How to read guitar tabs

Tablature, or TAB for short, is a way of writing music made specifically for guitar. You don't need to read standard notation: a tab literally shows you which string to press and at which fret. Once you can read it, you can learn songs from the internet on your own, which is why it's in module three of our programme.

Six lines, six strings

A tab has six horizontal lines and each represents one string. The most important thing to remember: the top line is the thinnest string (e) and the bottom line the thickest (E). To beginners that looks upside down, but it makes sense: the tab is written by pitch, with the highest note at the top.

The letters at the start of the lines name the strings: e, B, G, D, A, E from top to bottom.

What the numbers mean

A number on a line tells you at which fret to press that string. Zero means you play the string open, without pressing. A tab is read left to right, like text: numbers that follow one another are played one after another.

Example: the pentatonic scale

This is the E minor pentatonic in first position, the scale we start improvising with. Begin on the bottom line: the open thickest string, then the third fret of the same string, then move to the next string.

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

On each string you play two notes: the open string and then the second or third fret. Play it slowly upwards and then back down the same way.

How a chord is written in tab

When numbers are written exactly one above the other, they're played at the same time. That's how a chord is written. This is E minor: second fret on the A and D strings, the other strings open.

e|--0--|
B|--0--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--2--|
E|--0--|

You'll find the same chord as a diagram in First guitar chords.

Technique symbols

Between the numbers you'll often see letters and symbols. They tell you how to get from one note to the next. These are the ones you'll meet most often:

We work on all of these techniques in module six of the programme. If they interest you, see electric guitar lessons.

What a tab doesn't show

A plain text tab tells you which notes to play, but not how long each one lasts. So you have to hear the rhythm: put the song on, listen to the part you're learning and only then play it alongside the tab. The spacing between numbers sometimes hints at duration, but you can't rely on it.

Another thing: tabs on the internet are written by players, not publishers, so they can be inaccurate. If something sounds wrong, trust your ear, compare two versions or ask your teacher.

We learn to read tabs and chord diagrams in module three. See the full 10-module programme or guitar lessons for beginners.