How to Write Guitar Tab in 10 Easy Steps

Guitar tab
How To Write Guitar Tab

Have you ever wanted to write your own guitar tabs? It’s a great way to preserve your musical ideas, share them with others, and learn new songs. But how do you get started? In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of guitar tab, and show you how to write your own tabs. So grab your guitar and let’s get started!

First, what is guitar tab? Guitar tab is a form of musical notation that uses numbers to represent the notes played on a guitar. Each string is represented by a line, and the numbers indicate which fret to press on that string. For example, the number “0” means to play the open string, while the number “1” means to play the first fret, and so on. Guitar tab also includes other symbols to indicate things like strumming patterns, bends, and slides.

Now that you know what guitar tab is, let’s learn how to write it. The first step is to choose a song to tab out. It’s helpful to choose a song that you know well, so that you can easily hear the notes as you’re playing. Once you’ve chosen a song, you’ll need to listen to it carefully and identify the notes that are being played. You can use a tuner to help you identify the notes, or you can simply listen to the song and try to figure it out by ear. Once you have the notes identified, you can start writing the tab. Each note will be represented by a number, and the numbers will be arranged in order from left to right, starting with the lowest string.

Understanding Tablature Notation

Guitar tablature, also known as tab, is a simplified system of musical notation specifically designed for guitarists. Unlike traditional sheet music, which uses notes on a staff to represent pitches, tab focuses on the physical layout of the guitar’s fretboard and strings. This makes it much easier for guitarists to visualize and play the music.

The basic elements of tab are horizontal lines that represent the guitar’s strings, with the lowest string (typically the 6th string) at the bottom and the highest string (typically the 1st string) at the top. Vertical lines or numbers placed on the lines indicate which fret should be played on that string, with 0 representing an open string (not fretted) and higher numbers representing higher frets.

Tab also includes additional symbols to indicate playing techniques such as bends (denoted by a curved line above the fret number), hammer-ons (indicated by the letter “h”), pull-offs (indicated by the letter “p”), and slides (indicated by a line connecting two fret numbers). By understanding these basic elements and symbols, guitarists can easily read and play tab music.

Here is a table summarizing the basic tablature notation:

Symbol	Meaning
0	Open string (not fretted)
1	First fret
2	Second fret
h	Hammer-on
p	Pull-off
~	Bend
/	Slide down
\	Slide up

Familiarizing Yourself with the Fretboard

The fretboard is the heart of the guitar, and understanding its layout is crucial for playing tabs. It comprises metal bars called frets, which divide the neck into semi-tones. The space between two frets represents one semi-tone, also known as a half-step. The frets are numbered from 1 at the nut (closest to the headstock) to 22 at the body joint. Strings are stretched over the fretboard and secured to the bridge on one end and the tuning pegs on the other.

Visualizing the Fretboard

Imagine the fretboard as a grid with six horizontal lines (strings) and 22 vertical lines (frets). The intersection of each line represents a specific note, and these notes are assigned a number on a tab. Strings are usually numbered from 1 to 6, with the thinnest string at the bottom (e) and the thickest at the top (E). Frets are counted from 0 at the nut. The “0” fret is essentially the nut itself, which separates the headstock from the neck.

Note Positions on the Fretboard

The following table provides a simplified representation of the note positions on the first five frets:

String	0	1	2	3	4
1	e	f	f#	g	g#
2	B	c	c#	d	d#
3	G	a	a#	b	c
4	D	e	f	f#	g
5	A	a#	b	c	c#

Identifying Strings and Frets

The guitar’s strings are numbered from 1 to 6, with the thickest string (the one closest to the floor) being string number 1 and the thinnest string (the one closest to the ceiling) being string number 6. The frets are the metal bars across the neck of the guitar. They divide the neck into spaces called semitones. The fret closest to the headstock (the part of the guitar where the strings are attached) is the first fret, and the fret closest to the body of the guitar is the last fret.

To play a note on the guitar, you place your finger on the string behind the desired fret. For example, to play the note “A” on the second string, you would place your finger on the string behind the fifth fret.

String	Notes on the first five frets
1 (thickest)	E, F, F#, G, G#, A
2	A, A#, B, C, C#, D
3	D, D#, E, F, F#, G
4	G, G#, A, A#, B, C
5	C, C#, D, D#, E, F
6 (thinnest)	F, F#, G, G#, A, A#

Interpreting Numerical Tab Symbols

Numerical tab symbols represent the fret on a guitar string that you press down to play a specific note. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each number means:

0

Indicates an “open” string, meaning you play it without fretting it.

1

Press the string down on the first fret, closest to the headstock.

2

Press the string down on the second fret.

3

Press the string down on the third fret.

4

Press the string down on the fourth fret, which is also known as the “halfway point” on the string. This fret divides the distance between the nut and the 12th fret into two equal halves. Pressing the string down on the fourth fret produces a pitch that is exactly an octave higher than the open string.

4 (with a small circle above it)

Indicates that you should hammer-on to the fourth fret. This technique involves plucking the open string and then quickly pressing down on the fourth fret to create a note.

5

Press the string down on the fifth fret.

6

Press the string down on the sixth fret.

7

Press the string down on the seventh fret.

8

Press the string down on the eighth fret.

9

Press the string down on the ninth fret.

10

Press the string down on the tenth fret.

11

Press the string down on the eleventh fret.

12

Indicates the twelfth fret, which is the natural harmonic node of the string. Pressing the string down here produces a pure harmonic sound.

Reading Downstrokes and Upstrokes

Recognizing the direction of a guitar pick’s movement is crucial for deciphering tablature. Downstrokes, indicated by a downwards arrow (v), signify picking the string in a downward motion. Conversely, upstrokes, denoted by an upwards arrow (^) or a carat (∧), involve picking the string upward.

The direction of the stroke is crucial for several reasons:

Rhythm and timing: Downstrokes and upstrokes often follow a specific pattern, such as a regular alternation or syncopation. Understanding the direction of the stroke helps you maintain the intended rhythm.
Picking technique: The direction of the stroke affects the sound and feel of the pick on the string. Downstrokes tend to produce a more aggressive tone, while upstrokes offer a softer, more resonant sound.
String muting: Properly executing downstrokes or upstrokes can help mute adjacent strings, preventing unwanted notes from ringing out.
Speed and accuracy: As you gain proficiency in reading tablature, you’ll learn to recognize common downstroke and upstroke patterns, which can significantly increase your playing speed and accuracy.
Advanced techniques: Many advanced guitar techniques, such as alternate picking, legato, and sweep picking, heavily rely on the precise reading and execution of downstrokes and upstrokes. Understanding the direction of the strokes is essential for mastering these techniques.

Here’s a table summarizing the downward and upward arrow symbols used to indicate downstrokes and upstrokes:

Downstroke	Upstroke
v	^ or ∧

Understanding Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques used to create seamless transitions between notes without picking the strings. They add articulation and expression to guitar playing.

Hammer-Ons

A hammer-on involves using the fretting hand to hammer a finger onto a string, causing it to ring out. The fretted note’s fret number is usually indicated by an “h” followed by the fret number in tablature.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are the opposite of hammer-ons. They involve pulling a finger off a fretted note, causing the string to ring out with the previously fretted note. They are indicated by a “p” followed by the fret number in tablature.

Combining Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs can be combined to create complex phrasing and melodies. They are often used in conjunction with slides for fluid and expressive guitar playing.

Notation	Description
h5	Hammer-on to the 5th fret
p3	Pull-off from the 3rd fret
h5p3	Hammer-on to the 5th fret, then pull-off to the 3rd fret

Recognizing Bends and Vibrato

Bends

Bends involve pulling or pushing the string up or down to alter its pitch. Notation for bends includes a curved arrow followed by the number of semitones to bend. For example, “1/2” indicates a half-step bend. Arrows pointing up indicate a pull-up bend, while down arrows indicate a push-down bend.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds a subtle, wavering effect to notes. It’s notated with a wavy line above the note. The speed and intensity of the vibrato can vary depending on the player’s style.

Release Bend (RB)

A release bend involves bending a note up or down and then releasing it back to its original pitch. It’s notated with an RB symbol above the note. The release can be slow or fast depending on the desired effect.

Bend Higher

This technique involves bending a note up to a higher pitch but not returning it to its original position. A curved arrow pointing up and ending with a dot indicates a bend higher.

Bend and Release

A bend and release is a combination of a bend and a release bend. It involves bending a note up or down, then releasing it back to a lower or higher pitch, respectively.

Pre-Bend

A pre-bend involves bending a note up or down before it’s played. This technique creates a distinctive attack and can add a unique character to the note.

Half-Step Bend vs. Full-Step Bend

The bend symbol without any number following it indicates a half-step bend, which is one semitone. A full-step bend is indicated by a number 2 following the bend symbol and represents two semitones.

Table: Bend Notation

Symbol	Description
1/2	Half-step pull-up bend
1/2	Half-step push-down bend
2	Full-step pull-up bend
2	Full-step push-down bend
RB	Release bend

Utilizing Slide and Legato Techniques

Slide and legato techniques add fluidity and expressiveness to guitar playing. Here’s how to execute them:

Slide

A slide involves moving your fretting finger along the string to create a smooth, gliding sound. To perform a slide:

Fret the note on your target fret.
Keep your finger lightly touching the string.
Slide your finger along the string to your desired destination fret.

Legato

Legato involves playing notes smoothly without any discernible gaps between them. To achieve a legato technique:

Fret the first note and pick it normally.
While your fretting finger is still touching the string, use your picking hand to pick the next note.
Release your fretting finger only after the next note has been picked.

Slide	Legato
Fretting finger moves along the string	Fretting finger remains on the string
Creates a gliding sound	Creates a smooth, connected sound
Helps with speed and accuracy	Adds expressiveness and emotion

Mastering Advanced Tab Symbols (e.g., Harmonics, Tapping)

Tapping

Tapping involves tapping the fretboard with your picking hand to produce notes. To indicate tapping in tab, include the letter “T” after the fret number. For example, “10T” represents tapping the 10th fret with your picking hand.

Harmonics

Harmonics are created by lightly touching the string above the fret while simultaneously picking it. In tab, harmonics are denoted by the fret number followed by “H.” For example, “5H” indicates a harmonic at the 5th fret.

Artificial Harmonics

Artificial harmonics are created by touching the string at a specific node and picking it. To indicate artificial harmonics in tab, place a “A” before the fret number, followed by “H.” For example, “A5H” represents an artificial harmonic at the 5th fret.

Other Advanced Symbols

There are several other advanced tab symbols used to indicate techniques such as slurs, pull-offs, and hammer-ons. Here is a summary of these symbols:

Symbol	Technique
~	Slide
h	Hammer-on
p	Pull-off
\	Bend Up
/	Bend Down
<>	Vibrato
x	Mute Note
o	Natural Harmonic
p.m.	Palm Mute

Practicing and Refining Your Tab Reading Skills

1. Start with Easy Tabs

Choose tabs for songs you already know the notes to, making it easier to match the tab with the sound.

2. Practice Regularly

Dedicate consistent time to reading tabs, even for short durations, to improve fluency.

3. Focus on One Line at a Time

Don’t try to read the whole tab at once. Concentrate on understanding a single line before moving on to the next.

4. Use a Metronome

Practice reading tabs while using a metronome to develop a steady rhythm and improve accuracy.

5. Record Yourself Playing

Record your playing and compare it to the original song. Identify any areas where your timing or accuracy needs improvement.

6. Break Down Complex Sections

If you encounter a challenging section in the tab, break it down into smaller parts and practice each part individually before putting it all together.

7. Use a Tab Reader Software

Explore tab reader software that provides visual cues and audio playback to assist in understanding and practicing.

8. Find a Study Partner

Collaborating with another guitar player can provide encouragement and accountability.

9. Analyze Different Tab Versions

Compare multiple tab versions of the same song to gain insights into different interpretations and techniques.

10. Explore Online Resources

Utilize online tablature databases, tutorials, and forums to access a vast collection of tabs and resources for practice and refinement.

How To Write Guitar Tab

Guitar tablature, or “tab” for short, is a form of musical notation that is used to represent the fingering of a guitar. It is a simple and easy-to-read system that can be used by guitarists of all levels. Tablature is often used in conjunction with standard notation, but it can also be used as a stand-alone form of notation.

To write guitar tab, you will need to first understand the basic layout of a guitar fretboard. The fretboard is divided into six strings, which are numbered from 1 to 6 from thinnest to thickest. The frets are the metal bars that run across the fretboard, and they are numbered from 1 to 12 from the nut to the body of the guitar. The nut is the small piece of bone or plastic that is located at the top of the fretboard, and the body of the guitar is the large, wooden part of the guitar that contains the sound hole.

Each line of tablature represents one string on the guitar. The numbers on the lines indicate which fret to play on that string. For example, a “0” on the sixth string line means to play the open sixth string. A “1” on the fifth string line means to play the first fret on the fifth string. A “3” on the fourth string line means to play the third fret on the fourth string.