How to read guitar tabs symbols

1. Introduction

Guitar TAB (short for tablature) is a widely used system of notation for guitar music that is easy to read and understand. While traditional sheet music uses standard notation to indicate which notes to play, guitar TAB uses symbols to represent the strings and frets on the guitar. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to read guitar tabs symbols.

2. Different Types of Guitar TAB

There are several different types of guitar TAB, including text-based TAB, interactive TAB, and TABlature with standard notation.

2.1. Text-based Guitar TAB

Text-based guitar TAB consists of ASCII characters that represent the strings and frets on the guitar. This type of TAB is easy to create and share, but it can be difficult to read for beginners.

2.2. Interactive Guitar TAB

Interactive guitar TAB is a more modern type of TAB that is often found on guitar websites and apps. This type of TAB allows you to hear the music while you follow along with the TAB, making it easier to learn new songs.

2.3. Tablature and Standard Notation

Some guitar TAB includes both tablature and standard notation. This type of TAB is useful for guitarists who can read standard notation but prefer to learn songs using TAB.

3. Guitar TAB Layout

Guitar TAB is typically laid out with six horizontal lines that represent the six strings of the guitar. The top line represents the thinnest string (the high E string), while the bottomline represents the thickest string (the low E string). The numbers and symbols are written on the lines to indicate which frets to play and how to play them.

4. What Do Numbers Mean on Guitar TAB

Numbers on guitar TAB represent which fret to play on a certain string. The higher the number, the higher the fret.

4.1. Numbers Stacked on Top of Each Other

When two or more numbers are stacked on top of each other, it means to play those notes at the same time. This is commonly used for chords.

4.2. Numbers Written Left to Right

When numbers are written left to right, it means to play each note in sequence. This is commonly used for melodies and riffs.

5. What Do Symbols Mean on Guitar TAB

There are many symbols used in guitar TAB to indicate different playing techniques and styles.

5.1. What does h mean in Guitar TAB

The letter "h" stands for hammer-on. This means to play a note, then without picking the string again, use another finger to press down on a higher fret on the same string.

5.2. What does p mean in Guitar TAB

The letter "p" stands for pull-off. This means to play a note, then use another finger to "pull off" the string to a lower fret while keeping the string ringing.

5.3. What does / or \ mean in Guitar TAB

The symbols "/" and "" indicate a slide upor down the fretboard, respectively. To play a slide, you start on one fret and slide your finger up or down the neck to a higher or lower fret.

5.4. What does b mean in Guitar TAB

The letter "b" stands for bend. This means to push the string up or down to a higher pitch while playing the note.

5.5. What does x mean in Guitar TAB

The letter "x" indicates a muted or dead string. This means to play the string without pressing down on any frets, resulting in a muted or percussive sound.

5.6. What do parentheses () mean in Guitar TAB

Parentheses are used to indicate a ghost note, which is a note that is played very softly or not at all, but is still part of the rhythm or melody.

5.7. What does ~ mean in Guitar TAB

The tilde symbol "~" means to play a note with vibrato, which is a slight variation in pitch that gives the note a wobbly or shimmery sound.

5.8. What does <> mean in Guitar TAB

The symbols "<>" indicate a harmonic note. This means to lightly touch a string at a specific fret to produce a high-pitched, bell-like sound.

5.9. What does t mean in Guitar TAB

The letter "t" stands for tap. This means to use your picking hand to tap on a fret to produce a note, instead of playing the string with your fretting hand.

5.10. What does PM mean in Guitar TAB

The letters "PM" stand for palm mute. This means to place the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to mute the sound and create a percussive effect.

6. Guitar TAB Symbols Summary

Here is a summary of the most common symbols used in guitar TAB:

• Numbers represent which fret to play on a certain string
• Numbers stacked on top of each other mean to play those notes at the same time
• Numbers written left to right mean to play each note in sequence
• "h" stands for hammer-on
• "p" stands for pull-off
• "/" and "" indicate a slide up or down the fretboard, respectively
• "b" stands for bend
• "x" indicates a muted or dead string
• Parentheses () are used to indicate a ghost note
• "~" means to play a note with vibrato
• "<>" indicate a harmonic note
• "t" stands for tap
• "PM" stands for palm mute

7. Guitar TAB Template

Here is a basic template for guitar TAB:

e|-------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------|
A|-------------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------------|

Numbers and symbols are written on the lines to indicate which frets to play and how to play them.

8. Find Guitar TABs Online

There are many websites and apps where you can find guitar TABs for popular songs, as well as create your own. Some popular websites include Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Guitar Pro. These sites offer a wide range of TABs and also allow you to customize and create your own TABs.

In conclusion, guitar TAB is a useful tool for any guitarist to learn and play music. By understanding the symbols used in guitar TAB, you can easily learn new songs and improve your playing technique. With practice and dedication, you can become proficient at reading and playing guitar TAB.

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