Practice Studio

Ghost - He Is - Guitar Tab

Sections · Loop · Speed · Metronome

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Select a Loop

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End of your loop

Speed Control

Speed
100%

Tools

BPM
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Amp Settings

Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
AI tone preset

AI-selected preset based on genre and era — adjust the knobs to taste.

Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.

Meliora album cover
Meliora
2015 4:13

About He Is


From the 2015 album Meliora, "He Is" is one of the more deceptively simple pieces in the Ghost catalogue, built around clean, hymn-like chord work rather than heavy riffing. Playing it well means leaning into smooth chord transitions and a steady, unhurried feel: at 120 BPM in E Standard, the tempo is comfortable but the song demands consistent dynamic control so the gentle, devotional mood stays intact. The Hard Rock label barely scratches the surface here, because much of the guitar work sits in a soft, almost liturgical space that rewards clean tone and careful voicing over aggression. The challenge is less about technical fireworks and more about making each chord ring out fully without rushing the changes. If a transition feels sloppy at full tempo, use the Practice Toolbar to loop it slowed down until the movement between shapes becomes completely automatic before bringing it back up to speed.

  • The song is played in E Standard tuning at 120 BPM, making it approachable for intermediate players focused on clean chord tone and smooth transitions.
  • A clean or lightly ambient guitar tone suits the hymn-like quality of the piece far better than any heavy distortion.
  • The main challenge is maintaining even dynamics and letting chords ring fully, so practise each chord shape with deliberate, controlled strumming before adding speed.

How to Play He Is

Tuning: E Standard · Tempo: 120 BPM

Use the section loop to isolate a passage, drop the speed below 100%, and set the metronome to 120 BPM to build it up to tempo.

Gibson SG Standard
Guitar

Gibson SG Standard

Ghost's Nameless Ghouls use the SG's sharp body and bright tonality for cutting through dense production with articulate rhythm work. The guitar's natural sustain helps their chunky riffs maintain clarity without modern metal muddiness.

ESP Eclipse
Guitar

ESP Eclipse

The Eclipse provides Ghost with a versatile platform for both studio recordings and live performances, offering the tight response needed for their mid-focused crunch tones. Its sleek design and reliable electronics support their atmospheric lead passages seamlessly.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

This amp delivers Ghost's signature mid-heavy crunch at moderate gain levels, staying clear and tight during palm muting without descending into saturated distortion. The Dual Rectifier's natural breakup at 5-6 gain is perfect for their contrast between clean and driven passages.

Seymour Duncan JB
Pickup

Seymour Duncan JB

Ghost's ESP guitars benefit from the JB's aggressive high-end bite and punchy output, cutting through the mix during heavier sections. This combination bridges the gap between their clean arpeggios and crunchy, riff-driven moments with powerful definition.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Pedal

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

The TS9 tightens Ghost's rhythm tone and pushes their amp into responsive crunch without adding unnecessary coloration. This classic overdrive pedal is essential for maintaining their clean-to-driven dynamic without sacrificing the clarity they demand.

Boss CE-2 Chorus
Pedal

Boss CE-2 Chorus

The CE-2 creates the shimmery, dimensional quality throughout Ghost's atmospheric passages like Mary On A Cross and He Is. Its subtle modulation adds depth to clean arpeggios while respecting the band's minimalist effects philosophy.

Play with Backing Track

Play with Backing Track

Solo (Backing Track)

Solo (Backing Track)