What is how to read guitar tabs?

Guitar tabs, or tablature, are a simplified way to read music for guitar. Instead of using standard musical notation, tabs show you exactly where to put your fingers on the fretboard. Here's a breakdown of how to read them:

• The Basics: A guitar tab consists of six horizontal lines, each representing a string on the guitar. The top line represents the high E string (the thinnest string), and the bottom line represents the low E string (the thickest string).

• Numbers: Numbers are placed on the lines to indicate which fret to play on that particular string. For example, a "0" means to play the open string (no fret pressed down). A "5" on the second line from the top (the B string) means to press down on the 5th fret of the B string.

• Reading Direction: Tabs are read from left to right, just like a book. This indicates the order in which the notes should be played.

• Chords: Chords are represented by vertically stacked numbers on the tab. This means you should play all the notes simultaneously to form the chord. For example:

  e|--0--
  B|--1--
  G|--0--
  D|--2--
  A|--3--
  E|--x--
  

  This is an E major chord. The "x" on the low E string indicates that you should not play that string.

• Common Symbols: Tabs use several symbols to indicate different techniques. Here are a few common ones:

  • h: Hammer-on
  • p: Pull-off
  • /: Slide Up
  • \: Slide Down
  • b: Bend (e.g., 7b9 means bend the 7th fret up to the pitch of the 9th fret)
  • v or ~: Vibrato
  • t: Tap
  • x: Muted string (don't let it ring)
  • PM: Palm Mute

• Rhythm: While tabs primarily show you where to put your fingers, they often lack precise rhythmic information. Some tabs will include rhythmic notation above the tablature to help you with timing. You might see symbols like quarter notes, eighth notes, or rests. If rhythm is not indicated, you'll need to listen to the song to figure out the timing.

• Practice: The best way to learn to read guitar tabs is to practice! Start with simple tabs and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. There are many free guitar tabs available online.