Reading Guitar Tablature

Reading Guitar Tablature
Guitar tablature (also known as tab) is probably the easiest and most used method for guitar
notation

Use numbers to indicate the string and the fret position that you are supposed to play.
Each fret is numbered, starting at the nut of the guitar at O and moving upwards towards the
bridge of the guitar.

The 3 on the above tablature score (Tab. diagram 1) indicates to you that you place a finger

on the third fret of the sixth string. It is the note G.

The 1 on the above tablature score (Tab. diagram 2) indicates to you that you place a finger

on the first fret of the second string. It is the note C.

The O on the above tablature score (Tab. diagram 3) indicates to you that the third string is

to be played open. This means that you don’t need to place a finger on it. It is the note G.

Chords and Tablature

Chords are indicated by a set of numbers that tell you which frets need to be played and

which don’t

 The A Major Chord

The first and fifth strings are played open while the second, third and fourth strings are
played at the second fret. The sixth string is not played in the A Major Chord and this is
indicated by an X.
Often tablature is written beneath traditional music score or stave. The two together look
like this:

Exercise No.1

Practice strumming the A major and the D major chords to the following down stroke
pattern. Strum four down strokes over the A Major chord and then four down strokes over
the D Major chord and then repeat. You should aim to get a smooth change between the two chords so that the whole piece flows and is in time.