Tab notation explained

Tablature (or tabulature, or tab for short) is a form of musical notation indicating instrument fingering rather than musical pitches. Tablature is common for fretted stringed instruments such as the lute, vihuela, or guitar, as well as many free reed aerophones such as the harmonica.

1. How do you read tab symbols?
2. How do you notate tabs?
3. What do the lines on guitar tabs mean?
4. How do you read an official tab?

How do you read tab symbols?

Here is a quick guide to the most common symbols you will see in text-based Guitar TAB:

1. h = hammer-on.
2. p = pull-off.
3. b = bend.
4. / = slide up.
5. \ = slide down.
6. PM – – – – = palm muting (above or below TAB)
7. ~~~ = vibrato.
8. x = muted hit.

How do you notate tabs?

Tab appears underneath conventional music notation as six horizontal lines that represent the strings of the guitar, from the sixth (thick) string at the bottom to the first (thin) string at the top. On these lines, numbers represent the frets where you should place your fingers.

What do the lines on guitar tabs mean?

Tab Lines. A tab staff will always have the same number of lines as your instrument has strings. So, a six-string guitar will have six lines, and a four-string bass will have four lines. A lower line means a lower note. On the tab staff, the bottom line is the lowest (or 6th) string of the guitar.

How do you read an official tab?

The numbers you will see on a piece of tablature represent the frets you are supposed to put your fingers on. You read these numbers from left to right just like you would read a book. Notes: Single numbers from left to right represent a melody line or solo that you might play.