Learning to play the guitar can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when you come across all the different ways music is written down. One of the easiest and most popular methods for beginners is the guitar TAB. Short for "tablature," guitar TABs are a straightforward way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music. In this article, we'll take you through everything you need to know about reading guitar TABs, from the basics to more advanced notations. By the end, you'll be ready to pick up your guitar and start playing your favorite tunes!
Why Guitar TABs are Useful
Guitar TABs are incredibly useful for beginners for a few reasons. Firstly, they simplify the process of learning to play the guitar. Unlike traditional sheet music, which requires knowledge of musical notation and theory, TABs present the information in a more visual and accessible format. This makes them ideal for those who are just starting out and want to start playing songs quickly. TABs are also widely available online, with countless resources offering TABs for virtually any song you can think of. This accessibility makes it easy to find and learn your favorite songs.
Differences Between TABs and Traditional Sheet Music
Before we dive into the details of reading TABs, it's helpful to understand how they differ from traditional sheet music. Traditional sheet music uses staffs, notes, and other musical symbols to represent the music. It requires knowledge of music theory and the ability to read these symbols. Guitar TABs, on the other hand, are much simpler. They consist of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of the guitar and numbers indicating which frets to play. This visual approach makes it much easier for beginners to pick up and start playing without needing to learn complex musical notation.
Section 1: Understanding the Basics of Guitar TABs
Structure of a TAB
A guitar TAB is made up of six horizontal lines, each representing one of the six strings on the guitar. The top line corresponds to the thinnest string (high E), and the bottom line corresponds to the thickest string (low E). The lines in between represent the other strings in order: B, G, D, and A. When you look at a TAB, you'll see numbers written on these lines. These numbers indicate which fret you should press down on that string. For example, if you see a "2" on the second line from the top, you should press down on the second fret of the B string.
Standard Tuning (EADGBE)
Most guitar TABs are written in standard tuning, which means the strings are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E from the lowest to the highest string. This tuning is the most common and is what you'll typically find in beginner lessons and most TABs. It's important to ensure your guitar is tuned correctly before you start playing a TAB, as this will ensure the notes sound right. You can use a tuner or a tuning app to get your guitar in standard tuning.
If the song is in an alternate tuning, it will usually be listed at the top of the TAB page, so be sure to check there for information. If a capo is used, it will also be noted at the top of the page. When using a capo, the 0 numbers refer to the frets where the capo is pressing down, not the part of the guitar behind the capo.
Reading the Strings and Frets
Reading guitar TABs involves understanding which string to play and which fret to press down. Each line on the TAB represents a string, and the numbers tell you which fret to play. For example, if you see a "0" on a line, it means you should play the open string (without pressing down any frets). If you see a "3" on the top line, it means you should press down on the third fret of the high E string. By following the lines and numbers, you can figure out which notes to play and where to place your fingers on the fretboard.
Section 2: Common Symbols and Notations in Guitar TABs
Basic Symbols
Guitar TABs often include symbols to indicate specific techniques or articulations. Here are some of the most common ones you'll come across:
h for hammer-ons: This indicates that you should hammer on the next note without picking it. For example, if you see "7h9", you pick the string on the 7th fret and then quickly press down on the 9th fret with another finger.
p for pull-offs: This indicates that you should pull off the note to a lower fret. For example, "9p7" means you press the string on the 9th fret and the 7th fret, Play the 9th fret note first then pull your finger off to sound the note on the 7th fret.
b for bends: This tells you to bend the string to reach a higher pitch. For instance, "7b9" means you should bend the note on the 7th fret up to the pitch of the 9th fret.
/ for slides: This symbol means you should slide from one fret to another. For example, "7/9" means you pick the note on the 7th fret and then slide your finger to the 9th fret.
~ for vibrato: This indicates that you should add a slight, rapid variation in pitch to the note, giving it a vibrating sound.
Advanced Symbols
As you progress, you might encounter some advanced symbols in guitar TABs:
x for dead/muted notes: This means you should mute the string with your fretting hand so that it produces a percussive "click" rather than a clear note.
t for tapping: This indicates that you should tap the string with your picking hand to produce a note. This may require a special set-up or amplification to be heard clearly.
PM for palm muting: This tells you to mute the strings with the side of your picking hand while playing, creating a muted, chunky sound. It is very common in pop/rock music.
H for harmonics: This indicates you should lightly touch the string at a specific fret to produce a bell-like harmonic tone.
Section 3: Step-by-Step Instructions on Reading a Simple TAB
Choosing a Simple TAB to Practice
To get started with reading TABs, it's best to choose a simple song or riff. For beginners, classic riffs like "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple or "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream are great options. Let's use "Smoke on the Water" as an example. Here is the TAB for the main riff:
e|-------------------------------------- --|
B|--------------------------------------- -|
G|--0-3-5---0-3-6-5---0-3-5--3-0-|
D|--0-3-5---0-3-6-5---0-3-5--3-0-|
A|-----------------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------------|
Looking at the TAB, you'll see that it mostly involves playing on the D and G strings. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Start by playing the open D and G strings together (indicated by the "0" on the D and G lines).
Next, press down on the 3rd fret of the D and G strings and play them together.
Move to the 5th fret and play the D and G strings together.
Repeat the sequence, but add the 6th fret on the D and G strings before going back to the 5th fret.
Finally, repeat the original sequence.
This simple riff helps you practice reading TABs and playing basic notes and frets.
Understanding Rhythm and Timing
While TABs show you which notes to play, they don't always indicate the rhythm or timing. For beginners, it can be helpful to listen to the original song to understand how the notes should be played. As you get more comfortable, you might encounter TABs that include note durations (e.g., quarter notes, eighth notes), which can help you understand the timing better.
Section 4: Tips for Practicing with TABs
Slow and Steady Practice
When learning a new song or riff, it's important to start slow and gradually increase your speed. This helps you build accuracy and muscle memory. Use a metronome to keep a consistent tempo. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the notes.
Listening to the Original Song
Listening to the original song can greatly enhance your understanding of how the TAB should be played. Pay attention to the rhythm, timing, and dynamics of the notes. This can help you replicate the feel and sound of the song more accurately.
Recording Your Progress
Recording yourself while practicing can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to hear your playing from a different perspective and identify areas that need improvement. You can use your phone or any recording device to capture your practice sessions. Over time, you'll be able to track your progress and see how much you've improved.
Section 5: Resources for Finding Guitar TABs
Online TAB Libraries
There are numerous websites where you can find guitar TABs for almost any song. Some popular ones include:
Ultimate Guitar: One of the largest and most comprehensive TAB libraries online. It features user-generated content with ratings and reviews for accuracy. Although most of the TABs are created by users, not professionals, it has a vast library of most common songs. These are great for printing.
Songsterr: Offers interactive TABs that you can play along with, making it easier to learn the timing and rhythm. These are useful for hearing the original song while practicing TABs. However, there are limitations on the free version.
911Tabs: A search engine for guitar TABs that aggregates results from various TAB sites.
When using online TABs, it's important to check user ratings and reviews to ensure the TABs are accurate and reliable.
TAB Books and Magazines
For those who prefer physical copies, there are many TAB books and magazines available that cater to beginner guitarists. Some recommendations include:
Official TAB Books: Designed for professionals to imitate the exact parts played on recordings. These contain plenty of detail but can be troublesome to read at times and often are many pages per song.
Guitar Magazines: Publishes monthly issues featuring TABs for popular songs, along with lessons and tips for guitarists. These are great for learning short solos or sections of songs while reading about the newest artists and their gear. A great package for those getting into guitar.
These resources can be a great addition to your online learning toolkit, providing reliable and well-transcribed TABs to practice with.
Learning Guitar is Easy and Fun!
Learning to read guitar TABs opens up a world of possibilities for beginner guitarists. By understanding the basics of TABs, familiarizing yourself with common symbols, and practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to playing your favorite songs. Remember to take it slow, listen to the original tracks, and record your progress to track your improvement. With persistence and patience, you'll soon find yourself mastering more complex TABs and techniques. Happy playing!
-Ryan
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