As private guitar teachers who specialize in beginner lessons, we know one thing for sure—music notation can be intimidating at first. That’s why we love introducing students to guitar tablature, or “tabs.” Tabs are a simplified way to read guitar tabs easily, even if you’ve never read sheet music before.
In this guide, we’ll explain what tabs are, how they work, and how you can use them to start playing real music right away.
What Is Guitar Tablature (Tabs)?
Guitar tablature is a visual way to show where your fingers should go on the fretboard. It’s made up of six horizontal lines that represent the six guitar strings, with numbers placed on the lines to indicate which frets to press.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Lines = Strings (top line is your high E string, bottom is low E)
- Numbers = Frets (a “3” means play the 3rd fret on that string)
- No numbers = don’t play that string
This makes tabs incredibly helpful for beginners because you don’t need to read traditional notes—you just follow the numbers.
How To Read Guitar Tabs in 3 Simple Steps
1. Understand the Layout
The six lines of tab mimic the six strings of your guitar. From bottom to top:
c (1st string - thinnest)
B (2nd string)
G (3rd string)
D (4th string)
A (5th string)
E (6th string - thickest)
2. Read the Numbers
Each number tells you which fret to press. For example, if you see:
e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---2---
You’ll play an open 1st string, 1st fret on the 2nd string, and 2nd fret on the 3rd string.
3. Play One Note at a Time (or Chords)
Tabs can show single notes (melodies) or stacked numbers (chords). Start with one note at a time to build comfort and accuracy.
Why Tabs Are Great for Beginners
Here’s why we recommend learning to read guitar tabs easily before jumping into standard notation:
- Quick results: You can play recognizable melodies early on.
- Builds confidence: Students feel successful when they can play a full song within a few lessons.
- Easy to find: Many beginner songs online are available in tab form—just be sure to use reputable sources like Ultimate Guitar.
Ready to start playing songs? Check out our guide on what to expect in your first guitar lesson.
FAQ: Reading Guitar Tabs
Q: Do I need to learn sheet music if I can read tabs?
Not right away. Tabs are a great starting point. Many students add traditional notation later as they progress.
Q: Are tabs the same for electric and acoustic guitar?
Yes! The string layout is the same, so tabs work for both.
Q: How do I know which finger to use?
Some tabs include finger suggestions, but your teacher can help you build good fingering habits based on the piece.
