Guitarists use their own special type of musical notation, called "guitar tab" or "guitar tab" for short. Using tablature, a guitarist can play many songs without even learning to read a normal score. While tabs aren't a perfect method of describing music, they have allowed new generations of guitarists to quickly and easily share information on how to play songs around the world via the internet. Every guitarist should be able to read tablature - this is the kind of sheet music you'll find most commonly on the internet.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Tablatures for Notes and Chords
Step 1. Look at the tab as a representation of the guitar strings
A tablature is usually written using six horizontal lines, each corresponding to a chord. The bottom line represents the lowest and thickest string, while the top line represents the highest and thinnest. With standard tuning, the lines will represent, from bottom to top, E, A, Re, Sol, Si and E sing.
- Sing me ---------------------------------- || (thinner string)
- Yes ---------------------------------- ||
- Sol --------------------------------- ||
- King ---------------------------------- ||
- The ---------------------------------- ||
- Mi ---------------------------------- || (thicker rope)
Step 2. Refer to the numbers on each line to press the correct keys
Unlike normal sheet music, you won't find the notes to play on a tablature. You will find directions on where to put your fingers. The numbers on the lines correspond to the keys on the keyboard. Each number represents the fret of the string on which it is written. For example, a "1" on the lowest line indicates to play the lowest string by holding down the first fret.
If the number is greater than zero, you will need to press the corresponding fret when you play that string. (the first key is the one furthest from the sound box). If the number is 0, you will have to play the open string
Step 3. Play the vertically aligned numbers together
Often when reading a tablature you will find numbers that are vertically aligned. These are the agreements. Press the indicated keys, then play the notes at the same time. In some cases, the chord name will also be present. See example 2 below.
Step 4. Proceed from left to right
Tabs are read like books - from left to right, along a line, and then down vertically. Play the notes and chords in sequence as you read them from left to right.
- Note that most of the tabs do not indicate the rhythm at which to play the notes. The tabs may be divided into bars (usually indicated by vertical lines dividing the notes), but you will not find information on the duration of the notes within the bars. In these cases, it is best to listen to the song while reading the tab to find the rhythm.
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Some advanced tabs indicate rhythm - you'll usually find rhythmic markings at the top of the notation. Each symbol will be vertically aligned with a note or rest to indicate its duration. The most used rhythmic symbols include:
- w = semibreve h = minimum q = quarter note And = chroma s = sixteenth note. In some cases you will find & which indicate that a note should be played on the "and" of a bar.
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A period after the measure indicates that the corresponding note is dotted. Eg q.
= quarter note.
- To learn more about music notation read this article.
Step 5. Search for lyrics or chord changes
Many songs have guitar scores made up of chords only. This is especially true for accompanying guitars. In this case, the tablature may not use the typical notation but a simplified one that indicates only the chord changes. These chords will almost always be written with standard chord notation (Lamin = A minor, E7 = E dominant 7, etc.). Simply play the chords in the order they are listed - if not written otherwise, try playing one chord per bar, but if the change doesn't sound right, listen to the song for the strum pattern.
- In some cases, these chord changes are written above the lyrics of the song to give you an idea of when these chords are played, as in this section of the Beatles' "Twist and Shout" tab:
- (La7) ………………. (Re) …………… (Sol) ………… (La)
- Well shake it up baby, now (shake it up baby)
Part 2 of 3: Read the Special Symbols
Read Guitar Tabs Step 4 Step 1. Look for additional symbols in the tablature
As you can see in the example shown, many tabs are not just made up of lines and notes, but use a wide variety of special symbols that indicate how to play the notes. Most of the symbols refer to specific techniques - to play a song as closely as possible to the original, pay attention to these special symbols.
Read Guitar Tabs Step 4Bullet1 1 Step 2. Learn the symbol for hammer on
In a tablature, an "h" inserted between two notes (for example 7h9) indicates to perform a hammer on. To perform this technique, play the first note normally, then use one finger on the fingerboard to press the second note without making the string vibrate again with the other hand.
In some cases the symbol "^" is used (example 7 ^ 9)
Read Guitar Tabs 8 Step 3. Learn the symbol for pull offs
A "p" inserted between two notes (example 9p7) indicates to perform a pull off, which is the opposite technique to hammer on. Play the first note while using another finger to press the second note on the keyboard. Then quickly lift your finger on the fretboard from the first note. You will play the second note.
As with the hammer on, in some cases you will find the symbol "^" (example 9 ^ 7). In this case, you will be able to understand if it is a pull off or a hammer on if the second note will be higher or lower than the first
Read Guitar Tabs 9 Step 4. Learn the symbol for bending
If you see a "b" sandwiched between two numbers (example 7b9), put your finger on the first note and then bend the string until it sounds like the second.
In some cases the second number will be in parentheses or the "b" will be omitted. If there is an "r", it means that the bend must be released (example 7b9r7)
Read Guitar Tabs 10 Step 5. Learn the slide symbols
Perform a simple slide by playing a note, moving your finger across the keyboard without lifting it, and then playing another note. An ascending slide is indicated with "/", while a descending slide is indicated with "\" (example 7/9 / 7).
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A lowercase "s" usually indicates a bound slide. It is similar to a normal slide, but where you only have to play the first note. Get to the second note by simply moving your hand across the keyboard.
Read Guitar Tabs 10b1 Guitarists often argue whether a light strum is needed on the final note of the slide. The most important thing to remember is to leave no space between the notes
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Slide shifts are indicated with a capital "S". In this case, play the final note without playing the starting note.
Read Guitar Tabs 10b2
Step 6. Learn the symbols for vibrato
If your guitar has a vibrato shaft, follow these symbols to get these signature effects.
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If you see a "\ n /," where n = a number, perform a dip tremolo. Quickly move and release the rod to decrease the pitch of the note. The number between the slashes gives you an indication of the note you should get - decrease the note by "n" semitones (a semitone is the distance between two adjacent frets). "\ 5 /" for example, indicates to decrease the note by 5 semitones.
Read Guitar Tabs 11b1 - If you see "\ n," where n = a number, play the note "n," then press the vibrato shaft all the way down to decrease the pitch of the note a lot.
- If you see "n /," raise the rod after playing the note "n" to increase its pitch. On some guitars, you can also reverse the shaft setting to cause the shaft to reduce the pitch by raising it and lowering it by pressing it.
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If you see "/ n \," do an inverted dip by first pressing the rod, then raising it. As in the previous case, you can also use the inverted setting.
Read Guitar Tabs 11b4
Read Guitar Tabs 12 Step 7. Learn the symbols for vibrato
Look for a "~" or "v". if you see these symbols, vibrato on the previous note. Play the note, then use your hand on the fingerboard to quickly bend and release the string, causing the note to vibrate.
Step 8. Learn the mute symbols
Many symbols indicate different methods of obtaining "mutated" sounds.
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If you see an "x" or a dot under the number, change the string. Put your finger on the fretboard over the indicated string to produce a dull sound. Multiple "x" in a vertical line, on adjacent strings, indicate a rake - you will need to change multiple strings at a time.
Read Guitar Tabs 13b1 -
If you see "PM", you will need to play palm muting. If you play right, gently place your right palm on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. When you play the notes (with the same hand that is changing the strings) you should hear the pitch of the note, but without vibrations. Bring your hand closer to the keys to soften the notes even more.
Read Guitar Tabs 13b2
Read Guitar Tabs 14 Step 9. Learn the symbols for tapping
Tapping is usually represented with a "t". If you see a "t" in a series of notes (example 2h5t12p5p2), use one finger of your right hand (if you are right) to press hard on the indicated key. This is a useful technique for achieving quick and fast note changes.
Step 10. Learn the symbols for the harmonics
Guitar tabs differentiate between different harmonic techniques - Argentine sounds created by particular techniques.
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For natural harmonics, the fret number is surrounded by "" (example). If you see this symbol, place your finger on the metal line to the right of the fret, not the center of the fret. Then play the string to get a clear bell-like tone.
Read Guitar Tabs 15b1 -
Artificial harmonics are indicated by numbers in square brackets (example [n]). To play an artificial harmonic, play the note with your right hand while touching it with the thumb of the same hand. Use your left hand to vibrato and sustain the note better. Artificial harmonics are difficult. They require a lot of practice.
Read Guitar Tabs 15b2 Note: Artificial harmonics are best suited to electric guitars with distortion and bridge pickups
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The pressed harmonics are indicated by two notes, the second of which is in brackets (example n (n)). The harmonics pressed are like the natural ones, but moved along the neck. Press the first note, then use one finger of your right hand to play the string in the second position.
Read Guitar Tabs 15b3
Read Guitar Tabs 16 Step 11. Learn the symbol for the trill
When you see "tr" written in the tablature, it will usually be between (or above) two notes. It is often accompanied by a series of ~. This simply means playing the first note, then doing a quick hammer on on the second note, a pull off on the first, and so on.
Read Guitar Tabs 17 Step 12. Learn the symbol for tremolo picking
"TP" indicates that you should tremolo pick the note - basically, play the same note over and over as fast as you can. In some cases the TP symbol is followed by a series of ~ or - to give you an idea of how long the technique should last.
Part 3 of 3: Read Sample TAB
Step 1. Look at the following tablature
Note the presence of many three-note chords and some descending notes on higher strings. In the following steps, we will analyze this bar-by-bar tablature.
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- Mi --------------- 3-0 -------------------- ||
- Yes ------------------- 3-0 ---------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 --------------- 2-0 ------------ ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------ ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------ ||
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Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------ ||
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Step 2. Start with the leftmost chord
In this case, you will first need to play an E power chord (middle finger on the second fret of the A string, ring finger on the second fret of the D string and open E string) by playing those three strings (E, A, D) once. Play the string indicated by the brackets:
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- Mi ------------- 3-0 ----------------- ||
- Yes ---------------- 3-0 -------------- ||
- Sol ---- 777 ----------- 2-0 ----------- ||
- Re- (2) -777--777 -------------------- ||
- La- (2) -555--777 -------------------- ||
- Mi- (0) ------ 555 -------------------- ||
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Step 3. Move on to the next two chords
The next chord you should play is an A power chord on the fifth fret three times. So put your index finger on the fifth fret of A, your middle finger on the seventh fret of D, and your ring finger on the seventh fret of G. fifth fret of E, and your other fingers on the seventh frets of the A and D strings. Play the chords in the sequence indicated in parentheses below.
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- Mi ------------- 3-0 ----------------- ||
- Yes ---------------- 3-0 -------------- ||
- Sol --- (7) 77 ----------- 2-0 ---------- ||
- Re-2 - (7) 77--777 ------------------- ||
- La-2 - (5) 55--777 ------------------- ||
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Mi-0 --------- 555 ------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------- ||
- Yes ------------------ 3-0 ------------ ||
- Sol --- 7 (7) 7 ------------ 2-0 --------- ||
- Re-2--7 (7) 7--777 ------------------- ||
- La-2--5 (5) 5--777 ------------------- ||
Mi-0 --------- 555 ------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------- ||
- Yes ------------------ 3-0 ------------ ||
- Sol --- 77 (7) ------------ 2-0 --------- ||
- Re-2--77 (7) - 777 ------------------- ||
- La-2--55 (5) - 777 ------------------- ||
Mi-0 --------- 555 ------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------- ||
- Yes ------------------ 3-0 ------------ ||
- Sol --- 777 -------------- 2-0 --------- ||
- Re-2--777 - (7) 77 ------------------- ||
- La-2--555 - (7) 77 ------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- (5) 55 ------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------- ||
- Yes ------------------ 3-0 ------------ ||
- Sol --- 777 -------------- 2-0 --------- ||
- Re-2--777--7 (7) 7 ------------------- ||
- La-2--555--7 (7) 7 ------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5 (5) 5 ------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------- ||
- Yes ------------------ 3-0 ------------ ||
- Sol --- 777 -------------- 2-0 --------- ||
- Re-2--777--77 (7) ------------------- ||
- La-2--555--77 (7) ------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 55 (5) ------------------- ||
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Step 4. Play the single notes on the right
After the first three chords in the example, move to the right and play the single notes. Put your finger on the third fret of the E cantino, play the string once, then play the E sing empty, and so on for the six descending notes. Play the notes below in the order shown in parentheses:
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- Mi --------------- (3) -0 ------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- 3-0 ---------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ---------------- 2-0 ------------ ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
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Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3- (0) ------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- 3-0 ---------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ---------------- 2-0 ------------ ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- (3) -0 -------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ------------------ 2-0 ---------- ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- 3- (0) -------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ------------------ 2-0 ---------- ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- 3-0 ---------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ---------------- (2) -0 ---------- ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
- Mi --------------- 3-0 --------------------- ||
- Yes -------------------- 3-0 ---------------- ||
- Sol - 7-7-7 ---------------- 2- (0) ---------- ||
- Re-2-7-7-7-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
- La-2-5-5-5-7-7-7 ------------------------- ||
Mi-0 ------- 5-5-5 ------------------------- ||
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Step 5. Complete the song
Play chords and notes from left to right without stopping. Use your foot to accompany you, playing notes and chords as you tap your foot. Proceed slowly and carefully, increasing the speed only once you have mastered the tablature.
Advice
- Start reading tabs of simple songs you already know, so you know how they should sound.
- Some chord positions will seem strange to you at first. Find the best way to execute the deal.
- Read all the tablature carefully Some people use special symbols for slides, bends, pull-offs, and the like. In these cases, however, there should be a legend.
Warnings
Many tab sites you will find on the internet publish tabs without the consent of the artists. Making use of a legitimate site such as MxTabs.net or GuitarWorld.com will ensure that the tabs you use will be published with the artist's consent.
- Many tabs you will find on the internet are created by users and are not always accurate.
- The tablature will not help you understand and learn music theory, because it will only tell you where to place your fingers. In many books you will find tablature accompanied by sheet music. The tabs are also useful for experienced guitarists, but are perfect for beginners.
- One of the main flaws of tablatures is that they don't contain any tempo notation. If you find it hard to keep up with the rhythm of the song, try another song or learn to read a sheet music.
- Some musicians don't want their works to be released without permission, so be careful what you post on the net.
In addition to not providing tempo information, tablature does not communicate musical information such as the separation between melody and accompaniment, melodic contour, and other complex musical details.
