Guide to Reading Tablature

Guitar TAB (or guitar tablature) is a simple way of writing music specifically for stringed instruments. It is perfect for those that do not read music, and in many cases offers more information than the classically written notation does.

With the One Finger Method songs I transcribe, we often avoid even this simple form of written music by using only the fret number in the annotations. The rest of the rhythm, and which strings to play can be determined by the players ear and style. From time to time though, I will want to include some tablature with a song or a lesson to highlight a riff or demonstrate something specific. For this reason you will need to know how to read tablature. Don't worry, it's basically the same idea as a chord chart, but turned on its side.

TAB for the guitar has six horizontal lines that represent the six strings on the guitar. The top line is the thinnest string (first) and the lowest line represents the thickest (sixth) string. The numbers that are placed on the lines tell you what fret to play a note. You will only ever play the strings with numbers on; If a string has no number, don't play it. The 0 means that a string is played open, with no fingers pressing down the string on the frets. If there is an X on the string, mute it with the left hand, and strum the muted string with your right.

The above diagram illustrates how power chords are written out in tab with standard tuning, and then how they are written with Open C tuning. The diagram below illustrates all the different Open C power chords in the lower 11 frets which all repeat beginning at the 12th fret.

The above tab illustrates the major barre chords in Open C as well. When the One Finger Method annotations give a fret number, it could be referring to any of the above examples. You will need to use your ear to determine which sounds best. With a little practice it is pretty easy to figure out how the chord sounds best to you. Often when the guitarist plays alone, a more rich innovative sound is preferred. In an upcoming lesson, we go into playing by ear and innovation.

In summary, TAB is like a simple hurdy gurdy.