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Intermediate acoustic guitar tabs for "Dark Matter" by Steve Vai, in D major at about 125 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Acoustic Guitar Tabs for "Dark Matter" by Steve Vai

Preview of the intermediate acoustic guitar tab arrangement for “Dark Matter” by Steve Vai.

Dark Matter by Steve Vai
Acoustic Guitar Tabs

Tab notationFretboard tab

The acoustic guitar part reads as a fretboard tab, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrerock · metal · instrumental
Moodintense · technical · virtuosic
Signatureinstrumental rock virtuosity
D major
Key
125
BPM
4/4
Time
Chords

The progression

D
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroVersePre-chorusChorusBridgeSoloOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

electric guitar
lead guitar with heavy distortion, delivering fast, intricate melodic lines and extended solos
drums
acoustic drum kit with powerful, precise double‑kick patterns and complex fills
bass guitar
tight, round, syncopated bassline driving the groove
synth pads
subtle atmospheric pads adding depth and texture
Album & artist
ALBUM

Modern Primitive (2016)

All of Modern Primitive
Artist

Steve Vai

Steve Vai is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer from Long Island, New York, who started playing at age 11 and studied under Joe Satriani before attending the Berklee College of Music. He worked with Frank Zappa in the early 1980s and later played with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake before building a long solo career rooted in rock and heavy metal. His solo records are known for technical guitar work, adventurous song structures, and a wide range of tones and textures.

All Steve Vai songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for acoustic guitar, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the tabs when it feels right.

Ready to play it?

Start from any recording, your acoustic guitar tabs in minutes.

FAQ

Good to know

What key is "Dark Matter" in?

"Dark Matter" by Steve Vai is in D major.

What is the tempo of "Dark Matter"?

"Dark Matter" plays at around 125 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chords are in "Dark Matter"?

The core progression is D, built around the D major tonal center.

What instruments play on "Dark Matter"?

The recording features electric guitar, drums, bass guitar, and synth pads.

Can I get "Dark Matter" acoustic guitar tabs?

Yes. This is the intermediate acoustic guitar tabs arrangement of "Dark Matter" by Steve Vai, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "Dark Matter" acoustic guitar tabs easy to play?

"Dark Matter" acoustic guitar tabs comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 125 BPM in D major with 1 core chords, the part stays friendly for newer players. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "Dark Matter" acoustic guitar tabs?

Yes. The beginner acoustic guitar tabs for "Dark Matter" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "Dark Matter" on?

"Dark Matter" appears on Modern Primitive (2016).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

Made with in California.