Learn How to Read Guitar Tabs for Beginners (Quick & Easy)

Guitar tablature — or “TAB” — is one of the fastest ways for beginners to start playing songs. If you’ve ever felt confused by the lines, numbers, and symbols on a tab, you’re in the right place. This short guide breaks down the basics so you can read TABs with confidence and start playing music right away.

I haven’t created a video yet for reading tabs so I’m including this one by the Good Guitarist to help you better understand this tutorial.

What Is a Guitar TAB (And Why Use It?)

Tablature is a visual system that shows where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Unlike standard music notation, TAB is simple and stripped down — perfect for players who want to learn songs quickly without reading traditional sheet music.

Tabs are great for beginners because they:

• Show fret numbers and strings directly
• Make riffs and melodies easy to learn
• Work for acoustic, electric, and bass guitar

Reading the Lines: Strings & Orientation

Guitar TAB has six horizontal lines. Each line represents a string on your guitar. From top to bottom, the lines usually read like this:

1. Top line = high E string (thinnest string)
2. Then B, G, D, A
3. Bottom line = low E string (thickest string)

Tip: Tabs are written as if you’re looking at the guitar neck laid flat with the headstock to the left. So the bottom line is the lowest-sounding string.

Reading the Numbers: Which Frets to Play

Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press. For example:

• 0 = play the open string
• 2 = press the 2nd fret on that string
• 10 = press the 10th fret

If two numbers appear vertically stacked, play those notes together as a chord. If numbers appear left-to-right, play them in that order as a melodic line or riff.

Common Symbols You’ll See (and What They Mean)

TAB uses shorthand for common techniques. Here are a few you’ll meet right away:

• h = hammer-on (e.g., 5h7 means play 5 then hammer to 7)
• p = pull-off (e.g., 7p5)
• / or \ = slide up or down
• b = bend; r = release bend
• x = muted string (percussive sound)

Don’t worry about mastering all symbols at once. Start with plain numbers and add techniques as you grow comfortable.

Putting It Together: A Simple Example

Here’s a tiny example (visualized in your head):

e|-----------0-2-3-2-0-|
B|-----0-1-3------------|
G|---2------------------|
D|-2--------------------|
A|----------------------|
E|----------------------|

Read the bottom line (D string) up to the top line (high E). Play the frets shown in order, left to right. Start slowly and use a metronome to keep steady time — even a slow tempo helps build muscle memory.

Practice Tips for TAB Beginners

• Start slow: Learn the notes or riff at a comfortable tempo and gradually speed up.
• Use small sections: Practice 2–4 measures repeatedly before moving on.
• Record yourself: Weekly recordings show tiny improvements you might miss day-to-day.
• Use videos: Watch the riff being played on YouTube to hear the timing and feel.

Want a focused practice plan? Try this Beginner Guitar Practice Routine to structure short, effective sessions.

Where to Find Good TABs

There are many reliable sources for TABs: lesson sites, songbook PDFs, and YouTube lessons that include TAB on-screen. When you’re just starting, pick simple riffs and three-chord songs — you’ll make faster progress and stay motivated.

Use TABs to Play Real Songs — Fast

One of the best things about learning TAB is that you can start playing recognizable songs quickly. Combine the TAB with chord charts and strumming patterns, and you’ll be playing full songs in no time. For a broader roadmap, visit the Beginner’s Guide to Playing Guitar — it ties TAB reading into a full learning path.

Keep Inspired: Tools & Extras

Watch short demos on my YouTube channel. If you’d like printable chord charts and simple TAB sheets, you might enjoy resources in my Etsy shop.

Final Thought

Reading TAB is a practical, musician-friendly skill that will unlock songs and riffs quickly. Practice slowly, use small sections, and pair TAB with listening. If you’re building your guitar foundation, check out more tips at BobPardue.com.

Grab a free printable chord PDF and quick reference for beginners here: Free Guitar Chords PDF — perfect to keep by your guitar while you learn TABs.