e--------- thiniest string
B---------
G---------
D---------
A---------
E--------- thickest string
e---------
B----5---- <= fret number
G---------
D-------0- <= fret number
A---------
E---------
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
5on the top line means you press the 5th fret on the 1st (thinnest) string. - The number
0means 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
3on 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,
7h9means 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).
