Practice Studio

Ghost - Year Zero - 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
Key D minor
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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.

Infestissumam (Deluxe Version) album cover
Infestissumam (Deluxe Version)
2013 5:50
Ghost Heavy Metal 2013 D minor
Capo Advisor 0 D minor · Original key

About Year Zero


Few Heavy Metal tracks from the 2010s blend ceremonial grandeur with straightforward rock guitar as neatly as "Year Zero" by Ghost. Running at 120 BPM in D minor and standard E tuning, the song sits in a comfortable range for most players, but its real demand is feel: the riffs need weight and a steady, almost processional groove rather than speed. The main guitar figure leans on power chords with deliberate palm muting, so getting the mute pressure consistent is where you should focus your early practice. The verse and chorus transitions reward players who can control dynamics, pulling back slightly before the chorus lands. There are lead sections that call for smooth, measured phrasing rather than flash, so work on your vibrato and sustain rather than note density. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop any section slowed down, especially the transitions where the chord movement tightens up.

  • The song sits in D minor in standard E tuning, making it immediately accessible without any retuning required.
  • Controlled palm muting on the main power-chord riff is the core technique to nail before moving on to the lead sections.
  • At exactly 120 BPM the tempo is steady and even, so practising with a metronome first will lock in the processional groove the song depends on.

How to Play Year Zero

Tuning: E Standard · Key: D minor · 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)