Guitar tablature (TAB) is a simplified notation system that shows where to place your fingers on the fretboard rather than using traditional music notation. It’s ideal for beginners and widely used across acoustic and electric guitar communities.
Basics of Guitar TAB
- Six horizontal lines represent the six strings of the guitar:
- Top line = high E string (1st string)
- Bottom line = low E string (6th string)
- Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press:
- 0 = open string
- 3 = press the 3rd fret
- Read left to right to follow the sequence of notes.
Common TAB Symbols and Techniques
| Symbol | Meaning | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| h | Hammer-on | 5h7 = play 5th fret, hammer to 7th |
| p | Pull-off | 7p5 = play 7th fret, pull to 5th |
| / | Slide up | 5/7 = slide from 5th to 7th fret |
| \ | Slide down | 7\5 = slide from 7th to 5th fret |
| b | Bend | 7b9 = bend 7th fret to sound like 9th |
| r | Release bend | 9r7 = release bend back to 7th |
| ~ | Vibrato | 7~ = vibrato on 7th fret |
| x | Muted note (percussive hit) | x = mute string with fretting hand |
| PM | Palm mute | PM– |
| t | Tapping | t12 = tap 12th fret |
| ( ) | Ghost note (play very softly) | (3) = barely audible 3rd fret |
Tips for Reading TAB
- Stacked numbers indicate chords (e.g., 0 2 2 1 0 0 = E major).
- Arpeggios are shown as notes played sequentially across strings.
- Rhythm is not always included in basic TAB—listen to the song or use enhanced TABs with timing indicators.
Types of TAB Formats
- ASCII TAB: Plain text format, common online.
- Formal TAB: Found in books or software, often includes rhythm.
- Interactive TAB: Used in apps like Songster or Ultimate Guitar, often with playback.
