TAB FAQ

Joski's Tablature Lesson for beginners!

This is TAB

It's a way of writing music for stringed instruments that is easy to learn!

How to...

#1. Each line on the TAB is one string on the guitar.
The high E string is at the top, the low E string is at the bottom.

#2. Each number is the fret on the string
or strings where you put your finger(s).

For bass guitars it's the same except there are four strings, of course.
(G D A E - top to bottom)

#3. The two dots mean you repeat the section between
the first set of dots and the second set of dots.

#4. When you see a triangular line like this one, it means that you should bend the string. If it says 1/2 above it, bend the string up to the note found on the next fret up. (Called a 1/2 step) If it says 1 or 2, bend 1 (or 2) steps up (a full note (or two).

#5. A wavy line following a number means to create tremolo either with your fingers (by bending and releasing the string quickly) or with a whammy bar, while holding the note. If a straight line follows, hold the note steady.

#6. Unless you see a time signature here, it is four/four time! That means there are four beats to the bar (one unit between the dividing lines) and four bars to the measure (a number of bars that repeat in a pattern) (This example has only two bars showing)

Here is an example of a fairly complex TAB.

You would play the first four bars (the first measure) at least two times then move on to the next measure. You only play the second measure once! There are no dots! Then play the ending part. (When you see a © CODA, it means to look for the other one and skip there according to the directions.

TRY IT!

There are some more complicated rules but this
will allow you to play almost everything.
Remember! If you can't figure something out, listen to the CD!!!!
TABs are written to diagram music not replace it.

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