- Understand the basics of guitar tabs.
- Decipher symbols and notations in tabs.
- Tips for smoothly transitioning from reading to playing.
Guitar tabs, or tablature, offer a simplified way to read music specifically designed for the guitar or bass. They’re popular among beginners and experienced players alike. They may look slightly like traditional music notation, but they differ significantly.
Traditional music notation is precise and provides a universal visual language that translates with various instruments. But it can be a bit confusing to guitarists, especially beginners.
Tabs provide a quick route to learn and play songs without traditional music notation. Their presentation plays a crucial role in their ease of use for guitarists. Things like sight reading are much easier when the visual layout resembles the instrument’s fretboard.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to read tablature. You’ll know all the fundamental symbols and their meanings and understand the pros and cons of tabs. Then, you’ll be playing covers of your favorite songs in no time.
Understanding the Layout
Strings and Lines
A tab consists of horizontal lines or consecutive dashes, each line representing a string on the guitar. The top line corresponds to the highest string, while the bottom represents the lowest string. Sometimes, all the strings are capitalized except the highest (e.g., the high E in standard tuning would be ‘e’).
With a 6-string guitar tuned to E standard, the strings from top to bottom are EBGDAE (EADGBE reversed) in tabs.
Numbers and Frets
Numbers written on these lines indicate which fret to press. For instance, you can write a ‘7’ on the D string to show an A note on that line.
Decoding Symbols in Guitar Tabs
Tabs aren’t just about numbers. They come with specific symbols, each denoting a particular playing technique.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Represented by ‘h’ and ‘p,’ these techniques involve quick transitions between notes without re-picking the string.
For example, say you want to hammer on C from the open A string. That would be depicted with a 0 h 3 sequence on that line.
Now, say you want to pull off a D to a C on the G string. This can be notated on that string with ‘7 p 5.’
Slides
A ‘/’ indicates a slide up to a higher note, while a ‘\\’ denotes a slide down. For instance, ‘0 / 8’ can be written to show a slide up to F from the open A string. A slide from E back down to open A on that string can be written as ‘7 \\ 0.’
Slides can also be notated with diagonal lines and sometimes emphasized with a curved line below or above the strings.
Bends
The ‘b’ symbol means you bend the string, raising its pitch. Say you want to bend a D note on the G string up a step to E. This can be portrayed with ‘7 b 9’ on the G string line.
Muted Strum
An ‘X’ on a string means stringing or plucking it while muted, producing a percussive sound.
Notice the arrows underneath the above tabs. They’re indicating whether to strum up or down.
Confusingly, the arrows refer to the strum direction on your guitar, not the tabs. Remember that tablature lines are stacked by note frequency, with the lowest at the bottom, the highest at the top, etc. They don’t (necessarily) match the physical layout of the fretboard.
Also, in this context, muting is distinct from palm muting, typically notated with ‘PM’ above the associated tabs.
Rhythmic Nuances
One limitation of tabs is their general lack of rhythmic information. To overcome this:
- Listen to the Song: Always try to accompany your practice with the actual song. This helps in understanding the rhythm and timing.
- Look for Rhythmic Notations: Some advanced tabs might include rhythmic symbols (like rests and note stems) but are not standard.
Tips To Get Better At Reading Tabs
Reading tabs is a skill; like any skill, it improves with practice.
Start Slow
Especially with complex songs, begin at a slow pace. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable, and use a metronome if possible. Isolate and focus on problem sections.
Simple Songs First
Before tackling that intricate solo, start with more straightforward songs to build confidence.
Active Listening
As you read the tab, listen to the song. This helps in associating tab notations with actual musical sounds.
Tabs vs. Sheet Music
While tabs are generally guitar-specific and show finger placements, sheet music provides a more holistic view, including rhythm and key. For a deeper understanding of music, learning both can be very beneficial.
Create Your Own Tabs
Once you’re familiar with reading tabs, why not create your own? It’s a great way to internalize songs and share your interpretations with others.
Wrapping Up
Reading guitar tabs is a gateway to learn and play songs quickly. While they might lack the depth of traditional music notation, their simplicity and directness make them a favorite among guitarists. So, pick up your guitar, find a tab of your favorite song, and start playing!
Additional Reading
What are the pros and cons of guitar tablature?
The pros of using guitar tabs are that they’re relatively straightforward to read and write. Cons include that they must be more precise and comprehensive than traditional notation and often require accompanying audio.
What are the best guitar tablature resources?
Numerous online platforms and apps offer guitar tabs, with Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr being among the most popular. Ultimate Guitar probably has the most extensive (largely user-submitted) library. But Songsterr’s layout is more advanced and easy to follow, even featuring rhythmic indicators.
Are guitar tabs better than traditional notation?
Tabs are more straightforward for guitarists, showing finger placements directly. Traditional notation provides a more holistic view of the music itself. Both have their merits; it depends on the player’s goals. Tabs are great for quickly learning covers on guitar or bass. Notation is excellent for complex musical arrangements, especially in professional ensemble settings.
Are there tabs for other instruments besides guitar?
Yes, tablature systems exist for various stringed instruments, including bass, banjo, and ukulele. Each is tailored to the specific instrument, showing finger or fret placements. There are even drum tabs, which you can read about here.
