How to Read Guitar Tab
Learning how to read guitar tab is probably one of quickest and easiest ways to start playing the guitar. I use tablature to introduce music fundamentals to my students who haven't yet learned how to read notation. This provides a way for me to communicate and write out their lesson plans. That allows the student to start playing right away. Here is a simple explanation of how tab works: If we take the six strings of a guitar and write them down on paper they will look like this: E:-------------------- > FIRST STRING
B:-------------------- > SECOND STRING
G:-------------------- > THIRD STRING
D:-------------------- > FOURTH STRING
A:-------------------- > FIFTH STRING
E:-------------------- > SIXTH STRING
Numbers placed on a string indicate which FRET you will play. 0 = OPEN
1 = 1ST FRET
2 = 2ND FRET
3 = 3RD FRET (etc.) When you are in first position you will use your first finger to play the notes on the first fret, second finger/second fret, third finger/third fret, and so on. The finger you use will always correspond with the fret you are on when you are playing in first position. If you shift your hand so that your first finger is playing the notes on the second fret, second finger/third fret, third finger/fourth fret, etc. then you are in second position. Your position on the guitar is always determined by your first finger. Try playing the following tab exercise:E:|----------------------------------------
B:|----------------------------------------
G:|-------------------------------0---2----
D:|---------------0--------2---3-----------
A:|----0---2---3---------------------------
E:|---------------------------------------- If you play the excercise correctly you will have an A Minor Scale: A B C D E F G A
LESSON OBJECTIVE: To learn how to read and use guitar tab to play songs. PRACTICE: Memorize where the notes of the A Minor Scale are located on the fretboard by using the Tablature Exercise given above. LEARN MORE: Click the blue link below and learn how to play songs with tab… Free Guitar Tab Songs
|
