Last updated: February 28, 2024Guitar tablature, or tabs, is a widely used form of musical notation that provides an intuitive and straightforward method for guitarists to learn songs, solos, riffs, and techniques. By employing a combination of numbers and lines, tabs represent the frets and strings on a guitar, facilitating easy visualization of finger placement and comprehension of musical notation.
Guitar tabs offer numerous benefits for players of all skill levels:
A guitar tab staff consists of six horizontal lines, each representing one of the six strings on a guitar. The top line corresponds to the first (thinnest) string, while the bottom line represents the sixth (thickest) string. The strings are labeled as follows:
E|-----------------| (1st String - High E)
B|-----------------| (2nd String - B)
G|-----------------| (3rd String - G)
D|-----------------| (4th String - D)
A|-----------------| (5th String - A)
E|-----------------| (6th String - Low E) Numbers on the tab staff indicate which fret to press down on the corresponding string. A “0” denotes an open string (i.e., played without pressing any frets), while any other number represents the fret to be pressed. For example, a “3” on the second line (B string) signifies pressing down the B string on the third fret.
Here is a simple tab example:
E|-----0-----1-----0-----|
B|---0-----3-----1-----1-|
G|-0-----2-----0-----2---|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-----------------------|
In this example, you would begin by playing the open G string (0 on the G string), followed by the open B string (0 on the B string) and the open high E string (0 on the E string). Next, you would press the first fret of the B string (1 on the B string), the second fret of the G string (2 on the G string), and so on.
Stacked numbers on the tab staff represent chords and multiple notes. For instance, a simple D chord would look like this:
E|---2---|
B|---3---|
G|---2---|
D|---0---|
A|-------|
E|-------|
To play this chord, you would press the second fret of the high E string, the third fret of the B string, and the second fret of the G string while playing the open D string.
Although guitar tabs primarily focus on finger placement, some tablature includes rhythmic notation to indicate the duration and timing of notes and chords. In such cases, stems or flags are added to the numbers, similar to standard sheet music notation. For example:
E|----2---1---|
B|------3-----|
G|----2---0---|
D|------------|
A|------------|
E|------------|
q q q q The lowercase “q” below the tab represents a quarter note in this example. This indicates that each note should be played for one-quarter of a measure.
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are notated by “h” or “p” between two fret numbers.
Example of a hammer-on:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---2h4-------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|
In this example, you would pick the second fret of the G string and then hammer-on to the fourth fret without picking the string again.
Tabs indicate bends with a “b” or a curved arrow, slides with a “/” or “”, and vibrato with a “~” symbol
Example of a bend:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---4b6-------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|In this example, you would pick the fourth fret of the G string and bend the note until it reaches the pitch of the sixth fret.
Example of a slide:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---4/6-------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|Here, you would pick the fourth fret of the G string and then slide your finger up to the sixth fret without lifting it off the fretboard.
Example of vibrato:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---4~--------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|For vibrato, you would pick the fourth fret of the G string and then gently rock your finger back and forth to create a slight pitch variation.
Palm muting is notated with “PM” or “p.m.” above or below the tab staff, while harmonics are represented by a “<” symbol followed by the fret number.
Example of palm muting:
E|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|---4---4---4---4-|
D|---4---4---4---4-|
A|---2---2---2---2-|
E|-----------------|
PM PM PM PM In this example, you would palm mute the power chord (E5) by lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing.
Example of a natural harmonic:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---<5>-------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|To play a natural harmonic, you would lightly touch the G string directly above the fifth fret (without pressing down) and then pick the string.
Tapping is indicated with a “T” or “^” symbol, while sweep picking is often represented by arpeggiated chords connected by a vertical line or a curved bracket.
Example of tapping:
E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|---5^7-------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|In this example, you would pick the fifth fret of the G string and then tap the seventh fret with a finger from your picking hand without using the pick.
Example of sweep picking:
E|---7-------|
B|----8------|
G|-----9-----|
D|------10---|
A|-----------|
E|-----------|
For sweep picking, you would play the arpeggiated chord (one note at a time) using a single, continuous downstroke or upstroke motion across the strings. This technique requires precise coordination between your fretting and picking hands.
When learning a new piece, practice at a slow tempo to ensure proper finger placement and technique. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Focus on mastering smaller sections before attempting the entire piece for challenging passages. This will help build your confidence and improve your overall playing.
A metronome helps you maintain a consistent tempo and improve your sense of timing. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the piece.
Consistency is key to mastering guitar tabs. Make time for regular practice sessions, and you’ll see significant improvement in your playing.
Listening to the original recording of a song can provide valuable insight into how the artist plays the piece. This will help you understand the nuances and dynamics of the music.
Analyze the techniques and fingerings used in the tab and adapt them to suit your playing style and physical capabilities. This may involve adjusting finger positions, using alternate picking techniques, or experimenting with different picking hand positions.
Share your progress with other guitarists, either in-person or online. Receiving feedback and constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your technique.
As you become more comfortable with a piece, try to memorize the tablature. This will improve your playing and help you internalize the music and make it a part of your repertoire.
While learning guitar using only tabs is possible, it’s essential to supplement your learning with other resources, such as chord charts, scales, and music theory lessons. Combining these resources will provide a well-rounded understanding of the instrument and improve your overall musicianship.
Guitar tabs do have some limitations, as they primarily focus on finger placement and may not always provide information on note duration or dynamics. However, by listening to the original recordings and practicing with a metronome, you can overcome these limitations and develop a better sense of timing and expression.
Numerous websites offer free guitar tabs for a wide range of songs and genres. You can also purchase guitar tab books or subscribe to online platforms with extensive libraries of licensed tabs. When searching for tabs, make sure to select accurate and well-transcribed versions to ensure the best learning experience.
You can create your guitar tabs using various software programs or online platforms. Creating your own tabs is an excellent way to transcribe your favorite songs or document your original compositions.
To improve your sight-reading skills, practice reading and playing new tabs regularly. Start with simple pieces and gradually progress to more complex compositions. Sight-reading exercises and rhythm drills can also help you develop better timing and accuracy.
Although guitar tabs are primarily designed for the guitar, they can sometimes be adapted for other stringed instruments, such as bass guitar, ukulele, or mandolin. However, it’s essential to consider the differences in tuning, string count, and instrument-specific techniques when using guitar tabs for other instruments.
Guitar tabs may not always provide explicit information about strumming patterns. To determine the strumming pattern of a song, listen to the original recording and pay close attention to the rhythm and dynamics of the guitar parts. You can also search for supplementary resources, such as video tutorials or articles that provide more details on the strumming patterns used in specific songs.
By understanding the basics of guitar tabs and mastering advanced techniques, you’ll be well on your way to learning new songs, solos, and riffs. Remember to practice regularly, start slow, and use the tips provided in this guide to enhance your guitar playing skills. With patience and dedication, you’ll soon become an accomplished guitarist, capable of easily tackling even the most complex tablature.
