Ek Hasina: Thi Guitar Tabs Single String

Play A → B → C → B (then repeat for second stanza)

Complete tab in order:

B |---3---5---7---5---3---0---| (A1)
B |---3---5---7---5---3---0---| (A2)
B |---5---5---7---7---5---3---3---5---| (B1)
B |---3---5---7---5---3---0-----------| (B2)
B |---7---7---10---10---7---5---| (C1)
B |---7---7---10---10---7---5---| (C2)
B |---7---5---3---0-------------| (C3)
B |---5---5---7---7---5---3---3---5---| (B1 again)
B |---3---5---7---5---3---0-----------| (B2 again)

Q: Is this the actual way the song is played on record?
A: No. The original uses a synthesizer with chords. But for a beginner guitarist looking for the melody, this single-string method is 100% accurate and recognizable.

Q: I can't reach fret 8 and 0 quickly. Help?
A: Keep your thumb behind the neck (not hooked over). Use your ring finger for fret 8, middle for 7, index for 5, and constantly return your hand to the "home position" near fret 5.

Q: Can I use a pick?
A: Yes, but a pick on a single string can be harsh. Use your thumb for a soft, vocal-like tone, or a very thin pick (0.46mm).

Once you master this single-string tab, you have the entire vocal melody. On stage or at a campfire, you can do two things: ek hasina thi guitar tabs single string

This is the most famous part of the song. It sounds best when you use Slides (sliding your finger from one fret to another without lifting it).

Key:

The Tabs:

Part A (The Main Theme): Play this on the High E string.

e|----7/9--7--5--3--5/7--5--3--2--3/5--3--2--0----|
B|                                                |
G|                                                |
D|                                                |
A|                                                |
E|                                                |

How to play it:

Here is the iconic opening line of "Ek Hasina Thi". Play it slowly. Each number is one note. The spaces show phrasing.

One reason the original Ek Hasina Thi sounds so percussive is the synth's staccato effect. On a single guitar string, you can mimic this using left-hand muting.

After you pluck a note (e.g., fret 5), slightly lift your finger off the string without pulling it away fully. Just rest your finger on the string to stop the vibration. This creates a short, punchy "tk" sound instead of a long ring.

Exercise: Play 5 (pluck) – mute – 7 (pluck) – mute – 8 (pluck) – mute.

Play each number slowly, then increase speed. Play A → B → C → B

0 3 5 3 0 – 3 5 3 0
5 7 8 7 5 – 3 5 3 0

How to play it:

Why single string? Because traditional chords (Am, G, F) require coordination. Single-string tabs require patience and one finger.

The opening riff of Ek Hasina Thi—composed by the legendary R.D. Burman for the film starring Saif Ali Khan and Urmila Matondkar—is deceptively simple. It is a descending melody that perfectly captures the song’s moody, stalkerish romance. But for a beginner, it sounds like magic.

You don’t need to know what a "scale" is. You just need to know where the 5th fret is. Q: Is this the actual way the song is played on record