Periphery - Scarlet: Guitar Pro Tabs & Analysis

Oct 22, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! If you're a guitarist into progressive metal, chances are you've stumbled upon Periphery. And if you've explored their discography, you've probably been floored by "Scarlet" – a track that's become a modern classic. This article dives deep into "Scarlet," offering insights, analysis, and, most importantly, where you can find accurate Guitar Pro tabs to learn this beast of a song.

Why "Scarlet" Still Matters

"Scarlet," released as part of Periphery's self-titled debut album, isn't just another djent song; it's a masterclass in songwriting, technical proficiency, and sonic texture. The song showcases Periphery's signature blend of complex polyrhythms, soaring melodies, and crushing breakdowns. What makes "Scarlet" particularly special is its ability to seamlessly transition between these contrasting elements, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The interplay between the three guitarists – Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Mark Holcomb – is phenomenal, with each contributing unique layers to the sonic tapestry. The intricate guitar work, combined with Spencer Sotelo's powerful vocals, makes "Scarlet" a standout track in Periphery's impressive catalog.

Furthermore, "Scarlet" holds a significant place in the history of progressive metal. It helped to popularize the djent sound, characterized by its heavily distorted, palm-muted riffs and complex rhythmic patterns. The song's success demonstrated that technically demanding music could also be commercially viable, paving the way for other progressive metal bands to gain recognition. "Scarlet" continues to inspire guitarists and musicians around the world, serving as a benchmark for modern progressive metal composition and performance. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and innovation, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Finding Accurate Guitar Pro Tabs for "Scarlet"

Okay, let's get down to business. You want to learn "Scarlet," and you need reliable Guitar Pro tabs. The internet is full of tabs, but not all are created equal. Many tabs are inaccurate, incomplete, or simply wrong, which can be incredibly frustrating when you're trying to learn a complex song like "Scarlet". So, where do you find the good ones?

Ultimate-Guitar.com: This is often the first stop for guitarists seeking tabs. Look for tabs with high ratings and a large number of votes. User comments can also provide valuable insights into the accuracy of the tab.
Songsterr.com: Songsterr is another popular platform that offers interactive tabs with playback features. The tabs on Songsterr are generally more accurate than those found on other websites, as they are often created by experienced transcribers.
MySongBook.com: This website offers a curated collection of high-quality Guitar Pro tabs, many of which are created by professional musicians. While MySongBook requires a subscription, the accuracy and quality of the tabs make it a worthwhile investment for serious guitarists.
Periphery Forums/Communities: Don't underestimate the power of community! Check out Periphery-focused forums or subreddits. Often, dedicated fans have transcribed songs and are willing to share their tabs.
Ear Training: While tabs are helpful, don't rely on them entirely. Train your ear to recognize the different parts and nuances of the song. This will not only improve your playing but also help you identify any inaccuracies in the tabs.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Tab:

Check the number of guitars: "Scarlet" features three guitar parts. Make sure the tab includes all of them for the full experience.
Verify the tuning: Periphery often uses unconventional tunings. Ensure the tab specifies the correct tuning for "Scarlet" (usually Drop C).
Pay attention to rhythmic notation: "Scarlet" is rhythmically complex. The tab should accurately represent the intricate rhythmic patterns and polyrhythms.
Listen along with the original track: As you're learning the song, constantly compare your playing to the original recording. This will help you identify any mistakes and ensure that you're playing the song correctly.

Dissecting "Scarlet": Key Sections and Techniques

Alright, you've got your tabs, now what? "Scarlet" is a multifaceted song, so let's break down some key sections and the techniques you'll need to master to nail them. Knowing what's going on under the hood musically can seriously boost your learning process.

The Intro: The intro of "Scarlet" features a clean, arpeggiated melody that creates a sense of atmosphere and anticipation. This section requires precise fingerpicking and a delicate touch. Pay attention to the dynamics and phrasing to capture the ethereal quality of the intro.

Techniques to Practice: Fingerpicking, arpeggios, dynamics control

The Riff-Heavy Verses: The verses of "Scarlet" are characterized by heavy, syncopated riffs that showcase Periphery's signature djent sound. These riffs require precise palm muting and tight rhythmic accuracy. Pay attention to the interplay between the different guitar parts to create a thick and powerful sound.

Techniques to Practice: Palm muting, alternate picking, rhythmic accuracy, down-picking

The Soaring Choruses: The choruses of "Scarlet" feature soaring vocal melodies and lush harmonies. The guitar parts in the choruses are often layered and harmonized, creating a sense of grandeur and epicness. Pay attention to the voicings of the chords and the dynamics of the performance to capture the emotional intensity of the choruses.

Techniques to Practice: Chord voicings, harmonies, dynamics control, power chords

The Breakdown: "Scarlet" features a crushing breakdown that is sure to get your head banging. This section is characterized by heavy, chugging riffs and aggressive drumming. The guitar parts in the breakdown are often heavily distorted and palm-muted, creating a dense and brutal sound. Pay attention to the rhythmic syncopation and the dynamics of the performance to maximize the impact of the breakdown.

Techniques to Practice: Palm muting, down-picking, rhythmic syncopation, pinch harmonics

The Guitar Solo: The guitar solo in "Scarlet" is a showcase of technical virtuosity and melodic inventiveness. The solo features a variety of techniques, including sweep picking, tapping, and legato. Pay attention to the phrasing and dynamics of the solo to create a sense of drama and excitement.

Techniques to Practice: Sweep picking, tapping, legato, alternate picking, string skipping

Beyond the Tab: Understanding Periphery's Style

Learning "Scarlet" isn't just about memorizing notes; it's about understanding Periphery's musical style. What makes their sound unique? What are the key elements that define their music? Here's a quick rundown:

Djent: Periphery is considered one of the pioneers of the djent movement. Djent is characterized by its heavily distorted, palm-muted riffs and complex rhythmic patterns.
Polyrhythms: Periphery frequently uses polyrhythms, which are the simultaneous use of two or more different rhythms. This creates a sense of complexity and unease.
Extended Range Guitars: Periphery typically uses 7 or 8-string guitars, which allows them to play lower notes and create a wider range of sounds.
Unconventional Tunings: Periphery often uses unconventional tunings, such as Drop C or Drop G#, which gives their music a unique and distinctive sound.
Layered Guitars: Periphery's music often features multiple layers of guitars, each playing different parts. This creates a thick and lush soundscape.
Contrast: Periphery's music is characterized by its use of contrast. They often juxtapose heavy, aggressive riffs with clean, atmospheric passages.

Tips for Mastering "Scarlet"

Okay, so you're armed with tabs, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Here are some final tips to help you conquer "Scarlet":

Start Slow: Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the parts.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside some time each day to practice, even if it's just for 30 minutes.
Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section, break it down into smaller parts and practice each part separately.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for developing your rhythmic accuracy. Use it to practice the song at different tempos.
Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
Be Patient: Learning a complex song like "Scarlet" takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there.

Final Thoughts

"Scarlet" is a challenging but rewarding song to learn. It's a testament to Periphery's musical genius and a showcase of their technical prowess. By using accurate Guitar Pro tabs, understanding the song's structure, and practicing diligently, you can master this modern classic and add it to your repertoire. Good luck, and happy playing!