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How To Read Tablature
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Tablature is very easy to read. It shows you what notes to play on your guitar by means of two basic pieces of information: which fret space to play and which string to play. Tab ingeniously combines these two pieces of information into one unit by indicating numbers for the fret, on lines representing strings.
The thickest string is called the 6th string. It is the lowest sounding string. This is a helpful visual clue because it is represented by the lowest of the six lines in tab. Conversely, the thinnest string is called the 1st string. It is the highest sounding string. This is also a helpful visual clue because it is represented by the highest of the six lines in tab. The other strings in between are simply numbered in order and this results in strings 1 through 6.
Tab does not show rhythm (when to play notes), except in a loose way. So, it is inferior to standard musical notation as a complete explanation of how to play music. But it is much easier to learn and get you started. So, it is a helpful roadmap for beginners. By the end of this page, you will be able to read tab!
In the video I cover three types of notes.
In the first situation, the zero indicates that a string will be played open, at the zero fret. This means it will be played without putting any finger on any fret. In the tab example, the zero is on the highest line, representing the highest string, the E string.
In the second situation, the numbers 1, 2 and 3 on the highest line in the tab indicates to put your fingers on the appropriate fret spaces and the appropriate string and play the notes one after another in order from left to right.
In the third situation, we have three notes that are stacked vertically directly on top of each other. This indicates to put your finger on each appropriate fret space and string. Then, play all three notes together at the same time (simultaneously sounding).
To learn more about the different tab symbols we use to indicate different techniques, click the help button on the toolbar above.
Happy tab reading!
I find it quite easy (so far!) to navigate, and found the "where do I start" to be very helpful! I'm getting there!!
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