How To Read TABs Guitar Beginners BASIC

Today we are going to talk about how to read Tabs and what it is.

The first thing you have to know about Tabs is basically a way for guitar players to communicate with each other what they're actually playing.

On this video from JustinGuitar' channel you will find a basic approach to learning Guitar Tabs.

(See also Easy Songs to play on Guitar)

Understanding the Basics

Tab Layout:

• Guitar tabs consist of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of the guitar.
• The bottom line is the thickest string (6th string, low E), and the top line is the thinnest string (1st string, high E).
• Think of it as the treble (high) notes at the top and bass (low) notes at the bottom.

Numbers on Lines:

• Numbers indicate which fret to press on the corresponding string.
• For example, a 5 on the top line means you press the 5th fret on the 1st (thinnest) string.
• The number 0 means you play the string open (without pressing any fret).

Playing Notes and Chords

Single Notes:

• A single number on a line means you play that note. For example, a 3 on the second line from the bottom means play the 3rd fret on the 5th string.

Chords:

• Numbers stacked vertically indicate notes to be played simultaneously.
• For example:

e|---3---
B|---0---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---3---

This represents a G chord, where you play all these notes together.

Special Symbols and Techniques

• Different symbols are used to represent techniques like hammer-ons (h), pull-offs (p), bends (b), slides (/ or \), etc.
• For example, 7h9 means play the 7th fret and hammer on to the 9th fret.

Rhythm and Timing

• Basic ASCII tabs (text-based tabs commonly found online) usually do not include rhythmic information.
• To understand the rhythm, you should listen to the song you are learning.

Advanced Tabs

• Professional tabs might include rhythmic notation above the tab lines or use standard notation along with tabs to show rhythm.
• This type of tab helps you understand not only where to play the notes but also when to play them.

Summary

• Lines represent strings: bottom line = thickest string, top line = thinnest string.
• Numbers indicate frets: a number on a line tells you which fret to press on that string.
• Zeros indicate open strings: play the string without pressing any fret.
• Vertical stacks indicate chords: numbers lined up vertically should be played simultaneously.
• Rhythm is usually not indicated in basic tabs, so listen to the song for timing.
• Techniques are represented by specific symbols (learn them as you encounter them).

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