How To Read Guitar Tabs

Guitar playing is an art form, an expression, and for many, a way to communicate feelings and stories. But before we dive into riffs, solos, and those dreamy progressions, it's essential to know how to interpret the language of the guitar - the guitar tablature.

Recognized by beginners and experts alike, guitar tablature, often shortened to "tabs," offers a concise roadmap to your favorite songs and compositions.

What Is Guitar Tablature?

Tablature, or tabs for short, is a method used since the 1400s to denote the specific frets and strings that a guitarist should play. Rooted in history, this notation system has helped countless guitar players turn their musical aspirations into reality.

While standard music notation represents pitches and rhythms on a set of five lines, guitar tablature takes a more guitar-centric approach. Tabs reflect the guitar's fretboard, offering a visual guide of where to place your fingers. For those embarking on their musical journey, understanding tabs can be the key to unlocking vast landscapes of guitar music, making the process of learning songs both easier and faster.

Anatomy of a Tab

If you've ever seen a series of horizontal lines stacked with numbers, you've stumbled upon the world of guitar tabs. Each of these lines represents a string on your guitar, from the low E (thickest) string at the bottom to the high E (thinnest) string at the top. It's a mirror image of your guitar, placed horizontally.

The numbers on these lines denote which fret to press on. For example, a "3" on the top line means you'd press down the third fret on the high E string. Moving from the thickest string to the thinnest, you'll encounter strings named low E, A string, D string, and high E, among others.

What Are the Basic Tab Symbols and Techniques?

Tabs don't just contain numbers. They're also adorned with a myriad of symbols, each representing a specific guitar technique. If you've heard of terms like "hammer-on," "pull-offs," or "vibrato," you'll be pleased to know these are all guitar techniques frequently used by guitarists to embellish their playing.

• Hammer-On & Pull-Offs: These are represented by the symbols "h" and "p" respectively. When you see a "2h3" on a tab, it means to play the second fret and then hammer onto the third fret without plucking the string again. A "3p2" would mean the opposite - play the third fret and pull off to the second.

• Vibrato: The wavy line above a note signifies vibrato. It requires the fretting hand to rapidly bend and release the note, creating a rich, vibrating sound.

• Palm Muting: Represented by "P.M.," this is when the picking hand lightly touches the strings, giving the notes a muted sound. Perfect for those chuggy rock riffs!

• Slide Up/Down: Symbols like "/" or "" indicate slides. So, "⅔" would mean you slide from the second to the third fret.

By incorporating these techniques into your guitar playing, you're not just learning to read music, but also to express it.

How To Read Tabs for Chords, Progressions, and Strumming Patterns

While single notes are the building blocks, chords are the foundation of most guitar music. In a tab, chords are represented by numbers stacked vertically. This indicates that these notes should be played simultaneously. For example:

e|----0----|
B|----1----|
G|----0----|
D|----2----|
A|----3----|
E|----0----|

This is a C major chord. When you encounter such structures, you'll often use multiple fingers on your fretting hand, based on the complexity of the chord.

Strumming patterns give life to these chords. They're often indicated above the tab with symbols denoting down strums (D) and up strums (U). With Rocksmith+, you can visualize and practice these patterns, making your transition from reading tabs to playing music smooth and enjoyable.

Moving Between Frets and Strings

Reading different notes on different strings happens from left to right, across all of the strings, note by note. For example, if the 1st fret is played on the low E string twice, but the 3rd fret of the A string is marked in between those two notes, the playing order would be as follows:

• E string 1st fret

• A string 3rd fret

• E string 1st fret

Your fretting hand, especially the index and middle finger, will play a pivotal role in these movements. As you progress, you'll encounter techniques like legato, where notes flow smoothly together, or muted notes, which add percussive elements to your playing. This musical journey, filled with discoveries and milestones, becomes all the more interactive and engaging with Rocksmith+ guiding you every step of the way.

What Are Some Advanced Tab Techniques?

As you grow in your guitar journey, tabs will introduce more intricate techniques:

• Bends: When you see something like "7b9," it implies that you should bend the string at the 7th fret until it sounds like the 9th fret. This requires pushing the string either upwards or downwards with your fretting hand.

• Harmonics: Represented by a "<12>," it signifies you play the harmonic on the 12th fret. Harmonics give a bell-like sound and are a beautiful addition to any guitarist's toolkit.

• Legato Techniques: Involves playing multiple notes with a single pick motion. This is where hammer-ons and pull-offs come into play, allowing for smooth transitions between higher and lower notes.

How To Decipher Rhythms in Tablature

Tabs predominantly tell you where to play, but not always when. However, some advanced tabs will offer rhythmic clues. Numbers might be spaced out for longer durations or placed closer together for quicker sequences. Sometimes, standard music notation might accompany the tab to indicate rhythm.

Tabs and sheet music complement each other. While tabs give you the location, sheet music provides the rhythm and timing.

Bridging Guitar Tabs and Music Theory

Guitar tabs are fantastic for getting you started, but there's a world beyond them: music theory. Understanding the theory behind the notes you play helps you appreciate, improvise, and even compose music. Knowing the why behind what can make your guitar-playing journey even more fulfilling.

For instance, when playing solos or riffs, understanding scales and progressions will allow you to create more fluid and creative runs. While you might start with tabs, knowing the underlying theory can elevate your playing from mere imitation to true artistry.

From Novice to Pro With Rocksmith+

Reading guitar tabs is like deciphering a language. And just like any language, practice makes you fluent. Whether you're practicing single notes on the high E string or complex solos encompassing the entire fretboard, remember to stay patient, persistent, and positive.

Platforms like Rocksmith+ are there to guide you through the intricacies, offer real-time feedback, and provide a vast library of songs to practice. With interactive music learning apps, your journey from being a beginner guitar enthusiast to a seasoned player becomes engaging and rewarding.

Sources:

How Old is Guitar Tab? | The American Guitar Academy

Guitar Vibrato Technique | Hub Guitar

Harmonics | Definition, Sound & Techniques - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com