Learning to play the guitar can feel overwhelming for beginners, especially when confronted with sheet music or unfamiliar notation. Thankfully, guitar tabs are a beginner-friendly way to read and play music on guitar.
Guitar tablature (or "tabs") provides a straightforward way for anyone, even those without prior music theory knowledge, to start playing songs right away. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the essentials of reading guitar tabs step-by-step, so you can confidently bring your favorite tunes to life.
This guide is perfect for anyone searching for guitar tabs for beginners and looking for a hassle-free introduction to this essential skill.
What Are Guitar Tabs?
Guitar tabs, short for guitar tablature, are a simplified form of musical notation designed specifically for guitarists. Unlike standard sheet music, guitar tabs convey exactly where to place your fingers on the frets, making it an excellent tool for beginners with no prior experience in reading traditional music.
Key Features of Guitar Tabs:
Tabs consist of six horizontal lines, each representing a string on the guitar.
Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press on that string.
Symbols are used to describe techniques like bends, slides, and hammer-ons.
Tabs are widely used in printed songbooks, online tutorials, and across music-sharing platforms, making them one of the most accessible tools for learning guitar.
How to Read Guitar Tabs: Step-by-Step
If you’re new to guitar tabs, understanding them might seem confusing at first. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.
1. Understand the Guitar Tab Layout
A standard guitar tab consists of six horizontal lines, each representing one string of the guitar. The lines are laid out as follows:
The top line represents the high E string (the thinnest string).
The bottom line represents the low E string (the thickest string).
Here’s an example of how a blank guitar tab might look:
e|--------------------------| (High E string)
B|--------------------------| (B string)
G|--------------------------| (G string)
D|--------------------------| (D string)
A|--------------------------| (A string)
E|--------------------------| (Low E string)
2. Learn What the Numbers Mean
The numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press down on a specific string. For instance:
e|---0------------------|
B|---1------------------|
G|---2------------------|
D|---2------------------|
A|---0------------------|
E|----------------------|
In this case, the numbers tell you to:
Play open on the low E (no fretting required).
Press the 1st fret on the B string.
Press the 2nd fret on the G and D strings.
Play open on the A string.
When played together, this forms an E major chord. If the tab has "0," it means an open string (no fret is pressed).
3. Understanding Symbols and Techniques
Guitar tabs often include additional symbols to represent different playing techniques. Here’s a quick guide:
h (hammer-on): Play the first note, then press another fret without picking again (e.g., 5h7 means pick the 5th fret, then hammer-on the 7th fret).
p (pull-off): Opposite of a hammer-on; pluck the first note, then release to play a lower fret (e.g., 7p5).
/ (slide up): Slide your finger up the neck to a higher fret (e.g., 5/7).
\ (slide down): Slide your finger down the neck (e.g., 7\5).
b (bend): Push the string to raise the pitch (e.g., 7b9 means bend the 7th fret note to sound like the 9th fret note).
~ (vibrato): Shake or wobble the string for a vibrato effect (e.g., 7~).
Here’s an example combining these symbols in a tab:
e|----------------------------------------------|
B|--5h7--7p5--5/7--7\5--5b7--5~-----------------|
G|----------------------------------------------|
By practicing these symbols, you’ll be able to replicate advanced techniques and add flair to your playing.
4. Read Tabs for Timing and Rhythm
One of the limitations of guitar tabs is that they don’t indicate timing or rhythm. Beginners often get confused when to play each note.
To address this:
Listen to the song while following along with the tab. This will help you grasp the timing of each note or chord.
Many online tab platforms, like Ultimate Guitar, include "Tab Pro" features that provide play-along tools with precise timing.
5. Learn Chords Using Guitar Tabs
Tabs also make learning chords incredibly simple. A chord is when several strings are played
simultaneously. In tablature, chords are shown as stacked numbers, like this:
e|---0---|
B|---1---|
G|---0---|
D|---2---|
A|---3---|
E|---x---|
In this example, you’re playing a C major chord:
The "0s" indicate open strings.
The numbers show which frets to press.
The "x" means you don’t play that string.
Strum all the strings except the low E, and you’ve got a C major chord!
Best Tips for Reading Guitar Tabs for Beginners
Now that you understand the basics, let’s look at some guitar learning tips to make reading tabs easier and more enjoyable.
1. Start Simple
Focus on easy songs and riffs when starting out. Tracks like "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes are iconic and beginner-friendly songs with straightforward tabs.
2. Use Reputable Tab Resources
Not all tabs you find online are accurate. Stick to trusted platforms like Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, or even guitar tutorials on YouTube. These platforms often include vetted tabs or interactive play-along features.
3. Practice Common Riffs and Scales
Familiarize yourself with easy riffs and scales to get comfortable navigating the fretboard. For instance:
Try the minor pentatonic scale, which forms the foundation of many solos.
Play iconic riffs like:
"Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream
"Come As You Are" by Nirvana
4. Combine Tabs with Listening
Listening to the song you’re practicing is essential. It helps you match the tab’s fret instructions with timing, rhythm, and dynamics.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
Like any new skill, reading guitar tabs takes time and repetition. Focus on accuracy first, then work on speed. Progress may seem slow at first, but consistent practice will lead to noticeable improvements.
Common Mistakes When Learning Guitar Tabs
Mistake 1: Ignoring Finger Positioning
Beginners may use inefficient finger placements, making it harder to play fluently. Use proper positioning for better transitions.
Mistake 2: Skipping Rhythm
Tabs are great for notes, but rhythm gets neglected. Always listen to recordings or use tools that provide rhythm cues.
Mistake 3: Rushing Progress
It’s tempting to skip simple tabs, but mastering the basics gives you skills to tackle advanced pieces better.
Why Learn Guitar Tabs?
Learning tabs opens up endless possibilities for beginner guitarists. Here’s why you should learn them:
Accessible Learning: You don’t need to read traditional sheet music.
Learn Your Favorite Songs: With tabs, you can quickly pick up guitar parts from popular tracks.
Build Confidence: Playing recognizable riffs and melodies boosts motivation.
Conclusion
Reading guitar tabs is an invaluable skill for beginners, providing an efficient way to learn songs and practice techniques. By understanding the layout, mastering symbols, and combining tabs with consistent practice, you’ll unlock a world of musical potential.
At BedHairGuitarist, we’re passionate about helping beginner guitarists achieve their goals with easy-to-follow guides and practical tips. Whether you’re learning your first chord or shredding your first solo, remember to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress!