Transcribing Notes From John Neil (Head Transcriber)
This is Why – Paramore – Song Breakdown
Melody
At first I thought this song was about simple agoraphobia, but with a little research I found it’s about the dark side of the pandemic, and the words gave new meaning then. The choruses have an octave melody, and the singer seems to move between the lower and upper note (and between) live, possibly depending on how she feels for that performance. So I notated both octaves. The over-all vocal range if you go low in the choruses is E3 to E5, and if you go high, it’s G3 to F#5.
Download the Melody Music Here
Keyboard
There are a few keyboard parts that I could pick out, which I put in here, but also filled in the rest with parts that basically double guitar (on an electric piano sound). It all should be able to work on a regular piano as well, though sustainy parts (like in the bridge) would sound better on a sound that doesn’t decay.
Download the Keyboard Sheet Music Here
Lead/Rhythm Guitar
There are more than 2 guitars on this recording (3 live in at least one instance), so I had to pick out the best parts to narrow it down to 2. Some of the voicings may seem weird, but reflect the notes heard. Some simplification may be needed to play it smoothly (for example, have the rhythm guitar play more the top notes in the choruses).
Download the Lead Guitar Tab Here
Download the Rhythm Guitar Tab Here
Strum Guitar
There isn’t really a strum guitar in this song, so a part was made up … which contains lots of fast strumming.
Download the Strum Tab Here
Bass
A very active bass part with lots of octave work, slides and higher lines. Played with a pick, this part will have you sounding like a bass master.
Download the Bass Tab Here
Drums
A pretty intricate advanced drum part with lots of drags and ghost notes. And 16th note hi-hat work on the choruses/bridge.
Download the Drum Music Here
Download the Lead Sheet Here
