Preview of the intermediate bass guitar tab arrangement for “Dead Heads” by Steve Vai.
The progression
Structure & dynamics
What's in the mix
The Elusive Light and Sound, Volume 1 (2002)
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.
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Good to know
What key is "Dead Heads" in?
"Dead Heads" by Steve Vai is in A major.
What is the tempo of "Dead Heads"?
"Dead Heads" plays at around 81 BPM in 4/4 time.
What chords are in "Dead Heads"?
The core progression is E, Amaj9, D, Dmaj9, C♯m7, and Bmaj9, built around the A major tonal center.
What instruments play on "Dead Heads"?
The recording features electric guitar, drums, bass guitar, synth pads, and acoustic piano.
Can I get "Dead Heads" bass guitar tabs?
Yes. This is the intermediate bass guitar tabs arrangement of "Dead Heads" by Steve Vai, transcribed by Songscription.
Is "Dead Heads" bass guitar tabs easy to play?
"Dead Heads" bass guitar tabs comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 81 BPM in A major with 9 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.
Is there an easy, beginner version of "Dead Heads" bass guitar tabs?
Yes. The beginner bass guitar tabs for "Dead Heads" 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 "Dead Heads" on?
"Dead Heads" appears on The Elusive Light and Sound, Volume 1 (2002).
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.
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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.
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