Transcribing Notes From John Neil (Head Transcriber)
This song has such a unique sound, so dark and minimal. It was a challenge to orchestrate it into a standard band setup.
Melody
The vocals are delivered very lethargically, almost to the point of mumbling, as Billie Eilish tends to do, though there are many layers and harmonies, which gives it a full sound. I concentrated on the main lead vocal for the Melody part. The range is Gb3 to Eb4, though the “duh” sort of goes below that, but is spoken, so can be wherever you speak. The Outro is also spoken (indicated by “x” note-heads).
The rest is basically keyboards and samples divided amongst the Rhythm/Lead Guitar and Keyboard.
Download the Melody Music Here
Keyboard
The Keyboard does the bass line, as well as the iconic hook in the choruses, and some backing vocal sounds towards the end. And along with the bass and guitar, mimics the TR-808 bass drum in the outro. It also covers a synth percussion sound with a “flute type sound” in the outro.
Download the Keyboard Sheet Music Here
Guitars
The guitar doubles the bass line with a palm muted clean tone, and also mimics the higher fast sample in the choruses with the same tone. And the TR-808 bass drum described above.
Download the Rhythm/Lead Guitar Tab Here
Strum
There is no acoustic strum in this song, so a part was created for Strum guitar and Ukulele.
Download the Strum Tab Here
Download the Ukulele Tab Here
Bass
The bass does the dark bass synth line, and is in Drop D to cover the lower notes. The tone should be dark and muffled. It also mimics the TR-808 bass drum in the Outro.
Download the Bass Tab Here
Drums
Download the Drum Music Here
Download the Lead Sheet Here