Use a thick, rigid pick (1.5mm to 2.0mm) with a sharp tip for precise alternate picking.
: Community-driven text and Guitar Pro files can be browsed directly on the Ultimate Guitar Andy James Artist Page .
"Andy James 85" is a fantastic piece for any intermediate-to-advanced guitarist aiming to master modern shred. By utilizing free resources from Songsterr and Ultimate Guitar and focusing on slow, disciplined practice, you can break down the complex techniques and bring this track to life. Keep practicing and pay attention to the melodic phrasing that makes Andy James' playing unique. If you’d like, I can help you find:
Shredding like Andy James requires clean execution before speed. If you attempt to play the solo sections at 100% speed immediately, you will likely develop sloppy habits. andy+james+85+guitar+tab+free
: Only increase your metronome by 5 Beats Per Minute (BPM) once you can play the isolated phrase perfectly five times in a row. Dialing in the Andy James Tone
Leo picked up his guitar. He stopped looking at the tab and closed his eyes. He imagined the drive, the palm-muted chugs, and the soaring melody. He began the tapping section again. This time, his fingers found the frets with a lightness he’d never felt.
The ghost didn't answer. He just pointed at the screen. "You're reading the notes, but you aren't feeling the rhythm of the year. 1985 wasn't just about speed; it was about the neon, the excess, the Use a thick, rigid pick (1
Pre-chorus (ascending run into lead) e|------------------------------------------------8-10-12-10-8----| B|--------------------------------------8-10-11------------------| G|------------------------7-9-11-9-7-6-7---------------------------| D|------------5-7-9-7-5--------------------------------------------| A|--2-3-5-3-2------------------------------------------------------| E|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
Keep your bass moderate to prevent muddiness, boost the mids to help your lead lines cut through the mix, and set the treble for a crisp, sharp attack.
Finding a "full" official tab for free can be difficult as it is often part of paid packages at the Andy James Guitar Academy . However, several resources offer reliable transcriptions: By utilizing free resources from Songsterr and Ultimate
: Platforms like Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr host user-generated text tabs and interactive playback files. Look for highly-rated versions (4 or 5 stars) that include detailed time signatures.
: Ensure your pitch does not go sharp or flat when holding notes over the backing track. Use your wrist—not your fingers—to anchor your vibrato. 2. Hybrid and Speed-Picking Sequences
The best approach is a combination of listening and watching. Start by listening to the track on platforms like Apple Music, Deezer, or YouTube to get the structure of the song in your head. Since "85" is an instrumental, the song structure is purely driven by the guitar parts. Next, use the video evidence available from cover artists. These can be particularly helpful because they give you a visual of the fretboard.
Below is a comprehensive guide to mastering this track, including the essential core guitar tabs, technical breakdowns, gear requirements, and the best ways to practice these challenging sections. Tuning and Equipment Setup
: Start at 50% of the original track speed. If you cannot play it cleanly at a slow speed, you will never play it cleanly at full speed.