Guitar Tab Guide

1. The Basic Layout

A guitar tab looks like this:

e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|----------------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|

Each line represents a string on the guitar:

• Bottom line (E) = thickest, lowest-pitched string (6th string)
• Top line (e) = thinnest, highest-pitched string (1st string)

Strings from top to bottom (standard tuning): e B G D A E

2. How Numbers Work

• Numbers indicate which fret to press.
• 0 = play string open.
• 1 = press first fret, 2 = second fret, etc.

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

Multiple numbers stacked vertically = play at the same time (chord):

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

This is a C major chord.

3. Playing Notes in Sequence

Numbers written horizontally = play one after another:

e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|----------------|
A|---2---3---5----|
E|----------------|

4. Common Symbols

Symbol	Meaning
h	hammer-on
p	pull-off
/	slide up
\	slide down
b	bend
r	release bend
~	vibrato
x	muted/dead note

e|---5h7---|   → play 5th fret, hammer-on to 7th fret

5. Tips for Reading Tabs

• Start slow. Play one note at a time.
• Check which string the number is on; 3rd fret on D ≠ 3rd fret on G.
• Use tabs along with listening to the song to understand timing and rhythm.

privacy policy

www.guitardlx.com