If you’re new to playing guitar, guitar tabs are one of the easiest ways to start learning songs. Tabs show you where to place your fingers on the strings using numbers and lines, making it much simpler than traditional sheet music. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tab Basics: Six lines represent the six guitar strings. Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press. For example, "0" means to play the string open.
- Chords and Notes: Numbers stacked vertically form chords, while single numbers represent individual notes.
- Symbols for Techniques: Tabs use symbols like "h" for hammer-ons, "p" for pull-offs, "/" for slides, and "b" for bends to show advanced techniques.
- Timing: Tabs may include rhythm markers like "|", "-", or "." to indicate note duration.
The Basics of Reading Guitar Tabs
How Guitar Tabs Are Organized
Guitar tabs give you a simple way to visualize your guitar strings. The top line stands for the thinnest string (high E), while the bottom line represents the thickest string (low E) [1].
Here’s how the strings match up with the tab lines:
e|--- (High E - 1st string)
B|--- (B - 2nd string)
G|--- (G - 3rd string)
D|--- (D - 4th string)
A|--- (A - 5th string)
E|--- (Low E - 6th string)
What the Numbers Mean
The numbers on guitar tabs show you which fret to press on each string. For example:
e|---3---
B|---0---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---3---
In this case, you press the 3rd fret on the high E and low E strings, the 2nd fret on the A string, and let the B, G, and D strings ring open [2][3].
When numbers are stacked vertically, they form a chord. This means you play all the notes at the same time. For example:
e|---0---
B|---0---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---2---
E|---0---
This notation tells you to strum all six strings together.
Symbols You’ll See in Tabs
In addition to numbers, tabs include symbols to show various playing techniques [1][3]. Here’s a quick guide:
| Symbol | What It Means | How to Play It |
|---|---|---|
| h | Hammer-on | Press the next fret after playing the first note |
| p | Pull-off | Lift your finger to let the previous note sound |
| / or \ | Slide | Move your finger up or down the string to the next fret |
| b | Bend | Push the string to change the pitch |
| ~ | Vibrato | Shake your finger on the fret for a wavy sound |
| x | Mute | Lightly touch the string to stop it from ringing |
These symbols help add style and emotion to your playing. With this knowledge, you’re ready to bring tabs to life and start playing your favorite songs!
How To Read Guitar Tabs (Beginner Guide)
Using Guitar Tabs to Play Music
These exercises are designed to help you connect tab notation to actual playing, building your confidence in reading and performing music.
Easy Riffs and Chords to Try
Start with the G major chord to practice forming basic shapes. Here’s how to position your fingers:
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string.
- Use your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Position your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string.
Let the other strings ring open for a full sound.
For single-note melodies, try this simple pattern:
e|---3---5---3---0---|
B|-------------------3|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|
Play each note slowly and clearly. Once you’re comfortable, focus on timing to bring the melody to life.
How to Understand Rhythm in Tabs
While tabs show you where to play, rhythm markers help you understand when to play:
- |: Divides measures (e.g.,
e|---3---|) - –: Indicates the duration between notes (e.g.,
e|---3---5---|) - .: Extends the duration of a note (e.g.,
e|---3...---|) - No space: Signals quick notes (e.g.,
e|3535|)
To practice timing, use a metronome set to a slow tempo (60-80 BPM). Count aloud as you play and focus on the spacing between notes. Many modern tabs also include rhythmic notation above the lines, making it easier to follow along [1].
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Tips for Getting Better at Reading Tabs
Improving Finger Placement
Getting your finger placement right is key to producing clear, clean notes when playing from tabs. Place your fingertips just behind the fret to avoid buzzing or muted sounds. Keep your hand relaxed, and position your thumb on the back of the neck for better control.
Use light pressure with your fingertips, pressing just enough to make the note ring clearly. Keep your wrist straight to avoid strain, and take short breaks to stretch your hands during practice.
When moving between frets, lift your fingers only slightly to clear the strings. This small adjustment helps you play faster and more accurately while reducing hand fatigue during longer sessions. Once you’ve nailed the basics, incorporate these habits into structured practice routines.
Practice Ideas for Beginners
After mastering finger placement, try these beginner-friendly exercises to improve your skills:
- Build the Basics: Start with single-string exercises, focusing on smooth transitions between frets. Gradually move on to scales like the C major scale in the first position:
e|---0---1---3---| B|---1---3---5---| G|---0---2---4---| D|---2---3---5---| A|---3---5-------| E|---3---5-------| - Play Simple Melodies: Pick out melodies from songs you know to connect what you’re learning with actual music. It’s a fun way to make tabs feel more natural while improving your technique.
Where to Find More Help with Guitar Tabs
TrueFire: Video Lessons with Synced Tabs
At TrueFire, learning guitar is a breeze with tabs and interactive video lessons. We offer over 80,000 lessons featuring multi-angle HD videos and synced tabs, allowing you to see exactly how pros play each note. Be sure to check out All Access, which gives you access to 30,000+ tabs, 20,000 jam tracks, and new content monthly.
Start Practicing with Tabs
Learning to read guitar tabs opens up endless possibilities for playing music. By grasping the basics of tab notation and rhythm markers, you’re ready to dive into practicing. Set aside 15-30 minutes daily to sharpen your skills – consistent practice makes a big difference.
Start with simple riffs or chords from earlier in this guide. Use a metronome to keep your timing steady, and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. Focus on finger placement and rhythm markers with each new tab you try. Enrolling in TrueFire All Access can help you expand your knowledge and refine your technique.
Connect with other guitar learners in online forums for advice and encouragement. Break down complex tabs into smaller sections, practice them slowly, and celebrate your progress along the way. Every guitarist begins as a beginner, and now you have the tools to read tabs, understand techniques, and practice effectively.
It’s time to put these skills to use – try out new songs, explore different styles, and enjoy the journey of learning guitar. With patience and regular practice, you’ll soon find yourself reading tabs with ease and playing with confidence.