with plenty of distortion and a slightly scooped midrange. This will give you that aggressive, biting sound that is characteristic of System of a Down's music. Don't be afraid to tweak the EQ settings on your amp or pedal to fine-tune your tone. And most importantly, have fun and make the sound your own.

Breaking Down the Main Riff

The main riff of "Mind" is what grabs your attention right from the start. It's heavy, it's catchy, and it's what makes the song instantly recognizable. This riff is built around power chords and a distinctive rhythm that's both simple and complex at the same time. Let's break it down bit by bit.

The main riff primarily uses power chords on the lower strings in Drop C tuning. A power chord consists of the root note, the fifth, and often the octave. In Drop C, this makes it easier to play power chords with one finger across the bottom three strings.

Tab for the Main Riff:

D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
F|------------------------------------------------|
C|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|
G|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|
C|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|

This tab represents the first part of the main riff. The 0s represent the open C string, 3 represents the 3rd fret, and 5 represents the 5th fret. Play this riff with a down-picking motion to get that aggressive SOAD sound. Focus on keeping the rhythm tight and consistent. Pay attention to the pauses and accents, as they are crucial to the feel of the riff. Practice this section slowly at first, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable with the fingerings and rhythm. Remember to use a good amount of distortion to get that heavy, crunchy sound. Once you have mastered this part, you can move on to the next section of the riff.

Adding Variation

System of a Down is known for adding subtle variations to their riffs to keep things interesting. In "Mind," there's a slight variation in the main riff that adds a bit of flavor.

D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
F|------------------------------------------------|
C|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-8-8-8-8----------------|
G|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-8-8-8-8----------------|
C|-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-8-8-8-8----------------|

Notice the change from 3 to 8 on the last four notes. This small change adds a bit of tension and makes the riff more dynamic. Practice switching between the original riff and this variation to get a feel for how they fit together. Pay attention to the timing and make sure the transitions are smooth. This variation is a great example of how System of a Down uses subtle changes to create a sense of unpredictability in their music. It also highlights the importance of paying attention to the details when learning their songs. Even small changes can have a big impact on the overall feel of the music. So, take your time and make sure you master each section before moving on.

Chorus Breakdown

The chorus of "Mind" is where the song really explodes. It's fast, intense, and full of energy. The guitar work in the chorus is more complex than the main riff, but still relies on power chords and a driving rhythm.

Tab for the Chorus:

D|----------------------------------------------------------------|
A|----------------------------------------------------------------|
F|----------------------------------------------------------------|
C|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|
G|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|
C|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|

This tab represents the basic chord progression of the chorus. The chords change quickly, so it's important to practice this section slowly at first. Focus on keeping your picking hand consistent and try to minimize any unnecessary movement. As you become more comfortable with the chord changes, gradually increase the tempo. Pay attention to the dynamics of the chorus. System of a Down often uses sudden shifts in volume to create a sense of chaos and intensity. Try to incorporate these dynamics into your playing. For example, you could play the first few chords of the chorus softly, then gradually increase the volume as the chorus progresses. This will help to capture the energy and emotion of the song. Also, pay attention to the accents. System of a Down often emphasizes certain beats to create a sense of syncopation. Try to identify these accents and emphasize them in your playing. This will add to the rhythmic complexity of the chorus and make it sound more authentic.

Rhythm and Strumming

The rhythm in the chorus is crucial. It's fast and requires a precise down-picking technique. Keep your wrist loose and try to maintain a consistent strumming pattern. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find one that feels comfortable and sounds good. Some guitarists prefer to use a down-up strumming pattern, while others prefer to stick to down-picking. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that allows you to play the chorus accurately and consistently. Also, pay attention to the pauses. System of a Down often uses short pauses to create a sense of anticipation and tension. Try to incorporate these pauses into your playing. For example, you could mute the strings briefly between chords. This will add to the rhythmic complexity of the chorus and make it sound more dynamic. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. There's no one right way to play the chorus of "Mind". The most important thing is to have fun and make the music your own.

Bridge Section

The bridge section of "Mind" provides a brief respite from the intensity of the rest of the song. It's slower, more melodic, and features a different guitar tone. This section is a great opportunity to showcase your versatility as a guitarist.

Tab for the Bridge:

D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
F|------------------------------------------------|
C|-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|
G|-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|
C|-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-3-3-3-3----------------|

This tab represents the basic chord progression of the bridge. The chords are simple, but the rhythm is slightly more complex than in the main riff or chorus. Pay attention to the timing and try to maintain a consistent strumming pattern. Also, experiment with different guitar tones. The bridge section is a great opportunity to use a clean or slightly overdriven tone. This will help to create a contrast with the heavier tones used in the rest of the song. You could also try adding some effects, such as chorus or delay, to enhance the melodic quality of the bridge. The key is to create a sound that is both interesting and appropriate for the song. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. The bridge section is a chance to show off your creativity and add your own personal touch to the music. So, take your time, explore different options, and find a sound that you love.

Dynamics and Feel

The bridge is all about dynamics and feel. Play it with a lighter touch and focus on creating a sense of atmosphere. This is a great time to experiment with your guitar's volume knob and use it to create subtle swells and fades. You can also try using your guitar's tone knob to adjust the brightness of your sound. A darker tone can help to create a more mellow and introspective feel, while a brighter tone can add a touch of sparkle and clarity. The key is to use these tools to create a sound that is both expressive and dynamic. Also, pay attention to your picking technique. A softer picking attack can help to create a smoother and more legato sound, while a harder picking attack can add a bit of bite and aggression. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. The most important thing is to play with feeling and to let the music speak for itself.

Putting It All Together

Now that we've broken down the main sections of "Mind," it's time to put it all together. Start by practicing each section individually until you can play it confidently and accurately. Then, gradually begin to combine the sections, paying attention to the transitions between them. Make sure the transitions are smooth and seamless. This is where your practice and attention to detail will really pay off. The key is to create a cohesive and dynamic performance that captures the energy and emotion of the song.

Practice Tips

• Start Slow: Begin practicing at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you keep your timing consistent.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
• Listen to the Original: Listen to the original recording of "Mind" frequently to get a feel for the song's dynamics and nuances.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play "Mind" by System of a Down is a challenging but rewarding experience. By breaking down the song into smaller sections and practicing each section individually, you can gradually master the song's complex rhythms and riffs. Remember to pay attention to the details and to focus on capturing the energy and emotion of the music. With patience and practice, you'll be shredding "Mind" like a pro in no time. Keep rocking, guys!