Want to learn how to play guitar?Guitar tabs are a great way to learn how to play your favorite songs, and understanding the symbols on guitar tabs is essential for playing them correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the most common symbols you’ll find on guitar tabs, so you can start playing your favorite songs in no time.
Editor’s Note:Understanding the symbols on guitar tabs is important because it allows you to accurately play the notes and chords in a song. Without a proper understanding of these symbols, you may find it difficult to follow along with the tab and play the song correctly.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this guide to the most common symbols on guitar tabs. By understanding these symbols, you’ll be able to play any song you want, regardless of your skill level.
Key Differences
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | An open string |
| 1-4 | Frets on the guitar neck |
| x | Muted note |
| / | Slide |
| h | Hammer-on |
| p | Pull-off |
Main Article Topics
- The Different Types of Guitar Tab Symbols
- How to Read Guitar Tabs
- Tips for Playing Guitar Tabs
1. Frets
Frets are the raised metal bars on the guitar neck. They divide the neck into sections, each of which represents a different note. When you press down on a string behind a fret, you change the length of the vibrating portion of the string, which changes the pitch of the note. The numbers 1-4 on guitar tabs indicate which frets to press on the guitar neck.
- Fret 1: Pressing down on the string behind the first fret raises the pitch of the note by one half step.
- Fret 2: Pressing down on the string behind the second fret raises the pitch of the note by one whole step.
- Fret 3: Pressing down on the string behind the third fret raises the pitch of the note by one and a half steps.
- Fret 4: Pressing down on the string behind the fourth fret raises the pitch of the note by two whole steps.
Understanding which frets to press is essential for playing guitar tabs correctly. By following the numbers on the tab, you can accurately play the notes and chords in a song.
2. Open Strings
Open strings are the strings of a guitar that are not fretted with the fingers of the left hand. They are played by simply strumming or picking the strings with the right hand. The “0” symbol on guitar tabs indicates an open string.
Open strings are important because they provide the foundation for many chords and scales. They are also used to create melodies and arpeggios. Understanding how to play open strings is essential for any guitarist.
Here are some examples of how open strings are used in guitar tabs:
- The C major chord is played by strumming the open E, A, and C strings.
- The G major scale is played by fretting the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th frets on the high E string, and the 2nd, 4th, and 6th frets on the A string. The open D, G, and B strings are also played as part of the scale.
- The melody of the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is played using only open strings.
By understanding how to play open strings and how they are used in guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
Key Insights:
- Open strings are the strings of a guitar that are not fretted with the fingers of the left hand.
- The “0” symbol on guitar tabs indicates an open string.
- Open strings are important because they provide the foundation for many chords and scales.
- Understanding how to play open strings is essential for any guitarist.
3. Muted Notes
Muted notes are an essential part of guitar playing. They can be used to create a variety of effects, from adding a percussive element to a rhythm to creating a more mellow sound. The “x” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a muted note.
To play a muted note, lightly touch the string with the side of your fretting hand, just behind the fret. This will dampen the vibrations of the string, creating a muted sound. You can also mute notes by using your picking hand to lightly touch the string as you pick it.
Muted notes are often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as hammer-ons and pull-offs. By combining different techniques, you can create a wide variety of sounds and textures on the guitar.
Here are some examples of how muted notes are used in guitar tabs:
- In the intro to the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, the muted notes create a percussive effect that drives the rhythm.
- In the verse of the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles, the muted notes create a mellower sound that adds to the song’s relaxed atmosphere.
- In the solo of the song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, the muted notes are used to create a variety of textures and sounds.
By understanding how to play muted notes and how they are used in guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
Key Insights:
- Muted notes are an essential part of guitar playing.
- The “x” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a muted note.
- Muted notes can be used to create a variety of effects, from adding a percussive element to a rhythm to creating a more mellow sound.
- Understanding how to play muted notes and how they are used in guitar tabs can expand your guitar playing skills and allow you to play a wider variety of songs.
Table: Muted Notes in Guitar Tabs
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| x | Muted note | e|—–0—–x—–3—–0—| |
4. Slides
Slides are a common guitar technique that can add a variety of sounds and textures to your playing. They are indicated on guitar tabs with the “/” symbol. To play a slide, simply place your finger on the starting fret and then slide it to the ending fret while picking the string.
Slides can be used
to create a variety of effects, such as:
- Legato: Slides can be used to connect notes smoothly, creating a legato effect. This is often used in solos and lead guitar parts.
- Glissando: Slides can be used to create a glissando effect, which is a smooth slide from one note to another. This is often used in classical and jazz guitar playing.
- Vibrato: Slides can be used to create vibrato, which is a slight vibrato effect. This is often used to add expression to a note.
Slides are a versatile technique that can be used to add a variety of sounds and textures to your guitar playing. By understanding how to play slides and how they are indicated on guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
Key Insights:
- Slides are a common guitar technique that can add a variety of sounds and textures to your playing.
- Slides are indicated on guitar tabs with the “/” symbol.
- To play a slide, simply place your finger on the starting fret and then slide it to the ending fret while picking the string.
- Slides can be used to create a variety of effects, such as legato, glissando, and vibrato.
Table: Slides in Guitar Tabs
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| / | Slide | e|—–0—/3—5—| |
5. Hammer-Ons
Hammer-ons are a fundamental technique in guitar playing that allow you to play fast and fluid solos and riffs. They are indicated on guitar tabs with the “h” symbol. To perform a hammer-on, simply pick the string and then quickly hammer your finger down on the fret of the note you want to play. The string will ring out as if you had picked it.
Hammer-ons are often used in conjunction with pull-offs to create legato lines and melodies. They can also be used to add accents and emphasis to your playing.
Here are some examples of how hammer-ons are used in guitar tabs:
- In the intro to the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, the hammer-ons create a fast and aggressive riff.
- In the solo to the song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, the hammer-ons are used to create a legato melody.
- In the song “Eruption” by Van Halen, the hammer-ons are used to create a fast and furious solo.
Understanding how to play hammer-ons and how they are indicated on guitar tabs is essential for any guitarist who wants to play lead guitar.
Key Insights:
- Hammer-ons are a fundamental technique in guitar playing that allow you to play fast and fluid solos and riffs.
- Hammer-ons are indicated on guitar tabs with the “h” symbol.
- To perform a hammer-on, simply pick the string and then quickly hammer your finger down on the fret of the note you want to play.
- Hammer-ons are often used in conjunction with pull-offs to create legato lines and melodies.
Table: Hammer-Ons in Guitar Tabs
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| h | Hammer-on | e|—–0h2—–3—–0—| |
6. Pull-Offs
Pull-offs are a guitar technique that is closely related to hammer-ons. They are indicated on guitar tabs with the “p” symbol. To perform a pull-off, simply fret the note you want to play and then quickly release your finger, allowing the string to ring open. The string will ring out as if you had picked it.
Pull-offs are often used in conjunction with hammer-ons to create legato lines and melodies. They can also be used to add accents and emphasis to your playing.
Here are some examples of how pull-offs are used in guitar tabs:
- In the intro to the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, the pull-offs create a fast and aggressive riff.
- In the solo to the song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, the pull-offs are used to create a legato melody.
- In the song “Eruption” by Van Halen, the pull-offs are used to create a fast and furious solo.
Understanding how to play pull-offs and how they are indicated on guitar tabs is essential for any guitarist who wants to play lead guitar.
Key Insights:
- Pull-offs are a guitar technique that is closely related to hammer-ons.
- Pull-offs are indicated on guitar tabs with the “p” symbol.
- To perform a pull-off, simply fret the note you want to play and then quickly release your finger, allowing the string to ring open.
- Pull-offs are often used in conjunction with hammer-ons to create legato lines and melodies.
Table: Pull-Offs in Guitar Tabs
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| p | Pull-off | e|—–3p0—–2—–3—| |
7. Bends
Bends are a guitar technique that allows you to change the pitch of a note by bending the string with your fretting hand. They are indicated on guitar tabs with the “b” symbol. To perform a bend, simply fret the note you want to bend and then use your fretting hand to bend the string up or down. The amount of bend you apply will determine the amount of pitch change.
- Types of Bends: There are two main types of bends: whole-step bends and half-step bends. Whole-step bends raise the pitch of the note by one whole step, while half-step bends raise the pitch of the note by one half step.
- Notation: Bends are notated on guitar tabs with the “b” symbol followed by the direction of the bend. For example, “b+3” indicates a whole-step bend up, while “b-2” indicates a half-step bend down.
- Uses: Bends are used in a variety of guitar playing styles, from blues to rock to country. They can be used to add expression and emotion to your playing, or to create specific musical effects.
- Tips: To perform bends cleanly, it is important to use a light touch and to bend the string smoothly. You should also practice bending in tune, as it can be difficult to bend the string to the correct pitch.
Bends are a versatile and expressive guitar technique that can be used to add a variety of sounds and textures to your playing. By understanding how to play bends and how they are indicated on guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
8. Vibrato
Vibrato is a guitar technique that adds expression and emotion to your playing. It is indicated on guitar tabs with the “~” symbol. To perform vibrato, simply fret the note you want to vibrato and then quickly shake your fretting hand back and forth on the string. The speed and width of your vibrato will determine the amount of effect.
- Role of Vibrato: Vibrato is used to add expression and
emotion to your playing. It can be used to create a variety of effects, from a subtle shimmer to a wide, expressive wobble. - Examples: Vibrato is used in a variety of guitar playing styles, from blues to rock to country. Some famous guitarists who use vibrato include B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton.
- Implications for Guitar Tabs: The “~” symbol on guitar tabs indicates that you should play vibrato on the note. The speed and width of your vibrato will depend on the style of music you are playing and the effect you want to create.
Vibrato is a versatile and expressive guitar technique that can be used to add a variety of sounds and textures to your playing. By understanding how to play vibrato and how it is indicated on guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
9. Palm Muting
Palm muting is a guitar technique that is used to create a percussive, muted sound. It is indicated on guitar tabs with the “PM” symbol. To perform palm muting, simply rest the palm of your picking hand lightly on the strings, near the bridge. The strings will be muted, creating a percussive sound.
- Role of Palm Muting: Palm muting is used to create a variety of effects, from a subtle percussive sound to a heavy, distorted sound. It is often used in rock, metal, and punk music.
- Examples: Palm muting is used in a variety of famous songs, such as “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
- Implications for Guitar Tabs: The “PM” symbol on guitar tabs indicates that you should palm mute the strings. The amount of palm muting you use will depend on the style of music you are playing and the effect you want to create.
Palm muting is a versatile and effective guitar technique that can be used to add a variety of sounds and textures to your playing. By understanding how to play palm mutes and how they are indicated on guitar tabs, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Symbols on Guitar Tabs
Guitar tabs are a great way to learn how to play your favorite songs, but they can be confusing if you don’t know what the symbols mean. Here are some of the most common symbols you’ll find on guitar tabs, along with their meanings:
Question 1: What do the numbers on guitar tabs mean?
The numbers on guitar tabs indicate which frets to press on the guitar neck. For example, the number “3” means to press the string down on the third fret.
Question 2: What does the “0” symbol mean on guitar tabs?
The “0” symbol on guitar tabs indicates an open string. This means that you should not press down on the string with your fretting hand.
Question 3: What does the “x” symbol mean on guitar tabs?
The “x” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a muted note. This means that you should lightly touch the string with the side of your fretting hand to mute it.
Question 4: What does the “/” symbol mean on guitar tabs?
The “/” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a slide. This means that you should slide your finger from one fret to another on the same string.
Question 5: What does the “h” symbol mean on guitar tabs?
The “h” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a hammer-on. This means that you should strike the string with your picking hand and then quickly fret the note with your fretting hand.
Question 6: What does the “p” symbol mean on guitar tabs?
The “p” symbol on guitar tabs indicates a pull-off. This means that you should fret the note with your fretting hand and then quickly release it, allowing the string to ring open.
These are just a few of the most common symbols you’ll find on guitar tabs. By understanding these symbols, you’ll be able to play any song you want, regardless of your skill level.
Summary: Understanding the symbols on guitar tabs is essential for playing guitar. By learning the meanings of these symbols, you can expand your guitar playing skills and learn to play a wider variety of songs.
Transition: Now that you know the basics of guitar tabs, you’re ready to start learning how to play your favorite songs. With a little practice, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!
Tips for Reading Guitar Tabs
Once you understand the symbols on guitar tabs, you’re ready to start learning how to play your favorite songs. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tip 1: Start with simple songs.
Don’t try to learn a complex song right away. Start with something simple that you can easily learn, such as a folk song or a children’s song. As you get more comfortable with reading guitar tabs, you can gradually move on to more challenging songs.
Tip 2: Use a metronome.
A metronome is a device that helps you keep time while you’re playing. This is important for playing guitar tabs, as you need to be able to play the notes in the correct rhythm. If you don’t have a metronome, you can use a free online metronome or an app on your phone.
Tip 3: Practice regularly.
The best way to learn how to read guitar tabs is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to practice playing guitar, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. The more you practice, the easier it will become to read guitar tabs.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning how to play guitar. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get it right.
Tip 5: Have fun!
Learning how to read guitar tabs should be enjoyable. Don’t take it too seriously. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of learning.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can learn how to read guitar tabs and start playing your favorite songs in no time.
Transition:
Now that you know the basics of reading guitar tabs, you’re ready to start learning how to play your favorite songs. With a little practice, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the various symbols used on guitar tabs and explained their meanings. Understanding these symbols is essential for accurately playing guitar tabs and expanding your guitar playing skills.
By learning the symbols on guitar tabs, you can play any song you want, regardless of your skill level. So grab your guitar, find some tabs, and start playing! The world of music is waiting for you.
