Guitar tablature, commonly known as “tabs,” is a widely used notation system for guitarists to learn and play music. Tabs provide a straightforward way to convey fingerings and note placements on the guitar fretboard. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of reading guitar tab signs, explaining the symbols and notations commonly used in tabs to help you become a proficient tab reader.
1. The Basics of Guitar Tabs:
Before diving into the symbols, it’s essential to understand the foundational structure of guitar tabs:
- Strings: The horizontal lines represent the strings of the guitar, with the top line denoting the highest-pitched string (usually the high E string) and the bottom line representing the lowest-pitched string (usually the low E string).
- Numbers: Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press on that string. For example, “2” on the high E string instructs you to press the second fret on that string.
2. Common Guitar Tab Signs and Symbols:
Now, let’s explore the common symbols and notations you’ll encounter in guitar tabs:
a. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs:
- H: A “H” between two notes indicates a hammer-on. This means you should play the first note and then, without picking again, use another finger to sound the second note by tapping the string.
- P: A “P” between two notes represents a pull-off. It instructs you to play the first note, and then, without picking again, remove your finger to sound the second note.
b. Slides and Bends:
- / or : A forward slash “/” or a backslash “” between two notes signifies a slide. ” /” indicates a slide upwards, while “” indicates a slide downwards. The number of frets to slide is often specified.
- B: A “B” followed by a number indicates a bend. It instructs you to bend the string at a specific fret to raise the pitch of the note.
- ^: A caret symbol “^” represents a bend. The number above it indicates the number of half steps (semitones) to bend the string.
c. Vibrato and Trills:
- ~: A tilde symbol “~” signifies vibrato. It instructs you to oscillate the pitch of the note by slightly bending the string back and forth.
- Tr: “Tr” indicates a trill. It’s a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, often involving hammer-ons and pull-offs.
d. Harmonics and Artificial Harmonics:
- Harm: “Harm” stands for harmonics. It indicates that you should produce a harmonic note by lightly touching the string at specific points and then picking it.
- AH: “AH” signifies artificial harmonics. It instructs you to create harmonics using a specific technique, often involving the thumb.
e. Tapping:
- T: A “T” indicates tapping. It’s a technique where you tap the string with your picking hand’s finger instead of picking with your strumming hand.
f. Palm Muting:
- P.M.: “P.M.” stands for palm muting. It instructs you to rest the palm of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to dampen the sound.
g. Repeat Symbols:
- |: and :|: These symbols indicate the beginning and end of a repeated section. When you encounter “|:”, you should repeat the section until you reach “:|.”
h. Time Signatures and Rhythm Notations:
- Standard musical notation is often used in conjunction with tabs to indicate rhythm, including time signatures, note durations, and rests.
3. Song Structures:
In addition to symbols, tabs frequently include annotations like “Intro,” “Verse,” “Chorus,” and “Bridge” to help you navigate the song’s structure.
4. Special Techniques:
Some songs may feature specific techniques unique to the song, and these are usually explained in the tab or provided as notes.
5. Playing Position:
Tabs often include a diagram of the guitar neck to indicate where to place your fingers for a particular chord or note. This diagram typically appears at the beginning of the tab.
6. Keep in Mind:
- Tab notation lacks information about note duration, so it’s essential to listen to the song to understand the timing and rhythm.
- Some tabs may be more detailed and complex, while others are simplified to provide a basic outline of the song.
- Tab notations can vary slightly from one tab to another, so be adaptable and use your musical intuition.
Conclusion:
Learning to read guitar tab signs is an invaluable skill for guitarists. By understanding and interpreting the symbols and notations in tabs, you can effectively translate the visual representation into music. With practice and familiarity with these symbols, you’ll become a proficient tab reader, enhancing your ability to learn and play your favorite songs on the guitar. Enjoy your musical journey!
