How to Read Guitar Tablature

How to Read Guitar Tablature: If you’re just starting on your guitar journey, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to read tablature.

Understanding the Basics

Hi. Ian here and welcome to this article on how to read guitar tablature!

If you’re just starting on your guitar journey, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to read tablature. Tablature, or tab for short, is a type of musical notation that’s specifically designed for guitarists. It’s a very visual and easy-to-learn system, and it’s a great way to start playing songs right away.

In this article, I’m going to teach you the basics of how to read guitar tablature. We’ll cover what a tab is, how to interpret the different symbols, and how to use a tab to play songs.

What is guitar tablature?

Guitar tablature is a musical notation that uses numbers to represent the frets on a guitar. The six horizontal lines in the tab represent the six strings on a guitar, from the thinnest string at the top to the thickest string at the bottom. The numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press down on each string.

For example, a “0” on a line means to play the open string, while a “3” on a line means to press down on the third fret of that string.

How to interpret the different symbols in tab

In addition to numbers, tab also uses a few other symbols to indicate different techniques. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common tab symbols:

• Slide: A horizontal line connecting two numbers indicates a slide. To play a slide, start by pressing down on the first fret, and then slide your finger up to the second fret without letting go of the string.
• Hammer-on: A hammer-on is indicated by a vertical line above a number. To play a hammer-on, pluck the string with your right hand and then quickly tap the fret with your left hand without plucking the string again.
• Pull-off: A pull-off is indicated by a vertical line below a number. To play a pull-off, pluck the string with your right hand and then quickly pull your finger off the fret with your left hand without plucking the string again.
• Bend: A bend is indicated by a small triangle above a number. To play a bend, pluck the string with your right hand and then push down on the fret with your left hand until you reach the desired pitch.

How to use tab to play songs

Once you know how to interpret the different symbols in tab, you’re ready to start playing songs. To do this, simply read the tab from left to right. The numbers on the lines tell you which frets to press down on, and the symbols tell you which techniques to use.

Here’s a simple example of a guitar tab:

E|0-------3-------2-------1-------0|
B|-------3-------3-------3-------3|
G|-------0-------0-------0-------0|
D|-------2-------1-------0-------2|
A|-------3-------2-------1-------0|
E|-------x-------x-------x-------x|

To play this tab, you would start by placing your left-hand fingers on the frets indicated by the numbers. Then, you would strum all six strings (except where a string has an X symbol) with your right hand. Next, you would move your left fingers to the next frets indicated by the numbers and repeatedly strum the strings. Continue doing this until you reach the end of the tab.

Resources

If you’re looking for more information on how to read guitar tablature, there are several resources available online and in libraries. Here are a few suggestions:

• Guitar Tricks: https://www.guitartricks.com/
• Justinguitar: https://www.justinguitar.com/store/tabs
• Fender Play: https://www.fender.com/play/courses/easy-reading-tabs/lessons/basics-read-tablature
• Guitar for Beginners: https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/guitar/reading-guitar-tabs-for-beginners

Learning how to read guitar tablature is an essential skill for any guitarist. It’s a quick and easy way to learn new songs, and it’s a great way to improve your guitar skills.

Happy jamming!

If you’re new to guitar, reading guitar tablature (or guitar “tab” for short) can seem daunting. However, with a little bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to read guitar tabs with ease. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of guitar tablature, including the fretboard and strings, tablature notation, and how to read guitar tabs.

The Fretboard and Strings

Before we dive into tablature notation, it’s important to understand the basics of the guitar fretboard and strings. The fretboard is the long, thin part of the guitar where you press down on the strings to produce different notes. The strings run parallel to the fretboard and are numbered from the thinnest (high E string) to the thickest (low E string).

Each fret on the fretboard represents a different note. The distance between each fret is known as a “fret.” When you press down on a string at a certain fret, you change the length of the string and therefore the pitch of the note.

Tablature Notation

Tablature notation is a system of writing down music for stringed instruments like the guitar. Unlike standard notation, which uses a staff and treble clef to represent notes, tablature uses lines and numbers to represent the strings and frets on the guitar.

Each line in tablature notation represents a different string on the guitar. The bottom line represents the low E string, while the top line represents the high E string. Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press down on that string.

Reading Guitar Tabs

Reading guitar tabs is relatively straightforward once you understand the numbering system and how to read the lines and symbols. Tabs are read from left to right, with the numbers indicating which fret to press down on the corresponding string.

In addition to numbers, guitar tabs may also include other symbols such as bends, slides, and hammer-ons/pull-offs. These symbols indicate different techniques that can be used to play the notes on the guitar.

There are several symbols used in guitar tabs. Some of the most common symbols include:

h: hammer-on
p: pull-off
/: slide up
: slide down
~: vibrato
b: bend string up
r: release bend
x: mute string

Overall, reading guitar tabs is a valuable skill for any guitarist to have. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to read guitar tabs with ease and play your favourite songs in no time.

Interpreting Advanced Tab Symbols

When reading guitar tabs, you may come across advanced symbols that indicate specific techniques and playing styles. Understanding these symbols can help you play more accurately and expressively.

Muting and Harmonics

Muting is an essential technique that involves dampening the strings to create a percussive effect. Guitar tabs use various symbols to indicate different types of muting, such as palm muting, fret-hand muting, and muted notes.

Harmonics is another technique that can add a unique sound to your playing. Tabs may show natural harmonics, tapped harmonics, and artificial harmonics using specific symbols.

Legato Techniques

Legato playing involves connecting notes smoothly without any gaps or pauses. Tabs may use symbols such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to indicate legato techniques.

Fingering and Positioning

Fingering and positioning are crucial aspects of playing the guitar. Tabs may show finger numbers or letters to indicate which finger to use for a particular note. For example, “1” stands for the index finger, “2” for the middle finger, “3” for the ring finger, and “4” for the pinky.

Tabs may also show numbers or letters above the staff to indicate the position on the fretboard. For instance, “5fr” means to play the note on the fifth fret.

Overall, understanding advanced tab symbols can help you play guitar more accurately and expressively. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to improve your playing skills.

Using Online Resources

Learning how to read guitar tablature can be challenging, but with the help of online resources, you can quickly master the skill. Here are some popular tab websites and guitar lessons that you can use to learn how to read guitar tabs.

Popular Tab Websites

Many websites provide free guitar tabs for popular songs. One such website is Songsterr. Songsterr offers a vast library of guitar tabs for a wide range of songs. The website has an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to find and play guitar tabs. The tabs are displayed in a clear and concise format, making it easy to read and follow along.

Another popular tab website is Ultimate Guitar. (My personal favourite). Ultimate Guitar has an extensive collection of guitar tabs for songs from different genres. The website also has an active community of guitar players who share their tabs and offer helpful tips and advice.

Learning from Guitar Lessons

If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning guitar tabs, you can take guitar lessons online. Many guitar lessons are available online, and they offer step-by-step guidance on how to read guitar tabs.

One such website is Guitar Tricks. Guitar Tricks offers a range of guitar lessons that cater to different skill levels. The website has a comprehensive curriculum that covers different aspects of playing the guitar, including how to read guitar tabs.

Another website that offers guitar lessons is JamPlay. JamPlay has a team of experienced guitar teachers who offer live and pre-recorded guitar lessons. The website also has a community of guitar players who share their tips and advice on how to read guitar tabs.

Online resources are an excellent way to learn how to read guitar tabs. Whether you choose to use popular tab websites or take guitar lessons online, the key is to practice regularly and be patient. With time and effort, you’ll be able to read guitar tabs like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Reading guitar tabs is an essential skill for any guitarist. By understanding the numbers, lines, and symbols used in tabs, you can easily learn how to play your favourite songs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there are many resources available to help you improve your tab-reading skills.

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