Progressive Rock developed in the late 1960s as “an attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility.” (Source: Allmusic) The early practitioners of Prog-Rock sought such “artistic credibility” by incorporating classical and jazz song structures, rhythms, melodies, and harmonies into their music. Furthering their “progressive” ideals, they were also among the first bands to adopt new electronic musical instruments and technologies (can you say Moog Synthesizer?), create concept albums, and incorporate elaborate stage theatrics into their live shows.

Although Progressive Rock began to decline in popularity by the late 1970s, it has continued to influence dozens upon dozens of new bands, particularly in the field of Heavy Metal. Below you’ll find Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs of 10 Progressive Rock Bands, ranging from the 1960s to the present. Check ‘em out:

1. Dream Theater Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
2. Frank Zappa Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
3. King Crimson Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
4. Kraftwerk Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
5. Opeth Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
6. Pink Floyd Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
7. Porcupine Tree Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
8. Rush Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
9. Todd Rundgren Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
10. Yes Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

To find more tabs by your favorite Progressive Rock bands, simply visit our Homepage and search by band name or song title. And, of course, if you’re a tabber then please consider submitting a Progressive Rock guitar, bass or drum tab to MXTabs.net. Thanks!

On May 16, 2010 it was announced that Ronnie James Dio – one of heavy metal’s most talented and recognizable vocalists – had died in Los Angeles at age 67.

According to Allmusic, Dio was born in Portsmouth, NH on July 10, 1942. Although his first band Elf did land a record deal, all of their releases failed to chart. So when former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore invited Dio to join his new band, Rainbow, Dio accepted the offer. Rainbow went on to release several hit albums throughout the mid and late 1970s. Due to internal disputes Dio left Rainbow in 1979. Almost immediately, however, he replaced Ozzie Osbourne as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, resulting in a sting of heavy metal classics and renewed commercial success for the band.

Finally, in 1982, Dio started his first solo project… aptly named Dio. Stylistically similar to his previous bands, Dio released several platinum records and remained a consistent metal fixture for years to come. In the early 90s Dio reunited with his former Black Sabbath bandmates to record another album, and in 2006 he began touring with them again under the moniker Heaven & Hell. Unfortunately, in early May all Heaven & Hell summer 2010 tour dates were canceled due to Dio’s failing health (source: wikipedia), and he passed away on May 16.

To honor Ronnie James Dio’s invaluable contributions to heavy metal music, check out the following guitar, bass & drum tabs for some the various bands he’s contributed to over the years:

1. Black Sabbath Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
2. Dio Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
3. Heaven & Hell Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs
4. Rainbow Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Also consider helping us grow our collection of Dio-related tab by submitting a guitar, bass or drum Tab to MXTabs.net. R.I.P Dio.

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Attention all guitarists and bass guitarists!

Throughout the month of May our sister-site, Musicnotes.com, is offering $1 off all Guitar Guru Sessions. These interactive song lessons act as your very own personal guitar teacher, helping you learn the proper fingerings and techniques for thousands of your favorite guitar tabs by artists such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more!

The Guitar Guru software is free to download and every month Musicnotes releases one free Guitar Guru Session to their customers. So give it a try, and if you like what you see, go take advantage of this $1 off all Guitar Guru Sessions sale. As mentioned, this promotion only lasts through May 31st, so you’d better hurry!

Please visit Musicnotes.com for more information about Guitar Guru and to browse all available Guitar Guru Sessions.

Cheers!

What constitutes a great cover song?

Most people would agree that a truly great cover song 1) typically is based upon an already great song (after all, why would anyone cover a lousy song, unless for parody?) and 2) brings a new perspective to that already great song, be it a slight change in rhythm, melody, harmony or style.

The history of popular music is littered with cover songs; many of them are bad, some of them are “ho-hum,” and a few of them are great. Below, we’ve compiled Guitar Tab for 10 All-Time Great Cover Songs. We’ve listed them in no particular order and have included guitar tab for the original versions as well. Take a look:

Astronomy

Come Together

Have A Cigar

Hurt

I Wanna Be Sedated

Love Song

Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Tom Sawyer

Wonderwall

You Really Got Me

Do you prefer one of the above covers to the original? Or vice versa? Post your thoughts in the comments field!

There are many great things about summer, not the least of which are the numerous concert tours that crisscross the world this time of year. Whether you see your favorite band perform in a small, intimate venue, or as part of a huge multi-day festival such as The Bonnaro Music Festival, these concerts can often be a highlight of a rabid music fan’s summer.

Maybe you’ve already planned a trip to see one of your favorite bands perform, but if not, then check out the following list of 2010’s Top Summer Band Concert Tours for some ideas. The first link will provide you with all the necessary info you need to buy your tickets, and the second link will provide you with guitar, bass & drum tabs of that particular band, because I’m guessing that most people who read this blog don’t just listen to music, they play it as well.

Bon Jovi

• Bon Jovi Concert Ticket Info
• Bon Jovi Guitar, Bass & Drum Tab

Creed

• Creed Concert Ticket Info
• Creed Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Green Day

• Green Day Concert Ticket Info
• Green Day Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Kings of Leon

• Kings of Leon Concert Ticket Info
• Kings of Leon Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Muse

• Muse Concert Ticket Info
• Muse Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabas

Nickelback

• Nickelback Concert Ticket Info
• Nickelback Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Phish

• Phish Concert Ticket Info
• Phish Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Taylor Swift

• Taylor Swift Concert Ticket Info
• Taylor Swift Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

Wilco

• Wilco Concert Ticket Info
• Wilco Guitar, Bass & Drum Tabs

If you happen to catch one of these bands on tour this summer, I’d love to hear your impressions of the show. Drop us a line in the comments field below. Cheers!