For many beginning acoustic guitarists, even easy acoustic guitar tabs seem confusing - at first they seem like nothing more than a series of lines and numbers with no discernible meaning. With a little help and practice, however, it is easy to learn how to read guitar tablatures. A tab is set up in the form of six horizontal lines, each representing one of the strings of the guitar. Printed on these lines are various numbers, each indicating an open string (0) or a certain fret along the neck board. In addition to showing single notes, easy guitar tabs can communicate melodies, scales, and chords but even that is not all that guitar tablatures have to offer. Some tabs utilize symbols in addition to numbers in order to indicate where certain techniques should be used.
There are many different techniques which guitarists use to change the sound of the notes they play and many of these techniques are given particular symbols or letters in guitar tabs. The technique called the "hammer on" is indicated by the letter H in guitar tablatures. To utilize this technique, simply fret the indicated note with your index finger, strike the string, and then slam your finger down on the adjacent fret without re-picking the string. This technique allows guitarists to play musical passages quickly. Another technique sometimes used in easy guitar tabs is the "pull off" (indicated by a P), which is essentially the reverse of the "hammer on." This technique is a little more difficult and may not be frequently indicated in tabs. To affect a "pull off," begin by placing two fingers on the fret board the strike the string and pull your finger away from it without re-picking. Do not just lift your finger from the string - you must actually pull downwards and away from the string to make the note ring.
As you practice your technique using easy guitar tabs you will find your skills developing quickly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the techniques involved in playing chords and making transitions. Before you know it you will be ready to move on to more difficult techniques like string bending, the technique which is often utilized in guitar solos. Do not be too eager to move on to more difficult techniques, however. Dedicate yourself to your practice regimen and, over time, you will become a great guitarist.