Learning how to play tabs on electric guitar can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both beginners and experienced musicians. Guitar tablature, or “tabs,” is a simplified form of musical notation that allows guitarists to read and play music without needing to understand traditional sheet music. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn your favorite songs or an experienced player looking to expand your skills, understanding guitar tabs is a fundamental aspect of your guitar-playing journey.
In this article, we will explore what guitar tabs are, how to read them, and how to play them effectively on an electric guitar. We will cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge needed to confidently play any tab.
What Are Guitar Tabs?
Guitar tabs are a form of musical notation specifically designed for guitar players. Unlike traditional sheet music, which uses a staff of notes to represent the pitches and rhythms, guitar tabs are designed to indicate where to place your fingers on the fretboard. This makes tabs more accessible for those who do not have extensive music theory knowledge or experience with traditional notation.
A guitar tab consists of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of a guitar. The lines are typically numbered from the bottom to the top, with the bottom line representing the low E string (the thickest string) and the top line representing the high E string (the thinnest string). Numbers are placed on these lines to indicate which fret to press down on a particular string.
Understanding Guitar Tabs: Basic Components
Before diving into playing guitar tabs, it’s essential to understand the basic components of a tab. Let’s break down the elements you’ll encounter in a typical guitar tab:
Strings: The six lines on the guitar tab represent the six strings of your electric guitar. The bottom line is the low E string (the thickest), and the top line is the high E string (the thinnest). The order from bottom to top is:
- E (low)
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E (high)
Numbers: The numbers that appear on the lines represent the frets you need to play. For example:
- A “0” means an open string, which you play without pressing any fret.
- A “1” means you should press the first fret on the string.
- A “2” means you press the second fret, and so on.
Chords: When multiple numbers appear on the same line vertically, it indicates that you should play all those notes simultaneously to form a chord.
Rhyme and Timing: While traditional sheet music uses time signatures and note values, guitar tabs do not directly indicate rhythm. To determine the timing, you’ll need to listen to the song or look for rhythmic notations above the tab. However, some advanced tabs may use symbols or additional markings to give you clues about the rhythm.
Basic Guitar Tab Symbols and Techniques
As you become more familiar with guitar tabs, you’ll encounter various symbols and techniques that enhance the sound and style of your playing. Here are some common symbols you’ll come across in guitar tabs:
Hammer-on (h): A hammer-on is a technique where you press down on a note without plucking the string again. This is represented by an “h” between two notes.
Example:
e|—5h7—|
This means you play the 5th fret, then “hammer on” to the 7th fret without plucking the string again.
Pull-off (p): A pull-off is the opposite of a hammer-on. You pluck a note and then pull your finger off the string to sound a lower note. This is represented by a “p.”
Example:
e|—7p5—|
This means you play the 7th fret and then pull off to the 5th fret.
Bend (b): A bend occurs when you push or pull the string to raise the pitch of a note. The “b” symbol is used to indicate a bend.
Example:
e|—7b9—|
This means you play the 7th fret and bend the note to reach the pitch of the 9th fret.
Vibrato (~): Vibrato is a technique where you rapidly move your finger back and forth on the string to create a slight variation in pitch. This is indicated by a “~” symbol.
Example:
e|—7~—|
Slide (/ or ): A slide is a technique where you move your finger from one fret to another while maintaining pressure on the string. A forward slide is represented by a forward slash (“/”), and a backward slide is represented by a backslash (“\”).
Example:
e|—5/7—|
This means you slide from the 5th fret to the 7th fret.
Palm Muting (PM): Palm muting is a technique where you lightly rest the edge of your palm on the strings near the bridge to create a muted sound. This is represented by “PM” above the tab.
Example:
PM-|—-|
This indicates that you should palm mute the notes in the tab.
How to Read Guitar Tabs
Now that we have covered the basic components and symbols in guitar tabs, let’s go over how to read a guitar tab step by step. Follow these guidelines to ensure you understand the notation and can play the song correctly:
Identify the Strings: Look at the six lines of the tab, and remember that they represent the six strings of your electric guitar. The bottom line is the low E string, and the top line is the high E string.
Locate the Numbers: Numbers on the lines indicate the frets to press down. Start from the left side of the tab and follow the numbers from left to right.
Play the Notes in Sequence: As you follow the numbers from left to right, play each note in order. If there are multiple notes stacked vertically, you play them simultaneously, like a chord.
Listen for Timing: Tabs do not indicate exact rhythms, so it’s important to listen to the original song or find a recording to understand the timing and rhythm of the notes.
Use Guitar Techniques: Pay attention to any symbols such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, and slides. These will affect how you play the notes and add expression to the music.
Advanced Guitar Tab Techniques
Once you have mastered the basics of reading and playing guitar tabs, you can move on to more advanced techniques that will enhance your playing. Here are some advanced techniques to look for in guitar tabs:
Tapping: Tapping is a technique where you use your picking hand to tap the fretboard, producing a distinct sound. This is often used in solos and is represented by the letter “T.”
Example:
e|—5t7—|
This means you tap the 7th fret with your picking hand after playing the 5th fret.
Artificial Harmonics: An artificial harmonic is produced by lightly touching the string at specific points while plucking it, creating a bell-like tone. This is often represented by a “×” or “A.H.”
Example:
e|—5×—|
Alternate Picking: Alternate picking involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes with the pick. This technique is crucial for playing fast passages cleanly and efficiently. Tabs may not explicitly show this, but you should incorporate it when playing fast licks.
Sweep Picking: Sweep picking is a technique where you “sweep” the pick across the strings in a fluid motion, usually in arpeggios. This is commonly used in solos and is often indicated in the tab with a “sweep” symbol.
Whammy Bar Usage: If you’re using a guitar with a whammy bar, the tab may indicate whammy bar use by a “~” symbol or a specific instruction for bending the note.
Tips for Playing Tabs on Electric Guitar
To successfully play guitar tabs, here are some tips that will improve your technique and help you play more effectively:
Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the easier it will become to read and play tabs. Start with simple songs and gradually move to more complex ones.
Use a Metronome: Timing is crucial when playing guitar tabs. Use a metronome to keep a steady tempo and improve your rhythm.
Start Slow: If you find a part of a song challenging, slow it down and practice at a slower speed before increasing the tempo.
Focus on Technique: Pay attention to the guitar techniques indicated in the tab. For example, practice hammer-ons, pull-offs, and bends until they sound clean and smooth.
Play Along with Songs: Once you’re comfortable reading tabs, try playing along with the actual song to get a feel for how the tabs translate into music.
Conclusion
Playing tabs on electric guitar is an essential skill for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Guitar tabs provide a simplified way to read and play music, and with practice, you’ll be able to play your favorite songs with ease. By understanding how to read and play guitar tabs, mastering different techniques, and practicing regularly, you’ll become a more skilled and confident guitarist.
Start with simple tabs, gradually work your way up, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and playing the guitar. Happy playing!
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