Learn How to Read Guitar Tabs in 4 Steps

Know the Basics First

Step 1: Learn What the Lines Represent

A guitar tab consists of six horizontal lines, representing the six strings of the guitar.

The first line (e) represents the 1st string, or the bottommost string. The second line (B) represents the 2nd string, or the second-bottommost string. The third line (G) represents the 3rd string, or the third-bottommost string, and so on.

Step 2: Identify the Fret Numbers

The numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press down on that particular string.

"0" means an open string (played without pressing down any frets).

For example, "2" on the A string means to press down the second fret on the A string.

Step 3: Learn What the Symbols Mean

What each Symbol mean:

• "/": This represents a slide from one note to another (ascending). The line starts from the initial note and ends at the final note, indicating a smooth transition between the two.
• "\": The same thing as above, this represents a slide from one note to another, but descending.
• "h": Repesents the guitar technique hammer-on. It is a guitar technique where you pick the first note and then, without picking again, use another finger to tap the higher note.
• "p": p represents the guitar technique pull-off. It is the opposite of the hammer-on. Instead of picking the second note, you maintain pressure on the string and then release it to produce the sound of the second note.

There are many other symbols referring to other guitar techniques, but these are the basic symbols you need to know for learning how to read guitar tabs.

Learning how to read Guitar Tablacature

Step 4: Practice Reading Tabs

There is no other way to master how to read guitar tabs other than to try to play the guitar with the help of guitar tabs.

Just go ahead and search for the guitar tabs of a song you like on YouTube or www.ultimate-guitar.com

If you have trouble what the numbers or letters represents, refer back to this page.

Things to keep in mind

Familiarize Yourself with the Symbols Mentioned in the Tabalature

Familiarize yourself with common symbols used in tabs, such as bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, etc.

Understand how to interpret these symbols in the context of the tab.

Consider learning how to read Sheet Music

Consider learning how to read standard sheet music in addition to tabs.

This is essential if you have any plans working with and communicating with other musicians who use sheet music.

Use Tab Software

Try using guitar tab software or apps that visualize tabs and provide playback options. This can help you hear how the tab should sound.

If you are interested, I suggest using this website, it has simple layout and intuitive to use.

Be Patient

Remember, like any skill, reading guitar tabs improves with practice and patience.

Start with simple tabs, and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces as you become more comfortable.