T ablature, often called TAB,

is a common form of music

notation for fretted instruments.
1) Tablature is read from left to right

Tablature written for guitar

uses six lines to represent the
six strings of the guitar. When 1
a number is placed on a line it 0 2
0 2
indicates which string and fret 3
a finger is to be placed on.

Following are some key

things to remember when
reading guitar tablature.

A 0 indicates that the string is to

2) Zero indicates an open string. be played without any fingers being
0 placed on the string. This is referred
to as an open string.

3) Numbers indicate the

0 1
string and fret to be 0 2 3
0 2

played. 3

1 = Highest sounding string of the guitar

3
6 = Lowest sounding string of the guitar

The number 3 indicates that the third fret of the

fifth string is to be played.
Copyright S. Forrester - 2016
4) Tablature can indicate chords.
Remember
Lines represent

0 strings and numbers
1
0 represent frets.
2 A number upon a line
3
indicates that a finger
is to be placed on
the indicated string
(string 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or
6) at the indicated
fret, unless it is 0. 0
Numbers written vertically are to be played together. on a line indicates
that the string is
an open string.

5) Tablature can indicate harmony and chords.

1
0 2
0 2
3

Numbers written horizontally are to be played one at a time.

Glossary
Chord: a group of (typically three or more) notes sounded
together.
Frets: frets divide the neck of an instrument into notes.
Harmony: the combination of simultaneously sounded musical
notes to produce a pleasing effect.
Horizontal: parallel to the plane of the horizon.
Melody: a series of notes played one after another.
Notation: in music, notation is a series of symbols used to
indicate the pitch, length and/or type of sound.
Vertical: at right angles to the horizon.

Copyright S. Forrester - 2016