How to Read TAB              

TAB - short for tablature is a system of notation for many stringed instruments where each line represents a string. The following example is a TAB staff for a six string guitar.

The top line is the first string E, the highest in pitch.

The bottom line is the sixth string E, the lowest in pitch. 

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==   Example 2   ==   

There are different forms of TAB, for example:

In the above example you see a TAB staff made from a simple word processor where each line represents a string and the numbers on the lines represent the frets to play on the designated string. However, this form of TAB does not give any indication of the rhythm or duration of the notes.

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==   Example 3  ==

TAB is also used with standard notation which is the best form since standard notation is a more complete form of music for rhythm and note duration.

      E          A          D          G         B          E

In the above example you can see the notes of the staff indicated as open strings on the TAB.

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==   Example 4   ==

Standard notation with TAB. The following example is the same song as shown in example 2.

The above example shows a much better way to use TAB.  The numbers on the TAB are in line with the rhythm on the standard notation staff which will indicate the rhythm and duration of the notes while the numbers can show you where the notes are played on the fret board.

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Copyright 2006-2013 Ed Kihm