How to read guitar tabs
Guitar tab is a map: six lines for strings, numbers for frets, and symbols for simple moves.
Quick answer
How to read guitar tabs helps total beginners choose the next useful guitar practice step without sorting through random lessons.
- Beginner-first
- Plain-language guidance
- Links to interactive practice tools
The six lines are the six strings
e|-------------------------------| thinnest B|-------------------------------| G|-------------------------------| D|-------------------------------| A|-------------------------------| E|-------------------------------| thickest
Now the same six lines with notes on them. Single numbers are played one at a time; a stacked column is played together as a chord.
e|--0--1--3-----0----|
B|--------------1----|
G|--------------0----|
D|--------------2----|
A|--------------3----|
E|-------------------|
^ ^ ^ ^
single notes played together
The line is the string
Most tab shows the thinnest string on top and the thickest string on the bottom. Read left to right.
0
Play the string open.
3
Press fret 3 on that string.
h
Hammer-on: pick once, then press the next note.
/
Slide up to a higher fret.
The number is the fret
A 0 means play the open string. A 3 means press the third fret on that string.
Useful next pages
Common questions
Do guitar tabs show rhythm?
Some do, but basic tabs often show note order more clearly than timing. Listen to the song or use a player for rhythm.
Do I need to read music first?
No. Tabs are designed for guitar and are usually faster for beginners to understand.