Teenage Sounds: Guitar TAB

These arrangements capture some of Neon Trees' most singable and structurally engaging material, and the TAB format makes the distinctive guitar lines accessible to intermediate players eager to learn contemporary rock repertoire. The 12 selections span two full albums, giving guitarists a meaningful collection rather than scattered hits. Students get exposure to synth-pop influenced rock songwriting without the complexity of multi-layered studio production.

Energetic, synth-forward pop-rock that feels both polished and accessible. The arrangements capture the bright, hook-driven character of these albums while staying playable on acoustic or electric guitar. There's an infectious momentum here, with melodies that stick and chord progressions that feel emotionally grounded rather than overly simple.

Intermediate guitarists (roughly grades 2-4 equivalent) who want to play current or recent popular music with real melodic substance. This collection appeals to students who grew up with Neon Trees or discovered them through streaming, as well as to teachers building contemporary rock repertoire that engages teenage musicians without sacrificing musical quality.

• Work through the chord voicings in the verses first before tackling the lead guitar lines; the rhythm parts establish the song's identity before the melodic hooks enter.
• Pay attention to the specific articulations and rhythmic feel marked in the TAB; these songs rely on precise timing and pickup placement to capture their synth-rock character.
• Use the song order within the book to build stamina gradually; mix shorter tracks with longer ones across rehearsals rather than drilling every arrangement sequentially.
• Record yourself playing the rhythm parts and listen back; many of these songs feature layered guitar textures that feel thinner when played in isolation but open up with careful balance.

Build a showcase of 21st-century alternative rock by mixing these selections with material from similar-era artists, or use individual songs as warm-up pieces in ensemble rehearsals. These arrangements work equally well in a student recital setting or as concert openers that energize an audience unfamiliar with contemporary band repertoire.

• Reading and performing synth-rock guitar arrangements that blend rhythm and lead figures
• Executing precise rhythmic articulations in contemporary pop-rock contexts
• Navigating chord voicings across multiple registers of the neck
• Interpreting TAB notation with dynamic and tonal variety
• Connecting memorized material to original recorded versions for interpretive choices