How to Read Guitar TAB: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Read Guitar TAB: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re a beginner guitar player, chances are you’ve encountered guitar TAB (short for tablature) while searching for songs or tutorials. TAB is a simplified way to notate music specifically for stringed instruments like the guitar. It’s perfect for players who can’t read standard sheet music but still want to play their favorite songs. Let’s break down how to read TAB so you can start playing with confidence.

What Is Guitar TAB?

Guitar TAB is a visual representation of the guitar neck and strings. It uses six horizontal lines to represent the six strings of the guitar, with the bottom line corresponding to the thickest (low E) string and the top line representing the thinnest (high E) string.

Here’s an example of a blank TAB:

Each line represents a string, and numbers placed on these lines indicate which fret to press.

The Basics of Reading TAB

1. Strings and Lines
   • The bottom line is the low E string (thickest string).
   • The top line is the high E string (thinnest string).

   Think of the TAB as if the guitar is lying on your lap, with the low E string closest to you.

2. Numbers and Frets
   • Numbers indicate the fret you should press. For example, if you see this:
     e|—0—
     B|—1—
     G|—2—
     D|—2—
     A|—0—
     E|——-

     It tells you to play:

     • The open high E string (0 means no fret is pressed),
     • The 1st fret on the B string,
     • The 2nd fret on the G and D strings,
     • The open A string.

     This is a C major chord!

3. Order of Notes
   • TAB is read left to right, just like reading a book. Play each note in the order they appear.

Symbols and Techniques in TAB

Guitar TAB often includes additional symbols to indicate specific techniques. Here are the most common ones:

• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs:
  • Hammer-on: h (e.g., 5h7 means pick the 5th fret and then hammer onto the 7th fret without picking again).
  • Pull-off: p (e.g., 7p5 means play the 7th fret and then pull your finger off to let the 5th fret ring).
• Slides:
  • 7/9 means slide from the 7th fret to the 9th.
  • 9\7 means slide from the 9th fret back to the 7th.
• Bends:
  • 7b9 means bend the 7th fret note up to match the pitch of the 9th fret.
• Vibrato:
  • ~ indicates vibrato. For example, 7~ means play the 7th fret and add a vibrato effect by rapidly bending and relaxing the string.
• Palm Muting:
  • PM or x indicates palm muting, where you lightly rest your palm on the strings near the bridge for a muted sound.
• Dead Notes:
  • x on a string means to play a percussive, muted note by lightly resting your fingers on the string without pressing down. We call it scratching.

Practice Example: Simple Riff

Here’s a simple riff to practice reading TAB:

Steps:

1. Play the open A string (0 on the A line).
2. Play the 2nd fret on the D string.
3. Repeat the sequence while following the numbers left to right.

This riff is from “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple—one of the easiest songs to learn for beginners!

Tips for Reading TAB Effectively

1. Start Slow: Take your time with each note or chord. Speed will come with practice.
2. Combine with Listening: TAB doesn’t indicate rhythm. Listen to the song to understand timing and note duration.
3. Learn the Symbols: Familiarize yourself with common TAB symbols for techniques.
4. Practice Regularly: The more you use TAB, the faster you’ll become at reading it.

Final Thoughts

Learning to read TAB is a valuable skill that opens the door to countless songs and solos. While it doesn’t replace standard notation, TAB provides a quick and accessible way to start playing your favorite tunes right away. Whether you’re learning riffs, chords, or full songs, mastering TAB will help you grow as a guitarist.

Now grab your guitar, find a TAB of a song you love, and start playing! If you’re looking for personalized guidance or want to learn more about guitar techniques, consider taking guitar lessons in St. Louis with STL Rock School. We’ll help you rock out in no time! 🎸

Ready to learn? Sign up for a trial guitar lesson with us today and take your playing to the next level!