Guitar tab (short for “tablature”) is a shorthand notation system that helps musicians read and play songs on the guitar. Tablature is often used instead of traditional sheet music notation because it visually illustrates what notes to play on a specific string and fret. Although guitar tab can seem confusing at first, once you understand it, it can be a quick and easy way to learn how to play your favorite songs. In this article, we’ll explain how to read guitar tab and give you some tips on how to use it effectively.
Understanding Basic Tab Notation
Before we dive into reading full guitar tablature, let’s first get familiar with some of the basic symbols that make up guitar tab. As mentioned above, guitar tab is a shorthand notation system. The main two components of guitar tab are the horizontal lines (representing strings on the guitar) and the numbers (representing which frets to play).
Strings are represented by the horizontal lines, with the thinnest string (the high E string) being on top and the thickest string (the low E string) on the bottom. The numbers (representing the fret numbers) are written on the lines to indicate which frets to play. For example, if you see a “0” on the high E string, that means to play the string open (without pressing down on any frets). If you see a “1” on the high E string, that means to play the first fret on that string.
Another important symbol you’ll see in guitar tab is the “x” symbol. This indicates that you should not play that string at all. This is often used in chords when there is a string that is muted or not played.
Adding Rhythm
In addition to the basic notation notation of a note and the string it should be played on, guitar tab can also include rhythm notation. This can be done a few different ways, but the most common method is to add dashes or vertical lines above the tab to represent different beats.
For example, if a song is in 4/4 time (four beats per measure), you might see four dashes or vertical lines above the tab to indicate each beat. If the song has a quarter note rhythm (one beat per quarter note), you might see one dash or vertical line per beat. If the song has a eighth note rhythm (two beats per quarter note), you might see two dashes or vertical lines per beat.
Some guitar tablature websites will provide notation for rhythm using standard musical notation such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests. It can be helpful to understand basic rhythm notation so that you can read both traditional sheet music and guitar tab more fluently.
Reading Chords
Chords are another important component of playing guitar, and guitar tab can also be used to notate chord progressions. Instead of showing which frets to play on a specific string, chords are often notated with chord diagrams that show which frets to press down and which strings to play.
Chord diagrams usually appear at the beginning of a song and show the finger placement for each chord in the song. The dots on the diagram indicate which frets to press down, and the corresponding numbers show which finger to use (1 = index finger, 2 = middle finger, etc.).
Sometimes, guitar tab will show the chords above the lyrics of the song, so you can see which chords to play at different points in the song. This is a helpful way to see how the chords and lyrics are connected and how to play along with the song.
Using Guitar Tab Effectively
Now that you understand the basics of how to read guitar tablature, it’s important to also consider how to use it effectively. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of guitar tab:
1. Listen to the Song
Before you start playing a song using guitar tab, it’s a good idea to listen to the song a few times to get a sense of the timing and rhythm. This will help you understand how the tablature is meant to sound and will make it easier to play along with the song.
2. Start Slowly
Playing along with a song using guitar tab can be challenging at first, so it’s important to start slowly. Take your time at first, focusing on playing the notes and chords correctly rather than playing at full speed. As you become more comfortable with the song, you can gradually increase the tempo.
3. Pay Attention to Rhythm
As we mentioned earlier, guitar tab can include rhythm notation to indicate the timing of the notes. Pay close attention to the rhythm, as it’s essential to making the song sound accurate and musical. If you’re having trouble with the rhythm, try counting along with the song as you play.
4. Work on Chord Changes
Chord changes are an important part of playing songs on the guitar, and guitar tab can be a helpful tool for practicing them. When you’re learning a new song, take some time to practice the chord changes before tackling the entire song. This will help you build muscle memory and make it easier to play the song smoothly.
5. Use Multiple Resources
While guitar tab can be a great tool for learning songs on the guitar, it shouldn’t be your only resource. For example, you might also want to use chord diagrams, lyrics, or video tutorials to supplement the guitar tablature. This will give you a better understanding of the song and will make it easier to learn and play.
Conclusion
Guitar tab is a popular way to learn songs on the guitar, and it’s a helpful tool for both beginner and advanced guitar players. Although it can seem daunting at first, once you understand the basic notation and how to use it effectively, guitar tab can be a quick and easy way to learn new songs. Whether you’re looking to expand your repertoire or just want to play for fun, guitar tab is a great resource to help you improve your guitar playing.