How To Read TABs Guitar Beginners BASIC

e--------- thiniest string

B---------

G---------

D---------

A---------

E--------- thickest string

e--------- 

B----5---- <= fret number

G---------

D-------0- <= fret number

A---------

E---------

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).

Need a tune-up?

get in Tune your acoustic or electric guitar: