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If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play the guitar, understanding how to read guitar tablature (tabs) is an essential skill. Guitar tabs are a form of musical notation that make it easy for beginners and seasoned musicians alike to learn songs quickly. In this article, we’ll explore everything from the basics of what guitar tabs are, to more advanced techniques such as bending strings, employing hammer-ons, and mastering finger tapping. With comprehensive guides and step-by-step instructions, this blog will equip you with the knowledge needed to decode any piece of guitar tablature you come across.
WHAT ARE GUITAR TABS?
Guitar tabs are a simplified form of musical notation, specifically for the guitar. Unlike standard musical notation, which uses staffs and notes, guitar tabs use a series of lines and numbers to represent where your fingers should be placed on the strings. This type of notation is especially useful for guitarists, both beginners and advanced, because it visually simplifies the process of learning new songs.
Each line in a guitar tab represents one of the six strings on a standard guitar. The numbers indicate which fret should be pressed down. Guitar tabs often include additional symbols to represent different playing techniques, making it a very comprehensive form of notation. The ease of reading tabs allows players to focus more on their performance and technique rather than interpreting complex musical scores.
HOW TO READ GUITAR TABS
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO READ GUITAR TABS?
Before diving into reading guitar tabs, you need to familiarize yourself with two main components: the guitar’s strings and frets. Each of the six lines in a tab corresponds to a string on the guitar. These lines are often labeled with letters that represent the notes of open strings: E-A-D-G-B-e from top to bottom. Knowing this will help you understand which string you should be playing.
Next, you’ll see numbers on these lines. These numbers indicate the frets that you should press down on the corresponding string. For instance, a “2” on the A string means you should place your finger on the second fret of the A string. A “0” denotes an open string, meaning you should play the string without pressing any frets. Mastering these basics will pave the way for more advanced techniques.
UNDERSTANDING THE GUITAR TAB STAFF
The guitar tab staff consists of six horizontal lines that represent the six strings of the guitar. The bottom line indicates the lowest string (E), and the top line represents the highest string (e). When reading tabs, imagine that you are looking down at your guitar from above. The numbers placed on these lines indicate which fret should be pressed and on which string.
Guitar tabs are read from left to right, much like traditional text. Each segment of numbers across the lines represents one chord or note to be played simultaneously. Familiarizing yourself with the guitar tab staff and how to navigate it is the first step towards decoding any piece of music written in tabs.
UNDERSTANDING GUITAR FRETS
Frets are the metal strips that run across the neck of your guitar. Each fret represents a half-step change in pitch. In a tab, numbers indicate which fret you should press down on the corresponding string to play a note. For example, a number “3” on the low E string means you should press the third fret on that string.
Understanding and identifying frets quickly is crucial for reading guitar tabs effectively. Practicing scales and simple melodies will help you become more familiar with fret positions, enabling you to read and play tabs more fluidly.
UNDERSTANDING GUITAR TAB CHORDS
Chords in guitar tabs are indicated by a series of vertical numbers on the staff. Each number aligns with a specific string and fret, and all the numbers positioned vertically should be played simultaneously. This setup allows you to quickly understand how to position your fingers to form the chord.
For instance, if you see “0-2-2-1-0-0” aligned vertically across the six lines, you are being instructed to play an E major chord. Each number corresponds to the frets you need to press on each string, with “0” indicating open strings that shouldn’t be pressed down. Learning common chord shapes will speed up your ability to read and play complex tabs.
UNDERSTANDING GUITAR TAB RIFFS
Riffs are sequences of notes often played as a central element of a song. In guitar tabs, riffs are written similarly to chords, but they are played in sequence rather than simultaneously. Understanding how to read and play riffs is essential in mastering the melodies and hooks of many popular songs.
A riff in a tab might look like a series of numbers along one or multiple strings, such as “7-5-7-5-3-0”. This notation tells you to play the seventh fret of the specified string, followed by the fifth fret, the seventh fret again, and so on. Practicing riffs can enhance your speed and precision in playing tabs.
UNDERSTANDING GUITAR TABS VS CHORD CHARTS
While both guitar tabs and chord charts aid in learning songs, they serve different purposes. Chord charts display chords using a grid system and are useful for rhythm guitarists who need to know what chords to play during a song. Each box in a chord chart represents a string and fret, indicating exactly where your fingers should go.
Guitar tabs, on the other hand, provide a more detailed view that includes specific string and fret instructions for playing both chords and melodies. Tabs are versatile and cater to both lead and rhythm guitarists. Understanding when to use each type can elevate your guitar-playing skills.
UNDERSTANDING FINGERS AND NUMBERS
PLAY GUITAR IN REAL PERFORMANCES ONSTAGE
In guitar tabs, numbers are not only used to represent frets but sometimes to indicate which fingers to use. For example, numbers 1 to 4 can represent the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers, respectively. Knowing when and how to use each finger can make playing more efficient and comfortable.
This becomes particularly important during live performances, where quick and accurate finger placement can significantly affect the quality of your play. Practicing with correct finger positioning as indicated in the tabs will prepare you for performing seamlessly onstage.
HOW TO READ GUITAR TAB SYMBOLS
Guitar tabs often use additional symbols to represent various playing techniques. Some of the most common symbols include “h” for hammer-ons, “p” for pull-offs, “b” for bends, and “/” for slides. Becoming familiar with these symbols will enable you to read and perform more complex pieces.
Each symbol provides specific instructions on how to execute a note or sequence of notes. For example, “5h7” means you should play the fifth fret and then quickly hammer-on to the seventh fret without picking the string again. Mastering these symbols will broaden your versatility as a guitarist.
MUTING GUITAR NOTES
HOW TO MUTE GUITAR NOTES
Muting is an essential technique used to control the sound of your guitar. It involves silencing the strings either with your picking hand or fretting hand. In tabs, muting is often indicated by an “x” on the string line. This tells you to mute the string instead of letting it ring out.
To mute a string, gently place your fretting hand’s finger(s) on the string without pressing down. This action will dampen the string’s vibration, creating a percussive effect commonly used in various music genres.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: PALM MUTING
Palm muting involves using the side of your picking hand to mute the strings near the guitar’s bridge. This technique is often used in rock and metal genres to create a chunky, rhythmic sound. In tabs, palm muting is usually indicated by the letters “PM” above the tab staff.
To execute a palm mute, lightly rest the side of your picking hand on the strings while plucking them. The key is to find the balance between muting and allowing enough of the note’s tone to come through.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: MUTED NOTES
Muted notes are different from palm muting and usually indicated by an “x” on the tab staff. This technique involves lightly touching the string(s) to stop them from ringing, creating a choppy, percussive sound. Muted notes are often used in funk and rhythmic guitar playing.
To play a muted note, use your fretting hand to lightly touch the string(s) without pressing down. This stops the note from ringing out and creates a muted, rhythmic effect that adds texture to your playing.
BENDING GUITAR STRINGS
HOW TO BEND GUITAR STRINGS
Bending involves pushing or pulling a string across the fretboard to change the note’s pitch. In guitar tabs, bending is usually indicated by a “b” followed by the fret number to which the note should be bent. For example, “7b9” means you should bend the string at the seventh fret up to the pitch of the ninth fret.
To execute a bend, place your finger on the indicated fret and apply pressure while pushing or pulling the string. Listening carefully to achieve the correct pitch is crucial, especially when transitioning rapidly between notes during a performance.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: BENDING GUITAR STRINGS
Bending requires finger strength and control. It’s a technique often used to add expressiveness to solos and melodies. Practice bending by slowly increasing the pitch of a note and using your ear to ensure it’s accurate. Over time, you’ll develop the muscle memory needed to execute bends flawlessly.
Common bending techniques include half-step bends, whole-step bends, and bends followed by a release (“r” in tabs). Each method brings a different tonal quality and personality to your playing, making bends a versatile addition to your guitar skill set.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: PRE-BENDING GUITAR STRINGS
Pre-bending involves bending the string to the desired pitch before plucking it, indicated in tabs as “pb”. This technique creates a unique sound as the note starts already bent and then releases. For example, “pb(7)b5” indicates bending up to the seventh fret pitch and releasing back to the fifth fret pitch.
Pre-bending adds an expressive touch to your playing, often used in blues and rock genres. Practice by bending the string to a desired pitch before striking it with your pick, ensuring that the note starts with the bend and transitions smoothly.
SLIDING GUITAR NOTES
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: SLIDE UP
Sliding involves moving your finger up or down the fretboard from one note to another without lifting it off the string. An upward slide is usually indicated by a “/” in tabs. For example, “5/7” means you should play the fifth fret and slide up to the seventh fret.
To execute an upward slide, press down on the starting fret and pluck the string while moving your finger to the destination fret. The smooth transition between frets adds a fluid, melodic quality to your playing, often used in solos and lead lines.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: SLIDE DOWN
A downward slide involves moving your finger down the fretboard from a higher note to a lower one, indicated by a “\” in tabs. For instance, “7\5” means you should slide from the seventh fret down to the fifth fret.
To perform a downward slide, press down on the starting fret, pluck the string, and slide your finger to the destination fret. Downward slides are effective for transitioning between notes smoothly or ending a phrase with a satisfying drop in pitch.
PLAYING HAMMER-ONS ON THE GUITAR
HOW TO PLAY HAMMER-ONS ON THE GUITAR
Hammer-ons involve playing a note and then quickly pressing down on a higher fret of the same string without plucking it again. In guitar tabs, this technique is indicated by an “h” between two numbers, such as “5h7”, implying you should hammer on from the fifth to the seventh fret.
To execute a hammer-on, pluck the initial note and then, with enough force, press down on the subsequent higher fret with a different finger. This creates a seamless transition between notes and adds speed and fluidity to your playing.
PLAYING PULL-OFFS ON THE GUITAR
HOW TO PLAY PULL-OFFS ON THE GUITAR
Pull-offs are the reverse of hammer-ons. They involve playing a note, then quickly pulling your finger off the fret to let a lower note ring out on the same string. This technique is represented by a “p” in tabs, such as “7p5”, indicating a pull-off from the seventh to the fifth fret.
To execute a pull-off, pluck the initial note, then pull your finger off the higher fret while keeping another finger pressed on the lower fret. This creates a rapid, descending note sequence, adding complexity and speed to your playing.
PLAYING VIBRATO ON THE GUITAR
HOW TO PLAY VIBRATO ON THE GUITAR
Vibrato is a technique that involves oscillating the pitch of a note to give it a shimmering effect. In tabs, it’s often represented by a squiggly line or the letters “v” or “~” next to the note. Vibrato can add emotional intensity and sustain to a note, making it a staple in expressive playing.
To execute vibrato, play a note and then move your fretting finger up and down slightly, causing minor pitch variations. The motion can be quick or slow, depending on the desired effect. Practicing vibrato enhances your control and adds a professional touch to your performances.
TAPPING GUITAR
HOW TO FINGER TAP GUITAR
Tapping involves using a finger from your picking hand to “tap” the fretboard, creating rapid and complex note sequences. In tabs, this technique is often indicated by a “t”. For example, “t12” means you should tap on the twelfth fret. This technique is commonly used in rock and metal solos to achieve high-speed, intricate melodies.
To execute a finger tap, pluck a note with your fretting hand and then quickly tap on the indicated fret with a finger from your picking hand. This creates smooth transitions between notes and allows for fast, fluid playing across the neck.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: TWO-HANDED TAPPING
Two-handed tapping extends the finger tap technique by involving both hands in creating rapid note sequences. This technique is often represented in tabs with multiple “t” symbols. For example, “t7t12” indicates tapping on the seventh fret with your fretting hand and the twelfth fret with your picking hand.
Mastering two-handed tapping allows for blazing fast, intricate solos and is often used in progressive rock and metal. Start with basic tapping exercises and gradually increase speed and complexity as you become more comfortable with the technique.
STRUMMING GUITAR NOTES
HOW TO STRUM GUITAR NOTES
Strumming is a fundamental technique that involves sweeping your pick or fingers across multiple strings to produce a chord. In guitar tabs, strumming patterns are often indicated by arrows representing upstrokes and downstrokes. Smooth, consistent strumming is essential for rhythm guitar playing.
To strum, hold your pick between your thumb and index finger, and sweep it across the strings in a fluid motion. Practicing different strumming patterns will enhance your rhythm and timing, making you a more versatile guitarist.
GUITAR TECHNIQUE: PLAYING DOWNSTROKES AND UPSTROKES
Downstrokes involve striking the strings from the top down, while upstrokes involve hitting the strings from the bottom up. In tabs, downstrokes are often indicated by a downward arrow, and upstrokes by an upward arrow. Combining both techniques within a strumming pattern adds dynamics and texture to your playing.
Practicing downstrokes and upstrokes will help you develop a balanced, versatile strumming technique. Mixing these strokes within your playing will add variation and keep your strumming patterns interesting.
READY TO LEARN OTHER GUITAR TECHNIQUES?
Reading guitar tabs is just the beginning. Once you’ve mastered the basics, many other techniques await exploration. From advanced string bending to