Delving into the realm of guitar tablature, or tabs for short, is an indispensable skill for aspiring guitarists. Tabs provide a simplified form of guitar notation, making complex melodies, chords, and solos accessible to musicians of all levels. Mastering the art of writing guitar tabs unlocks a gateway to countless musical possibilities, allowing you to transcribe and share your own creations or delve into the labyrinthine world of other guitarists’ compositions.
To embark on this musical endeavor, you must first grasp the fundamental building blocks of guitar tablature. Tabs are structured as a series of six horizontal lines, each representing one string of the guitar, with the lowest (sixth) string at the bottom and the highest (first) string at the top. The numbers inscribed along these lines indicate which fret to press on the corresponding string to produce the desired note. For example, a “3” on the third line (A string) signifies that you should press the third fret on the A string. Understanding this simple yet effective notation system is the key to unlocking the secrets of guitar tabs.
Once you have grasped the basics, you can begin constructing your own guitar tabs. Start by writing the name of the song or exercise you are transcribing or composing. Below that, draw the six horizontal lines representing the guitar strings. Divide the lines into measures, which are groups of beats separated by vertical lines. The number of beats in each measure is determined by the time signature of the song. By following these guidelines and employing a dash “-” to indicate open strings and an “x” to denote muted strings, you can embark on the rewarding journey of writing your own guitar tablature.
Understanding Tablature Notation
Guitar tablature, or “tabs,” is a method of writing out musical notes specifically for the guitar. Unlike traditional sheet music, which uses intricate symbols on a staff, tablature employs a series of horizontal lines and numbers to represent the strings, frets, and notes played. This simplified system makes it accessible to beginners and guitarists of all skill levels.
Tablature consists of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of the guitar, with the lowest (thickest) string at the top and the highest (thinnest) string at the bottom.
Each line is further divided into vertical spaces by fret numbers. The numbers in the tablature indicate which fret on the corresponding string should be played. For example, a “2” on the second line represents the second fret on the fifth (A) string.
When multiple notes are played simultaneously, they are stacked vertically on the same fret. If a note is played on an open string, a “0” will be placed on the corresponding line.
Additionally, symbols are employed to denote specific playing techniques, such as bends, slides, and harmonics. These symbols are typically placed above or below the fret numbers.
By understanding the basics of tablature notation, guitarists can accurately interpret and play songs written in tab form. This method provides a clear and practical way to learn and share guitar music.
| Line | String |
|---|---|
| 1 | E (6th) |
| 2 | A (5th) |
| 3 | D (4th) |
| 4 | G (3rd) |
| 5 | B (2nd) |
| 6 | e (1st) |
Creating a New Tab File
There are several programs available for creating guitar tabs, but the most popular and user-friendly is Guitar Pro. Once you have installed the program, open it and click on the “File” menu. Select “New” to create a new tab file. You will be prompted to enter a title for the file and select the desired tuning. Once you have entered this information, click on the “OK” button to create the new file.
The Guitar Pro interface is divided into two main sections: the score editor and the fretboard. The score editor is where you enter the musical notes, while the fretboard provides a visual representation of how the notes are played on the guitar. To enter a note, simply click on the desired fret on the fretboard and then click on the corresponding string in the score editor.
Notating Strings and Frets
Strings
A guitar has six strings, each of which is assigned a number: from 1 to 6 from the lowest to the highest pitch. In tablature notation, you will use these numbers to indicate the string being played.
Frets
Frets are the metal bars running across the neck of the guitar. Each fret represents a different pitch. When you press a string behind a fret, you shorten the vibrating section of the string, which raises its pitch. In tablature notation, you will use numbers to indicate the fret being played. Zero (0) indicates playing the string open (without pressing any frets).
Example
Here is an example of a tablature notation for the first few notes of the song “Smoke on the Water”:
| String | Frets |
|---|---|
| 6 | 0 |
| 5 | 0 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 5 | 2 |
| 6 | 3 |
| 4 | 0 |
This notation indicates that you should play the open sixth, fifth, and fourth strings, followed by the third fret on the fourth string, the second fret on the fifth string, the third fret on the sixth string, and finally the open fourth string.
Using Symbols for Techniques
In addition to the basic note and strumming symbols, guitar tabs often use symbols to indicate specific techniques. These symbols can help you understand how to play a song in the intended style. Some common techniques and their corresponding symbols include:
Hammer-On (h): Indicates that you should pluck the note on the first string and then quickly hammer your finger on the second string to play the note.
Pull-Off (p): Similar to a hammer-on, but in reverse. Pluck the note on the second string and then quickly pull your finger off to play the note on the first string.
Other techniques and their symbols include:
| Symbol | Technique |
|---|---|
| b | Bend |
| r | Release |
| ~ | Vibrato |
| s | Slide |
| t | Tap |
| x | Dead Note |
| T | Trill |
| P | Palm Mute |
Adding Chords and Rhythm
Chords
Before adding chords to your guitar tabs, you need to know the basic chord shapes. You can find plenty of online resources and chord charts to help you learn them. Once you have a few chords under your belt, you can start adding them to your tabs. Simply write the chord name above the tablature where it should be played. Here’s an example:
| e|——————| | B|——————| | G|——————| | D|——————| | A|0—–0—–0—–0—| | E|———–0—–0—| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | |||||
Rhythm
To indicate rhythm in guitar tabs, you need to use a combination of symbols and numbers. The following table shows you the most common rhythm symbols and their corresponding note durations:
| Symbol | Duration |
|---|---|
| | | Whole note |
| / | Half note |
| o | Quarter note |
| x | Eighth note |
| . | Sixteenth note |
You can also use tuplets to indicate groups of notes that don’t fit into the regular rhythm pattern. For example, a triplet is a group of three notes that is played in the same amount of time as two regular notes. To indicate a triplet, you would use a bracket around the three notes:
| e|——————| | B|——————| | G|——————| | D|——————| | A|0–2—0———| | E|———–0—–0—| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Am C | |||||
Combining Tabs with Standard Notation
While guitar tabs are a useful tool for beginners, they can be limiting for more advanced players. Standard notation, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive system that allows for greater precision and expression. By combining the two, you can create a hybrid notation that combines the simplicity of tabs with the power of standard notation.
To combine tabs with standard notation, you will need to use a software program or website that supports both notation systems. Once you have chosen a program, you can create a new document and import both a tab file and a standard notation file.
In the tab file, you will see six horizontal lines that represent the strings of the guitar. The numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press on that string. In the standard notation file, you will see a staff with five lines and four spaces. The notes are written on the lines and spaces, and the stems indicate the direction of the strums.
Aligning the Two Notations
The next step is to align the two notations so that the notes are played at the same time. To do this, you will need to adjust the vertical spacing of the two notations. In most programs, you can do this by dragging the top or bottom of the tab or standard notation staff.
Creating Hybrid Notation
Once the two notations are aligned, you can start creating your hybrid notation. To do this, you will need to decide which elements of each notation you want to include. For example, you may want to keep the numbers from the tab to indicate the frets, but use the stems from the standard notation to indicate the direction of the strums.
Once you have decided on the elements you want to include, you can start combining the two notations. To do this, you will need to use the copy and paste functions in your software program. You can also use the “merge” function in some programs to combine the two notations automatically.
Benefits of Combining Tabs and Standard Notation
Combining tabs with standard notation has several benefits, including:
- Improved accuracy: Standard notation is more precise than tabs, so it can help you to play notes more accurately.
- Increased versatility: Standard notation can be used to write a wider range of music than tabs, so it can help you to expand your musical vocabulary.
- Better understanding of music theory: Standard notation is based on music theory, so it can help you to better understand how music works.
Using Software for Tab Creation
Using software for tab creation provides a more convenient and efficient alternative to manual tab writing. Guitar tab creation software offers a range of features to facilitate the process, including:
7. Note Editing and Arrangement
Guitar tab creation software offers advanced features for editing and arranging the notes within the tabs. This includes:
- Precision note placement: Adjust the position of notes on the staff with pixel-perfect accuracy.
- Note duration manipulation: Modify the length of notes to represent different rhythms and durations.
- Tablature layout customization: Control the spacing and formatting of tabs to enhance readability and clarity.
Tab Creation Options
Additional tab creation options available in software include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom Guitar Tuning | Define alternative guitar tunings to cater to different playing styles. |
| Drum Tracks | Overlay drum tracks to create complete guitar-and-drum arrangements. |
| Audio Playback | Play back the created tabs to hear the musical representation. |
Formatting and Editing Tabs
8. Guitar Pro Software
Guitar Pro is a comprehensive software specifically designed for guitarists. It offers advanced features for creating, editing, and sharing guitar tabs. Here’s an overview of its tab formatting and editing capabilities:
Precision Editing
Guitar Pro allows for precise editing of tabs, including individual notes, chords, and other symbols. You can easily move, delete, or modify elements with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Tablature View Customization
Customize the appearance of tabs by adjusting the font, size, and spacing of notes. You can also change the color scheme and other visual elements to enhance readability.
Notation Flexibility
Guitar Pro supports various musical notations, including standard notation, tablature, and percussion notation. This flexibility allows you to create tabs that cater to different players and styles.
Collaboration and Sharing
Collaborate with other guitarists by sharing your tabs within the Guitar Pro community. The software also allows you to export tabs in various formats, making it easy to share them with others.
Pros:
- Comprehensive tab editing capabilities
- Precision editing and customization options
- Support for different musical notations
- Collaboration and sharing features
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners
- Requires purchasing the software
| Feature | Guitar Pro |
|---|---|
| Precision Editing | Yes |
| Tablature View Customization | Yes |
| Notation Flexibility | Yes |
| Collaboration and Sharing | Yes |
Sharing and Publishing Guitar Tabs
Once you’ve created your guitar tabs, you can easily share them with others online. Here are some popular platforms where you can publish your tabs:
Online Guitar Tab Repositories
There are numerous websites and forums dedicated to sharing guitar tabs. Some of the most popular include Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Chordify. These platforms offer a wide range of tabs for all genres and skill levels.
Social Media
You can also share your guitar tabs on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use relevant hashtags like #guitartabs or #guitarlessons to reach a wider audience.
Your Own Website or Blog
If you have your own website or blog, you can publish your guitar tabs there. This gives you more control over the presentation and allows you to include additional content such as tutorials or audio recordings.
Table: Online Guitar Tab Repositories
| Website | Features |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Guitar | – Massive database of tabs – Interactive tab viewer – Community features |
| Songsterr | – Synchronized tab and audio playback – Tab editing tools – Live transcription feature |
| Chordify | – Auto-generated tabs from audio – Interactive chord diagrams – Customizable practice tools |
Tips and Techniques for Accurate Tabbing
Writing accurate guitar tabs requires precision and attention to detail. Here are ten tips and techniques to help you achieve the best possible results:
- Listen carefully to the recording: Familiarize yourself with the song’s rhythm, melody, and chord progressions.
- Use a metronome: A metronome helps you stay on time and ensures consistent note durations.
- Identify key notes: Pay attention to the pitch and duration of the most prominent notes in the melody.
- Notate fingerings: Clearly indicate which fingers you’re using on each fret.
- Use standard tablature notation: Follow the conventions for representing strings, frets, and techniques.
- Keep it organized: Tabbing can become cluttered, so use spacing and formatting to improve readability.
- Don’t forget about slides, bends, and other techniques: Use the appropriate symbols to convey these techniques.
- Check for accuracy: Play back the tab to ensure it matches the original recording.
- Get feedback: Share your tab with others for constructive criticism.
- Practice regularly: The more you tab, the more proficient you’ll become at it.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Open string |
| 1 | 1st fret |
| 2 | 2nd fret |
| h | Hammer-on |
| p | Pull-off |
| b | Bend |
| s | Slide |
How To Write Guitar Tabs
Guitar tablature, or “tabs” for short, is a popular method for writing down guitar music. It’s relatively easy to learn, and it can be a great way to share your music with others. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write guitar tabs:
- Draw six horizontal lines to represent the six strings of the guitar.
- Number the lines from 1 to 6, with 1 being the thinnest string (the high E string) and 6 being the thickest string (the low E string).
- Use numbers to indicate which fret to play on each string. For example, a “0” means to play the open string, a “1” means to play the first fret, and so on.
- Use “-” to indicate a rest. For example, a “-” on the third string would mean to not play that string.
- Use “^” to indicate a bend. For example, a “^” on the fourth string would mean to bend that string up to the next fret.
Here’s an example of a simple guitar tab:
e|-----------------------------------| B|-----------------------------------| G|-----------------------------------| D|------2--------3-----------5-------| A|------3--------4-----------6-------| E|-----------------------------------|
This tab represents the opening riff to the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple.
How To Write Guitar Tabs
How do you write guitar tabs?
To write guitar tabs, you’ll need to draw six horizontal lines to represent the six strings of the guitar. Then, number the lines from 1 to 6, with 1 being the thinnest string (the high E string) and 6 being the thickest string (the low E string). Finally, use numbers to indicate which fret to play on each string.
What does a 0 mean in guitar tabs?
A 0 in guitar tabs means to play the open string.
What does a – mean in guitar tabs?
A – in guitar tabs means to not play that string.
What does a ^ mean in guitar tabs?
A ^ in guitar tabs means to bend that string up to the next fret.
