Guitar Tabs 101 - The Complete Guide to Guitar Tab Symbols

Fret numbers are the core of guitar tablature. A number on a string line tells you which fret to press down with your fretting hand on that specific string before picking it.

A '0' means an open string. Any number higher (1, 2, 3, 12, etc.) corresponds to a fret on the neck. Most guitars only have 22 or 24 frets, so you usually won't see numbers higher than this.

If you see multiple fret numbers in the same position horizontally (Such as the 3 and 5 below), it means they are played together.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5--8--10----------| <-- Play the 3rd and 5th simultaneously, followed by the 8th, then 10th fret on the D string.
A|--3-----------------|
E|--------------------|

This is how melodies, riffs, and chord shapes are indicated. For example, the start of the famous "Smoke on the Water" riff uses fret numbers on the Low E and A strings.

The six horizontal lines in guitar tab represent the guitar strings. They are typically ordered from the highest pitch (thinnest string) at the top to the lowest pitch (thickest string) at the bottom when using standard tuning (EADGBe).

• Top line: high e string (1st string)
• Second line: B string (2nd string)
• Third line: G string (3rd string)
• Fourth line: D string (4th string)
• Fifth line: A string (5th string)
• Bottom line: low E string (6th string)

e|--------------------| <-- high e string
B|--------------------| <-- B string
G|--------------------| <-- G string
D|--------------------| <-- D string
A|--------------------| <-- A string
E|--------------------| <-- low E string

A fret number on a line tells you to play that fret specifically on that string. Some songs are played using guitars with more than 6 strings, and you'll see more than 6 lines when that is the case.

An open string is played without pressing down on any fret. In guitar tablature, this is indicated by the number 0 on the corresponding string line.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--0--3--5-----------| <-- Play the open A string, then 3rd fret, 5th fret on A.
E|--0--3--5-----------| <-- Play the open E string, then 3rd fret, 5th fret on E.

Open strings are fundamental for many riffs and chords. The opening notes of the "Smoke on the Water" riff, for instance, use the open Low E string ('0').

Standard tuning (EADGBe) is the most common way to tune a six-string guitar. Unless the tab indicates otherwise at the beginning, you can usually assume the guitar is tuned to standard.

The pitches of the open strings from lowest (6th string) to highest (1st string) are:

• Low E
• A
• D
• G
• B
• High e

Tabs often explicitly state the tuning at the top:

Tuning: E A D G B e

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

Many classic rock and pop songs are played in standard tuning, such as most songs by AC/DC.

An alternate tuning is any tuning different from standard tuning (EADGBe). Musicians use alternate tunings for various reasons, like achieving a lower range, simplifying certain chords, or getting a unique sound.

Alternate tunings are almost always clearly specified at the start of a tab:

Tuning: D A D G B e  <-- Example: Drop D tuning

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
D|--0---3---5---------| <-- The bottom line now represents a D string.

Examples include Drop D (common in rock/metal), Open G (used by The Rolling Stones), or DADGAD (used in Celtic music). Always check the tuning before playing a tab!

Drop D tuning is a popular alternate tuning where the lowest string (6th string, low E) is tuned down a whole step to D. The other strings remain in standard tuning: D A D G B e.

This tuning is widely used in rock and metal as it allows for easily playing power chords on the lowest strings with just one finger and provides a heavier low end.

Tabs indicate it like this:

Tuning: D A D G B e

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
D|--0--0--0--0--------| <-- Easy power chords on the bottom strings.

The main riff from "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine is a classic example played in Drop D.

A capo is a clamp placed across the fretboard that raises the pitch of all open strings. It allows you to play in different keys using familiar chord shapes higher up the neck.

If a capo is used, the tab will state the fret number where it should be placed:

Capo on 2nd Fret

e|--0--0--0--0--| <-- These '0's now sound like the 2nd fret pitch.
B|--1--1--1--1--| <-- These '1's are played at the 3rd actual fret (1 fret above capo).
G|--2--2--2--2--|
D|--2--2--2--2--|
A|--0--0--0--0--|
E|--x--x--x--x--| <-- 'x' means don't play this string.

When a capo is on, the fret numbers in the tab are relative to the capo. '0' is the capo's position, '1' is the fret immediately above the capo, and so on. The song "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles is often played with a capo on the 7th fret.

Bar lines are vertical lines crossing the string lines that divide the music into segments of equal duration called measures or bars. They help organize the music according to the time signature.

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|----------------|
D|--5--8--10------|--5--8--10------|--5--8--10------| <-- Bar lines separate the measures.
A|--5--8--10------|--5--8--10------|--5--8--10------|
E|--3--6--8-------|--3--6--8-------|--3--6--8-------|
    ^ Measure 1^   ^ Measure 2^   ^ Measure 3^

In the example above (part of the "Smoke on the Water" riff), each segment between the bar lines is one measure. Bar lines make it easier to count beats and follow the structure.

The time signature, usually placed at the beginning of the tab (or after a bar line if it changes), indicates the rhythmic structure of the music. It's written as two numbers stacked vertically.

4/4 <-- Time Signature

e|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|
D|--5---5---5---5-|--7---7---7---7-| <-- Four quarter notes per measure.
A|--5---5---5---5-|--7---7---7---7-|
E|--3---3---3---3-|--5---5---5---5-|
    1   2   3   4   1   2   3   4

The top number tells you how many beats are in each measure. The bottom number tells you what type of note gets one beat (4 = quarter note, 8 = eighth note, etc.). 4/4 ("common time") is the most frequent, meaning four quarter notes per measure. Many rock songs like "Back in Black" are in 4/4.

In simple guitar tablature, the horizontal space between fret numbers on the string lines often *implies* rhythm. Notes that are close together are played faster (shorter duration), while notes spaced further apart are held longer (longer duration).

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--5-5-5-5---8---8---10--| <-- These first notes are quicker, the later ones are slower.
A|--5-5-5-5---8---8---10--|
E|--3-3-3-3---6---6---8---|

This is the primary way basic tabs show rhythm, but it's not as precise as standard musical notation. For exact timing, look for rhythmic symbols placed above the tab or listen to the song.

Note duration is how long a note or chord should sound. While basic tabs use spacing to imply duration, more detailed tabs often include standard musical notation symbols above the tab lines for explicit rhythmic information.

These symbols indicate specific durations like quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, etc.

  ♩   ♩   ♪ ♪   ♬ ♬ ♬ ♬
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--5---5---7-7---8-8-8-8-| <-- Standard rhythmic notation above the tab explicitly shows duration.
A|--5---5---7-7---8-8-8-8-|
E|--3---3---5-5---6-6-6-6-|

Combined tab/standard notation is the most accurate way to represent rhythm. If not present, you rely on spacing and listening to the song.

A quarter note is a common rhythmic value. In 4/4 time, it usually receives one beat.

When standard rhythmic notation is included above the tab, a quarter note is shown as a filled note head with a stem (♩).

  ♩   ♩   ♩   ♩
e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|--5---5---5---5-| <-- Each '5' here represents a quarter note.
A|--5---5---5---5-|
E|--3---3---3---3-|
    1   2   3   4

This explicit notation helps align the tab with the rhythm, especially when used with a tempo marking.

An eighth note is half the duration of a quarter note. In 4/4 time, an eighth note typically receives half a beat.

In standard notation above the tab, an eighth note has a stem and one flag (♪). Groups of eighth notes are often connected by a single beam (♪♪).

  ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪   ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--5-5-5-5---7-7-7-7-----| <-- Each number represents an eighth note.
A|--5-5-5-5---7-7-7-7-----|
E|--3-3-3-3---5-5-5-5-----|
    1 & 2 &   3 & 4 &

Eighth notes are common in faster riffs and strumming patterns, creating movement between the main beats.

A sixteenth note is half the duration of an eighth note, meaning four sixteenth notes fit into the time of one quarter note. In 4/4 time, it gets a quarter of a beat.

In standard notation above the tab, a sixteenth note has a stem and two flags (♬). Groups are connected by a double beam (♬♬).

  ♬ ♬ ♬ ♬   ♬ ♬ ♬ ♬
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|--7-7-7-7---7-7-7-7-----| <-- These are sixteenth notes.
D|--5-5-5-5---5-5-5-5-----|
A|------------------------|
E|------------------------|
    1 e & a   2 e & a

Sixteenth notes are used for very fast passages, like shredding or rapid rhythm guitar parts.

A rest indicates silence in music for a specific duration. Rests contribute to the rhythm and feel of a piece just as much as notes.

In tabs with standard notation above, rests are shown using standard rest symbols. Basic tabs might use forward slashes (/) to indicate a pause.

  ♩   Rest  ♪ ♪   Rest
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5---/ ---7-7---/--| <-- Play 5 (quarter note), rest (quarter rest), play 7-7 (eighth notes), rest (quarter rest).
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Paying attention to rests is crucial for accurate timing and capturing the groove of a song.

A dot placed after a note head (in standard notation above the tab) or a rest increases its duration by half of its original value.

  ♩.  ♪   ♩.  ♪
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5-------7---------| <-- Dotted Quarter Note (1.5 beats) + Eighth Note (0.5 beats) = 2 beats.
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|
    1  & a  2 & 3 & 4

Dotted notes create specific rhythmic patterns, such as the common dotted eighth note followed by a sixteenth note (♪. ♬), which gives a driving feel often heard in rock music.

A tie is a curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch. It means the second note is not played or picked again, but its duration is added to the first note, creating a single, longer sustained note.

In guitar tabs, ties are often represented by a curved line (like a tilde ~), a hyphen - extending across a bar line, or standard notation ties above the tab.

e|--7~7---|  <-- Play the first 7, sustain it over where the second 7 is indicated.
B|--------|
G|--------|
D|--------|
A|--------|
E|--------|

Sometimes, the second note is put in parentheses to indicate it's sustained, not re-picked: e|--7--(7)--|. Ties are essential for showing sustained notes, especially across bar lines or rests.

Tempo is the speed of the music. It's usually indicated at the start of a tab in BPM (Beats Per Minute). This tells you how many beats (usually quarter notes) occur in one minute.

Tempo: 100 BPM (♩ = 100)

e|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|
D|--5---5---5---5-|--7---7---7---7-| <-- Play these notes at a speed of 100 quarter notes per minute.
A|--5---5---5---5-|--7---7---7---7-|
E|--3---3---3---3-|--5---5---5---5-|

A metronome set to the specified BPM is the best way to practice playing the tab at the correct speed. For example, "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC is around 115 BPM.

An accent symbol (>) above or below a note or chord means you should play it louder or with more emphasis than surrounding notes. This adds rhythmic drive and shape to the music.

      >       >
e|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|
D|--5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|--7-7-7-7-7-7-7-| <-- Emphasize the notes marked with >.
A|--5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|--7-7-7-7-7-7-7-|
E|--3-3-3-3-3-3-3-|--5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|

You can achieve accents by striking the string harder, either with the pick or fingers, or by stressing the beat slightly. The main riff of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" uses palm-muted power chords with specific accents.

Syncopation involves rhythms that deliberately emphasize notes or rests on weak beats or off-beats, rather than the usual strong beats (like 1 and 3 in 4/4). This creates a feeling of surprise, energy, or a 'groove'.

In tab, syncopation is shown through the precise placement of notes relative to the beat, often requiring accurate rhythmic notation above the tab.

  ♩   ♪ ♪   ♩
e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|--0-----0---0---| <-- The second '0' falls on the '&' of beat 2.
D|------3---------|
A|--3-------------|
E|----------------|
    1   2 &   3   4

Funk and R&B guitar rhythms, like those in Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," often heavily feature syncopation.

A hammer-on (h) is a legato technique. You pick the first (lower) note, then use a finger from your fretting hand to firmly press down on a higher fret on the same string, making the second note sound without picking it again.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5h7---------------| <-- Pick the 5, then hammer finger down on 7.
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This creates a smooth transition. The intro riff of "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin uses hammer-ons (e.g., on the D string: 2h4).

A pull-off (p) is the opposite of a hammer-on, another legato technique. You pick a note while holding down a higher fret, then 'pull' or lift that finger off the string in a way that makes the lower note (which must already be fretted or open on the same string) sound without picking again.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--7p5---------------| <-- Pick the 7, then pull off the finger to sound the 5.
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Pull-offs create a smooth, descending sound. The iconic intro riff to "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne makes extensive use of pull-offs.

A slide (s, / for up, \ for down) involves moving your fretting finger along the string *while the note is still ringing* from one fret to another. This creates a smooth glide in pitch.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5/7---------------| <-- Pick 5, slide up to 7 while the note is ringing.
A|--7\5---------------| <-- Pick 7, slide down to 5 while the note is ringing.
E|--------------------|

Sometimes a slide into a note (/7) or out of a note (7/) is indicated, meaning the start or end point isn't specified. The main riff of "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin starts with a prominent slide.

A bend (b) is a technique where you push or pull the string to raise the pitch of a fretted note. The notation shows the starting fret, 'b', and the target pitch indicated by the fret number you bend *to* (in parentheses).

e|--------------------|
B|--15b17-------------| <-- Play the 15th fret, then bend the string up to sound like the 17th fret.
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

7b9 means bend the 7th fret up to sound like the 9th (a whole step bend). 7b8 would be a half step bend. Bends are a staple of blues and rock lead guitar; David Gilmour's solo on Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" is famous for expressive bends.

A release bend (r) occurs after a bend. It means you lower the pitch of the bent note back down to its original, unbent pitch while the note is still sounding.

The notation shows the original fret, the bend, and then 'r' followed by the original fret number.

e|--------------------|
B|--15b17r15----------| <-- Play 15, bend up to sound like 17, then release the bend back down to sound like 15.
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This technique adds dynamic shape to bent notes. Many blues and rock solos incorporate bend-and-release figures.

A pre-bend (pb) means you bend the string *before* you pick the note. You bend the string up to the target pitch silently, then pick the note while it's already bent, and usually release it.

The notation often shows the initial fret (sometimes in parentheses as it's not picked there), 'pb', and the target fret pitch.

e|--------------------|
B|--(15)pb17----------| <-- Bend the 15th fret string *before* picking, up to the pitch of the 17th, then pick it while bent.
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Pre-bends create a dramatic effect, making the note arrive instantly at a higher pitch. Often followed by a release: (15)pb17r15.

Vibrato (v or ~ after a note) is a technique used to add warmth and expression to a sustained note by rapidly and slightly varying its pitch. This is done by wiggling or rocking the fretting finger on the string.

e|--------------------|
B|--15v---------------| <-- Play 15th fret, then add vibrato.
G|--12~---------------| <-- Play 12th fret, then add vibrato.
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

The style of vibrato (wide/narrow, fast/slow) is a key part of a guitarist's sound. Players like B.B. King or David Gilmour are known for their distinctive vibrato techniques.

Palm muting is a picking hand technique indicated by PM above the tab lines, often with a dashed line showing duration. You lightly rest the edge of your picking hand's palm on the strings near the bridge while picking.

This dampens the strings, creating a tight, percussive, and often heavier sound, common in rock and metal riffs.

    PM--------|       PM--------|
e|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|
D|----------------|----------------|
A|----------------|----------------|
E|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| <-- These open E notes are palm-muted.

The intro riff to Metallica's "Master of Puppets" is a prime example of heavy palm muting.

A muted note or ghost note is indicated by an x or + on a string line. It means you should strike the string while it is completely muted (by lightly touching it with a fretting hand finger without pressing down), producing a percussive "thump" or "click" instead of a clear pitch.

e|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|
D|----------------|----------------|
A|------x-----x---|------x-----x---| <-- Play the muted string percussively.
E|--0-0---0-0---0-|--0-0---0-0---0-|

Muted notes are vital for rhythmic guitar playing, adding texture and groove, especially in funk and reggae. The rhythm guitar in songs like "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers uses many muted notes.

A natural harmonic (NH or indicated by angle brackets < > around the fret number) is a clear, bell-like tone created by lightly touching the string directly *above* a fret wire (a harmonic node) and then picking the string.

Common natural harmonics are above the 12th, 7th, and 5th frets.

    NH          NH          NH
e|--<12>----------------------|
B|------<7>-------------------| <-- Lightly touch the string above the fret wire indicated and pick.
G|--------<5>-----------------|
D|----------------<12>--------|
A|--------------------<7>----|
E|------------------------<5>|

The intro to "Roundabout" by Yes features prominent natural harmonics.

An artificial harmonic (AH) or pinch harmonic (PH, sometimes 'harm.') is a type of harmonic produced by picking a fretted note while simultaneously and momentarily touching the string with the fleshy part of your picking thumb or index finger immediately after the pick strikes.

This technique produces a high-pitched, often squealing or 'talking' sound, especially with distortion.

Notation is usually AH or PH above the fretted note:

    PH
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5-----------------| <-- Play the 5th fret and perform a pinch harmonic.
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Pinch harmonics are a signature sound in hard rock and metal solos, popularized by players like Zakk Wylde and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top's "La Grange").

A tap harmonic (TH) is created by using a finger (usually from the picking hand, but sometimes the fretting hand) to sharply tap the string over a harmonic node (a point on the string that naturally produces a harmonic) while another finger is fretting a note. The node is typically 12 frets above the fretted note.

    TH
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--5--TH17-----------| <-- Fret the 5th, then tap the 17th fret (which is 12 frets higher than 5) to sound a harmonic.
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This produces a bright, percussive harmonic sound. It's used in various styles for special effects or fast arpeggios.

Tapping (or two-hand tapping) is a technique where you use fingers from your picking hand to "tap" or fret notes directly onto the fretboard. This allows for rapid legato passages and wide stretches beyond the reach of the fretting hand alone.

Tapping is usually indicated by a T above the note, or sometimes a circle around the fret number, often combined with hammer-ons and pull-offs by the fretting hand.

    T         T
e|--12p7h10p7-12p7h10p7--| <-- 'T' indicates a tapped note (with the picking hand).
B|-----------------------|
G|-----------------------|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-----------------------|

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized guitar playing with this technique, famously in his piece "Eruption".

A trill (tr, often with a wavy line) is a rapid alternation between the written note and the note immediately above it (usually a half or whole step). The speed of the alternation is typically as fast as possible while remaining clear.

    tr~~~~~~~~~~
e|--------------------|
B|--7-----------------| <-- Rapidly alternate between the 7th fret note and the note a half/whole step above it.
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Sometimes the upper note is specified in parentheses (e.g., tr(8)). Trills are used as ornamentation in classical music (like Bach arrangements) and in some metal solos.

A grace note is a very quick, ornamental note played just before a main note. It's typically unaccented and takes its duration from the main note.

In tabs with standard notation above, grace notes are shown as small notes with a slash. In simpler tabs, they might be shown as a smaller number just before the main note, or sometimes with a slash.

  ♪ ♩
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--/7----------------| <-- Quickly slide or hammer to the 7th fret just before the main note (example using a slide notation).
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Grace notes add a brief embellishment, common in blues, rock, and classical-influenced guitar playing.

Legato is a term meaning notes are played smoothly and connectedly. On guitar, this is achieved primarily using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides instead of picking every single note.

While there's no single "legato" symbol, sections marked for legato playing will show extensive use of h, p, and s notations.

e|--------------------------|
B|--------------------------|
G|--------------------------|
D|--5h7p5h7p5h7p5-----------| <-- Play only the first 5 with a pick, then use hammer-ons and pull-offs for the rest.
A|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|

Fast solo passages, often called "shredding," heavily rely on legato techniques for speed and fluidity, as heard in music by Joe Satriani or Steve Vai.

A unison bend (UB) involves playing two notes simultaneously on adjacent strings. One note is fretted and played normally, while the other is fretted lower on the adjacent string and bent up in pitch to match the first note exactly (creating a unison).

    UB
e|--------------------|
B|--8b10--------------| <-- Bend the 8th fret on the B string up to sound like the 10th fret pitch.
G|--10----------------| <-- Play the 10th fret on the G string simultaneously.
D|--------------------|   (The bent B string and the G string should now sound the same pitch).
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This creates a thick, powerful sound and is common in blues and rock lead guitar, for example in solos by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The instruction Let Ring (L.R. or a wavy line ~~~) tells you to allow a note or chord to sustain and fade naturally without muting it with your hands. This is especially important for open strings or chords where you want the sound to blend.

    L.R.----------|
e|--0---------------|
B|--1---------------|
G|--0---------------| <-- Play this C major chord and let all the notes ring out together.
D|--2---------------|
A|--3---------------|
E|--x---------------|

This technique is crucial for the sound of acoustic fingerstyle playing and open chord passages, like the intro to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here".

Symbols above or below notes can indicate the direction of your pick stroke:

• v (down arrow): Downstroke (picking towards the floor).
• ^ (up arrow): Upstroke (picking towards the ceiling).

    v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^
e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--5-7-5-7-5-7-5-7-------| <-- Use alternating down and up pick strokes for each note.
A|------------------------|
E|------------------------|

These symbols are important for specific picking techniques and strumming patterns. For example, the main riff of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" involves rapid, strict downstrokes. Another famous example is "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, which is played almost entirely using downstrokes.

If you're looking to exactly match the sound of the song you're playing, using the correct pick direction is important since upstrokes and downstrokes sound ever-so-slightly different (try it out and listen!).

Alternate picking is the technique of strictly alternating between downstrokes (v) and upstrokes (^) for every note you pick. It's a fundamental technique for playing single notes and scales quickly and evenly.

    v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^
e|--5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7---| <-- Every note is picked with alternating down/up strokes.
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Many tabs assume alternate picking unless other instructions (like sweep picking) are given. Practicing scales and arpeggios with strict alternate picking is a common exercise. Alternate picking allows you to play faster than you could with only up or down picking.

Sweep picking is a technique for playing arpeggios (chord notes played individually) rapidly across multiple strings with a fluid, 'sweeping' motion of the pick. It involves using continuous downstrokes when moving from lower to higher strings, and continuous upstrokes when moving from higher to lower strings.

Notation often shows the arpeggio notes with pick direction symbols aligning with the sweep motion.

    v v v v ^ ^ ^ ^
e|----------5-8-12---|
B|--------5----------| <-- Sweep down across E, A, D, G strings (v), then sweep up across G, B, e strings (^).
G|------5------------|
D|----7--------------|
A|--7----------------|
E|--5----------------|

This technique is widely used in shred guitar and by players like Frank Gambale or Yngwie Malmsteen to play fast arpeggios smoothly.

Economy picking is a technique that seeks the most efficient pick path. It combines alternate picking within a string with sweep picking motions when changing strings. The goal is to reduce redundant pick strokes.

If you pick a note on one string with a downstroke and then move to the string *below* it (lower pitch), you use another downstroke. If you pick a note with an upstroke and move to the string *above* it (higher pitch), you use another upstroke.

Economy picking isn't typically marked in tab, but players choose to apply it for fast passages. Tabs written for efficiency might implicitly be played with economy picking.

For chord-based sections, tabs often show a strumming pattern above the string lines to indicate the rhythmic sequence of downstrokes (v) and upstrokes (^).

This helps you play the chords with the correct rhythm and feel.

    v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^
e|--0---0---0---0---|--0---0---0---0---| <-- Strum down, up, down, up... (eighth notes).
B|--1---1---1---1---|--1---1---1---1---|
G|--0---0---0---0---|--0---0---0---0---|
D|--2---2---2---2---|--2---2---2---2---|
A|--3---3---3---3---|--3---3---3---3---|
E|--x---x---x---x---|--x---x---x---x---|

Patterns can combine down/up strokes, skips, and muted strums (x). Following the pattern is vital for acoustic rhythm guitar playing.

Fingerstyle guitar involves plucking the strings with the individual fingers and thumb of the picking hand, often allowing melodies, harmonies, and bass lines to be played simultaneously.

Tabs for fingerstyle often use letters from classical guitar notation below or above the notes to indicate which finger to use:

• p: thumb (pulgar)
• i: index (indice)
• m: middle (medio)
• a: ring (anular)

    p i m a m i p
e|--------0---------|
B|------1---1-------|
G|----2-------2-----| <-- Pluck strings with the indicated fingers.
D|--2-----------2---|
A|--0---------------|
E|------------------|

Fingerstyle playing usually produces slighty warmer sounds than playing with a pick. Fingerstyle is common in folk, blues, and acoustic music, like "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas.

A pick scrape (PS or "scrape") is a percussive effect made by dragging the edge of the pick along the side of a wound string (usually the low E, A, or D) to create a scratching sound. It's a non-pitched effect used for rhythm or texture.

It's indicated by PS above the string line, often with an arrow or line showing the direction and duration.

    PS--------|
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------| <-- Drag the side of your pick down the low E string.

Pick scrapes are frequently used as transitions or rhythmic accents in punk and rock music.

Tremolo picking is a technique where a single note is rapidly repeated using continuous alternate picking (very fast up-and-down strokes) for the full duration of the note. This produces a sustained, shimmering effect.

In standard notation above the tab, it's shown with three slashes through the note stem. In tab, it might be indicated with "Tremolo" or just implied by rapid repetition.

    Tremolo
e|--12----------------| <-- Rapidly alternate pick the 12th fret note for its duration.
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This technique is prominent in surf rock ("Misirlou") and some metal and classical arrangements for guitar.

A rake (R above the notes) is a percussive picking technique where you drag the pick across one or more muted strings immediately before playing a target note on a subsequent string. This creates a rhythmic "scratch" sound leading into the main note.

Muted strings ('x') are usually shown, with the 'R' and often an arrow indicating the rake direction.

    R>
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--x-x-x-5-----------| <-- Mute the E, A, D strings and rake down across them before picking the 5th fret on the G string.
D|--x-x---------------|
A|--x-----------------|
E|--------------------|

Rakes add rhythmic emphasis and are often used in blues and rock solos (e.g., by Stevie Ray Vaughan).

Golpe (Spanish for "hit") is a percussive technique, mostly used in flamenco guitar, where you tap or strike the soundboard of the guitar with your picking hand fingers (often ring or pinky) or thumb. This creates a rhythmic tap sound.

In flamenco tabs, it's indicated by text "Golpe" or a symbol (often an 'X') below the lowest string line.

e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--2-----------------|
D|--2-----------------|
A|--0-----------------|
E|--x-----------------|
   Golpe

Flamenco guitars often have a protective plate called a 'golpeador' where this is done. It's a key part of flamenco rhythm and accompaniment.

A volume swell is when a note or chord's volume gradually increases after being played. This is often done with a volume pedal, the guitar's volume knob (using the pinky finger after picking), or effects.

In tab, it might be indicated by text "Volume Swell", "V.S.", or a crescendo (<) symbol.

    Volume Swell
e|--------------------|
B|--12----------------| <-- Play the 12th fret note and slowly increase its volume.
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This creates a smooth, ethereal sound, often used for pad-like textures or dramatic entrances, like in the intro to U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name".

Dynamics refer to how loud or soft the music should be played. Tabs sometimes include standard musical dynamic markings above the staff.

• p: piano (soft)
• pp: pianissimo (very soft)
• f: forte (loud)
• ff: fortissimo (very loud)
• cresc.: crescendo (<): gradually getting louder
• dim.: diminuendo (>): gradually getting softer

  p             f             cresc.----->
e|--0-------------|--0-------------|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---| <-- Start soft (p), become loud (f), then gradually get louder (cresc.).
B|--1-------------|--1-------------|--1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1---|
G|--0-------------|--0-------------|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0---|
D|--2-------------|--2-------------|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2---|
A|--3-------------|--3-------------|--3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3---|
E|--x-------------|--x-------------|--x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x---|

Observing dynamics adds expression and musicality to your performance.

A wah pedal is an effect that changes the guitar's tone, creating a "wah" sound by moving a filter. Tab indicates it with "Wah" and often a wavy line showing the pedal's movement rhythmically (> for open/trebly, v for closed/bassier).

    Wah >-v->-v->-|
e|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|--7-7-7-7-7-7-7-----| <-- Play 7th fret repeatedly while rocking the wah pedal back and forth.
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Wah pedals are frequently used in funk, psychedelic rock, and blues-rock solos, famously by Jimi Hendrix in songs like "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".

Wah pedal effects can be simulated using a modeling amp, or with a physical wah pedal that modifies the signal from your guitar cable before it reaches your amp.

Guitar tabs often display chord names (e.g., G, C, Am, Dm7) above the string lines where a chord occurs. This indicates the harmony at that point in the song.

    G               C               D
e|--3-3-3-3-------|--0-0-0-0-------|--2-2-2-2-------| <-- These labels indicate the chords being played.
B|--0-0-0-0-------|--1-1-1-1-------|--3-3-3-3-------|
G|--0-0-0-0-------|--0-0-0-0-------|--2-2-2-2-------|
D|--0-0-0-0-------|--2-2-2-2-------|--0-0-0-0-------|
A|--2-2-2-2-------|--3-3-3-3-------|----------------|
E|--3-3-3-3-------|----------------|----------------|

Knowing the chord names helps you understand the song's structure, allows you to play along with the rhythm guitar even if the tab shows a lead line, and can be combined with strumming patterns.

Some tabs, especially for songs with many chords, include chord diagrams. These are small grid-like visuals representing a section of the fretboard to show finger placement for a specific chord.

    C Major
e: |-0-|-- O (Open String)
B: |-1-|-- 1 (Finger 1 on 1st fret)
G: |-0-|-- O
D: |-2-|-- 2 (Finger 2 on 2nd fret)
A: |-3-|-- 3 (Finger 3 on 3rd fret)
E: |-x-|-- X (Don't play)

    G Major
    e B G D A E
    ----------- <-- Nut
    |-3-|-0-|-0-|   Fret 1
    |-0-|-0-|-0-|
    |-0-|-0-|-0-|   Fret 2
    |-0-|-0-|-2-|
    |-2-|-0-|-3-|   Fret 3
    |-3-|-0-|-0-|

Diagrams visually supplement the linear tab, showing you exactly where to put your fingers on the fretboard to form the chord indicated by the chord name.

Understanding the difference between guitar tablature and standard musical notation is helpful.

• Tablature (Tab): Shows *where* to play (which string, which fret). Easy to get started with specific songs. Doesn't inherently show precise rhythm or duration unless supplemented.
• Standard Notation: Shows *what* notes to play (pitch) and *how* long to play them (precise rhythm, duration, dynamics). Requires learning to read music symbols but is musically complete.

Many professional tabs combine both: standard notation is placed above the tab lines, giving you precise rhythm and dynamics alongside the easy-to-read fret/string information.

(Standard Notation Staff - Shows Pitch, Rhythm, Dynamics)
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|
----𝄞----------------------------------------------|

(Guitar Tab - Shows Fret & String)
e|-------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------|
D|--0---0---0---0---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3--------------|
A|--0---0---0---0---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3--------------|
E|--0---0---0---0---2-2-2-2---3-3-3-3--------------|

Combined notation is the most comprehensive way to read guitar music.