How to Read Guitar Tab

Learning how to read guitar tab is probably one of quickest and easiest ways to start playing the guitar.

I use tablature to introduce music fundamentals to my students who haven't yet learned how to read notation. This gives them a starting point and provides a way for me to communicate and write out their lesson plans.

Here is a simple explanation of how tab works:

If we take the six strings of a guitar and write them

down on paper they will look like this:

E:-------------------- > FIRST STRING
B:-------------------- > SECOND STRING
G:-------------------- > THIRD STRING
D:-------------------- > FOURTH STRING
A:-------------------- > FIFTH STRING
E:-------------------- > SIXTH STRING

Numbers placed on a string indicate which FRET you

will play.

0 = OPEN
1 = 1ST FRET
2 = 2ND FRET
3 = 3RD FRET

(etc.)

Try playing the following tab exercise:

E:|----------------------------------------
B:|----------------------------------------
G:|-------------------------------0---2----
D:|---------------0--------2---3-----------
A:|----0---2---3---------------------------
E:|----------------------------------------

When you are in first position you will use your first finger to play the notes on the first fret, second finger/second fret, third finger/third fret, and so on. Your fingers will correspond with the same number as the fret you are on when you are in first position.

If you shift your hand so that your first finger is playing the notes on the second fret, second finger/third fret, third finger/fourth fret, etc. then you are in second position. Your position on the guitar is always determined by your first finger.

If you play the excercise correctly you will have an A Minor Scale:

A B C D E F G A

LESSON OBJECTIVE:

To learn how to read and use guitar tab to play songs.

PRACTICE:

1. Use what you've learned in this lesson to play these two easy songs

2. Try playing more songs with guitar tab.

LEARN MORE:

Here is some more information to help you understand guitar tablature