Guitar tab is a simple way to read music written just for guitar, using numbers on lines instead of standard notation. Once you understand the six lines and the numbers, you can learn songs without knowing how to read sheet music.
What you'll need
- A guitar
- A tab to read from a book, app, or website
Step by step
- Understand the six linesThe six horizontal lines represent the six strings. The bottom line is the thickest low E string and the top line is the thinnest high E string.
- Read the fret numbersA number on a line tells you which fret to press on that string. A 0 means play the string open, and a 3 means press the third fret.
- Read left to rightPlay the numbers in order from left to right, just like reading text. Numbers spaced apart are played one after another in time.
- Spot chords and stacksWhen numbers are stacked in a vertical line, you play those strings together as a chord rather than one at a time.
- Learn common symbolsLetters and marks add technique: h means hammer-on, p means pull-off, / and slash marks mean slides, and b means bend the string.
- Play along slowlyWork through a few bars slowly, getting the notes right before worrying about speed. Tab shows what to play but not always the exact rhythm.
Handy tips
- Because tab rarely shows rhythm, listen to the actual song to learn the timing.
- Start with tabs marked as beginner or for simple songs so the symbols stay minimal.
- Many tab apps play the tab back for you, which helps you hear how it should sound.
FAQ
Which line is the top string in tab?
The top line in tab is the thinnest, highest-pitched string, the high E. This is upside down compared to how the strings sit when you look down at the guitar.
Does tab tell me the rhythm?
Standard tab shows which notes to play and roughly in what order, but usually not exact note lengths. You normally learn the rhythm by ear from the song.
What does a number like 12 mean?
It means press the twelfth fret, not fret 1 then 2. Multi-digit numbers are single fret positions higher up the neck.