For many musicians, writing guitar tabs is an essential skill. Tabs provide a simple and effective way to communicate musical ideas, and they can be used to create anything from simple melodies to complex solos. While there are a few different ways to write guitar tabs, the most common method is to use a standard notation system. This system uses numbers and symbols to represent the notes and chords that are played on the guitar.
The first step in writing guitar tabs is to learn the basic notation system. The numbers on the tab represent the frets on the guitar neck, and the lines represent the strings. The top line of the tab represents the highest string, and the bottom line represents the lowest string. To play a note, simply place your finger on the corresponding fret on the corresponding string.
Once you have mastered the basic notation system, you can start writing your own guitar tabs. The best way to do this is to start with a simple melody or chord progression. As you become more comfortable with the notation system, you can gradually add more complex elements to your tabs. With a little practice, you will be able to write guitar tabs for any song that you can play.
Understanding the Basics of Guitar Tablature
Guitar tablature, often abbreviated as “tabs,” is a form of musical notation specifically designed for the guitar. It provides a simplified representation of guitar fretting and fingering, making it accessible to players of all levels. Tabs consist of six horizontal lines, each representing a string of the guitar from top to bottom (low E to high E). The numbers written on these lines indicate which fret to press on the corresponding string to produce the desired note.
The lines in guitar tabs represent the strings of the guitar:
| Line | String |
|---|---|
| Top | Low E (6th string) |
| 2nd | A (5th string) |
| 3rd | D (4th string) |
| 4th | G (3rd string) |
| 5th | B (2nd string) |
| Bottom | High E (1st string) |
Frets
Frets are the raised metal strips that run perpendicular to the strings on the guitar’s neck. They divide the neck into semitones, or half-steps. The first fret is the closest to the headstock, and the last fret is the farthest away. The number of frets on a guitar varies, but most guitars have between 19 and 24 frets.
Frets are used to change the pitch of a string. When you press down on a string behind a fret, you shorten the vibrating portion of the string, which raises the pitch. The higher the fret you press down on, the shorter the vibrating portion of the string and the higher the pitch.
Frets are essential for playing chords and melodies on the guitar. They allow you to change the pitch of a string quickly and easily, which is necessary for playing many different types of music.
Types of Frets
There are two main types of frets:
- **Fixed frets** are permanently attached to the neck of the guitar. They are the most common type of fret, and they are found on most electric and acoustic guitars.
- **Movable frets** can be moved up and down the neck of the guitar. They are less common than fixed frets, but they are sometimes used on lap steel guitars and other fretted instruments.
Pros and Cons of Fixed and Movable Frets
| Fixed Frets | Movable Frets |
|---|---|
| More durable | Less durable |
| Easier to play | Harder to play |
| More versatile | Less versatile |
Translating Pitches to Tab Symbols
Translating pitches to tab symbols involves converting the notes on a musical staff into corresponding fret and string positions on a guitar. This process requires a basic understanding of guitar tuning and fretboard layout.
To determine the fret and string for a given pitch, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Note on the Staff
Locate the note on the musical staff. It will appear as a note head (filled or open circle) placed on a staff line or space.
2. Find the Corresponding Fret on the Guitar
Each line or space on the musical staff corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use a fretboard diagram or a converter chart to determine the fret that corresponds to the musical pitch.
3. Determine the String to Play
The string to play is determined by the location of the note on the staff in relation to the clef. Notes below the middle C line are played on the bass strings (E, A, D, and G), while notes above the middle C line are played on the treble strings (B and e).
The following table summarizes the relationship between musical pitches and guitar tab symbols:
| Musical Pitch | Guitar Tab Symbol | String |
|---|---|---|
| E | 0 | Sixth (E) |
| F | 1 | Fifth (A) |
| G | 2 | Fourth (D) |
| A | 3 | Third (G) |
| B | x | Second (B) |
| C | 0 | First (e) |
Notating Fretted Notes
Fretted notes are indicated by a number placed directly above the staff line. This number represents the fret on which the string should be pressed. For example, a “3” above the 5th string line indicates that you should fret the 5th string on the 3rd fret.
Open Strings
Open strings are notated by a “0” above the staff line. This indicates that the string should be played without pressing any frets.
Combining Fretted Notes and Open Strings
Guitar tabs often combine fretted notes and open strings. When an open string is followed by a fretted note, the open string is notated with a “0” above the staff line, and the fretted note is notated with a number above the next staff line. For example, the following tablature indicates that you should play the open 6th string, followed by the 3rd fret on the 5th string:
| String | Notation |
|---|---|
| 6th | 0 |
| 5th | 3 |
When a fretted note is followed by an open string, the fretted note is notated with a number above the staff line, and the open string is notated with a “0” above the next staff line. For example, the following tablature indicates that you should play the 3rd fret on the 5th string, followed by the open 6th string:
| String | Notation |
|---|---|
| 5th | 3 |
| 6th | 0 |
Using Numbers for Frets and “0” for Open Strings
In guitar tabs, numbers are used to indicate which frets on the guitar should be played. The number 0 represents an open string, meaning that the string is not fretted at all. The numbers 1 to 24 represent the frets on the guitar neck, with 1 being the closest to the headstock and 24 being the furthest away.
Example:
The following tab shows the chords for the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple:
“`
e|——————————————————————————-|
B|————-1——————————————————————–|
G|———0——-2—————————————————————–|
D|—–0——-0——3—————————————————————|
A|-0—-3——-0——3—————————————————————|
E|———————–3—————————————————————|
“`
In this tab, the number 0 indicates that the E, A, and D strings should be played open. The number 1 on the B string indicates that the first fret should be played. The numbers 2 and 3 on the G and D strings indicate that the second and third frets should be played, respectively.
Additional Notes:
- For chords that require barring (holding down multiple strings with one finger), the barred frets are usually indicated by a horizontal line above the numbers.
- Hammer-ons and pull-offs are indicated by the letters “h” and “p,” respectively.
- Bends are indicated by the symbol “^” followed by the amount of the bend (e.g., “^1” for a full step bend).
- Vibrato is indicated by the symbol “~.”
- Slides are indicated by the symbol “/.”
Extended Example:
The following tab shows a more complex example with barres, hammer-ons, and bends:
“`
e|——————————————————————————-|
B|———————-3——————————————————–|
G|——————0——-0——————————————————|
D|———0—-0——-0——3—————————————————-|
A|-0—————————–3—————————————————-|
E|————————————————————-1———————-|
“`
In this tab, the horizontal line above the numbers on the A and D strings indicates that these frets should be barred with one finger. The “h” on the B string indicates a hammer-on to the third fret. The “^1” on the E string indicates a full step bend on the first fret.
Incorporating Time Signatures and Rhythmic Notation
Representing Time Signatures
Time signatures indicate the number of beats per measure and the type of note that receives one beat. They are written in the form X/Y, where X represents the number of beats and Y represents the type of note (e.g., quarter note, eighth note).
For example, a 4/4 time signature indicates that there are four beats per measure and the quarter note receives one beat. A 3/4 time signature indicates that there are three beats per measure and the quarter note receives one beat.
Basic Rhythmic Notation
Rhythmic notation is used to indicate the duration of notes and rests. The table below summarizes the most common rhythmic values:
| Value | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Whole note | O | Four beats |
| Half note | D | Two beats |
| Quarter note | 𝅘𝅥 | One beat |
| Eighth note | 𝅘𝅥𝅯 | Half a beat |
| Sixteenth note | 𝅘𝅥𝅰 | Quarter of a beat |
| Thirty-second note | 𝅘𝅥𝅱 | Eighth of a beat |
Time Signature Considerations
When writing guitar tabs, it is important to consider the time signature and ensure that the rhythms fit within the specified time constraints. This involves determining the number of beats in the measure and assigning rhythmic values to the notes accordingly.
For example, in a 4/4 time signature, each measure should have four beats. If a note is held for two beats, it would be represented by a half note. If a note is played for one beat, it would be represented by a quarter note.
Reading and Interpreting Tab Symbols
Guitar tabs are a simplified form of musical notation that provides a visual representation of how to play the guitar. They use a series of lines and numbers to indicate which frets and strings to play.
String Representation
Each line in a guitar tab represents one of the six strings of the guitar, with the bottom line representing the lowest string (the 6th string) and the top line representing the highest string (the 1st string).
Fret Positions
The numbers on the lines indicate which fret to play on that string. A “0” means to play the string open (without pressing any frets), while numbers 1-12 represent the 1st through 12th frets.
Rhythm and Duration
The symbols used in guitar tabs also indicate the rhythm and duration of each note. Vertical lines (|) represent beat divisions, and the length of each number indicates the duration of the note:
| Symbol | Note Length |
|---|---|
| w | Whole note (4 beats) |
| h | Half note (2 beats) |
| q | Quarter note (1 beat) |
| e | Eighth note (1/2 beat) |
| s | Sixteenth note (1/4 beat) |
| 32 | Thirty-second note (1/8 beat) |
Other Symbols
In addition to the basic symbols described above, guitar tabs may also include a variety of other symbols, such as:
- x: Indicates a muted note
- h: Indicates a hammer-on
- p: Indicates a pull-off
- b: Indicates a bend
- r: Indicates a slide
- v: Indicates a vibrato
Understanding Tablature Conventions
Guitar tablature, or “tabs,” is a simplified notation system that visually represents the fingering positions of guitar notes. It uses six horizontal lines to represent the guitar strings in order from top to bottom (high E to low E). Each line is divided into vertical spaces, or “frets,” which indicate the finger placement on the neck.
Fret Numbers
Numbers placed on the lines represent the fret number to press. A “0” means to play the string open (without pressing any frets). For example, a “3” on the top line indicates playing the third fret on the high E string.
String Numbers
The numbers below the lines are the corresponding string numbers. The top line represents the high E string (first string), and the bottom line represents the low E string (sixth string).
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are indicated with a “h” or “p,” respectively, followed by the fret number where the technique is performed. For example, “5h7” means to hammer-on from the fifth fret to the seventh fret on the same string.
Slides
Slides are indicated by a diagonal line followed by the fret number where the slide ends. For example, “5/7” means to slide from the fifth fret to the seventh fret on the same string.
Bends
Bends are indicated with a curved line above or below the fret number. The direction of the curve indicates how the string is bent. For example, a curve above the fret number indicates a bend up, while a curve below indicates a bend down.
Vibrato
Vibrato is indicated by a “~” symbol placed above the fret number. The number of tilde symbols indicates the number of vibrato oscillations.
Muted Notes
Muted notes are indicated by an “x” placed on the line of the string where the note should be played. This means to dampen the string with the palm or fingers to prevent it from ringing.
Creating Your Own Guitar Tabs
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into creating your own guitar tabs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a notation program or app: There are plenty of free and paid options available, such as TuxGuitar, Guitar Pro, or Finale Notepad.
- Set up your fretboard: Most notation programs allow you to customize the number of strings and frets to match your guitar.
- Start with a basic chord or melody: Determine the notes and positions on the fretboard that you want to tab out.
- Draw the horizontal lines: Create six horizontal lines representing the strings of the guitar, with the bottom line as the lowest string.
- Indicate the frets: Use numbers above the horizontal lines to indicate which frets to press on each string.
- Add numerals for open strings: If any strings are played open, indicate this with a “0” above the corresponding line.
- Notate hammer-ons and pull-offs: Use “h” and “p” symbols above the fretted notes to represent hammer-ons and pull-offs, respectively.
- Add tempo and time signature: Specify the speed and rhythm of the song at the beginning of the tab.
- Consider advanced techniques: As you progress, you can incorporate techniques like slides, bends, and vibrato using additional symbols.
- Test and adjust: Play through the tab to ensure its accuracy and refine it as needed.
Example of a Basic Guitar Tab:
| 0 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |————————————-| | ||||||
| |————————————-| | ||||||
| |————————————-| | ||||||
| |————————————-| | ||||||
| |————————————-| | ||||||
| |-0–2–3–3–2–0–0–0–0–0—–| | ||||||
Applying Tabs to Practical Music Making
Guitar tabs are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of musical applications. Here are some of the most common ways that tabs can be used in practical music making:
Learning New Songs
Tabs are a great way to learn new songs, especially if you don’t have access to sheet music or professional lessons. By following the tablature, you can learn the fingerings, strumming patterns, and other techniques necessary to play the song.
Creating Your Own Music
Tabs can also be used to create your own music. By experimenting with different note combinations and strumming patterns, you can create unique and personal songs.
**Improvisation and Soloing**
Tabs can be a great resource for improvising and soloing. By understanding the underlying scales and chord progressions, you can create improvised solos that flow smoothly and complement the underlying music.
**Documenting Your Music**
Tabs can be used to document your own music so that you can easily share it with others or come back to it later. By writing down the tablature, you can preserve your musical ideas and share them with other musicians.
**Teaching Music**
Tabs can be a useful tool for teaching music, especially for guitarists. By providing students with tablature, teachers can help them learn new songs and techniques more quickly and easily.
**Collaborating with Other Musicians**
Tabs can be used to collaborate with other musicians, even if you don’t live in the same place. By sharing tablature, musicians can work together to create songs and share musical ideas.
**Creating Backing Tracks**
Tabs can be used to create backing tracks for your own music or for other musicians. By creating a tablature for the rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and drums, you can create a backing track that you can use to practice or perform with.
**Creating Lead Sheets**
Tabs can be used to create lead sheets, which are simplified versions of sheet music that include the melody, chords, and lyrics. Lead sheets can be used for a variety of purposes, such as accompanying a vocalist or creating a quick reference for a song.
**Learning Music Theory**
Tabs can be used to learn music theory, such as scales, chords, and intervals. By understanding the tablature, you can identify the notes and chords that are being played and learn how to apply them in your own music.
How To Write Guitar Tabs
Guitar tabs are a great way to learn how to play your favorite songs on guitar. They’re easy to read and understand, and they can help you learn the basic chords and strumming patterns that you need to know. Writing your own guitar tabs can also be a fun and rewarding way to expand your musical knowledge.
To write guitar tabs, you’ll need to start by choosing a song that you want to learn. Once you’ve chosen a song, you’ll need to find the chords and strumming patterns that are used in the song. You can do this by listening to the song and trying to figure out the chords by ear, or you can look up the chords and strumming patterns online.
Once you have the chords and strumming patterns, you can start writing out the guitar tabs. Guitar tabs are written on a staff of six lines, which represent the six strings of the guitar. Each line is divided into spaces, which represent the frets on the guitar. To write a note, you simply place a number in the space that corresponds to the fret that you want to play.
Here is an example of a guitar tab for the song “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple:
“`
e|—————————————|
B|—————————————|
G|—————————————|
D|—–5—–5—–5—–5—–5—3—–|
A|—3—–3—–3—–3—–3—–0—–|
E|-1—–1—–1—–1—–1———1—–|
“`
This tab shows you how to play the main riff of the song “Smoke on the Water”. The numbers in the spaces represent the frets that you need to play on each string. The dashes (-) represent open strings.
People Also Ask About How To Write Guitar Tabs
How do you write guitar tabs for beginners?
To write guitar tabs for beginners, you can start by using a simple song with a few basic chords. Use a staff of six lines to represent the strings, and divide the lines into spaces to create frets. Number the spaces to correspond with the frets that you want to play. You can place the numbers in the spaces that represent the chords and strumming patterns. Include the fingerings for each chord, such as “0” for open strings and “1” for the first fret.
How do you write guitar tabs for multiple guitar parts?
To write guitar tabs for multiple guitar parts, you can use different colors or symbols to differentiate the parts. For example, you could use red for the rhythm guitar and blue for the lead guitar. You can also use numbers to indicate which part is playing at any given time. For example, you could use the number “1” to indicate the rhythm guitar and the number “2” to indicate the lead guitar.
How do you write guitar tabs for songs with complex rhythms?
To write guitar tabs for songs with complex rhythms, you can use time signatures and tablature notation. Time signatures indicate the number of beats per measure, and tablature notation indicates the specific notes that are played on each beat. You can use a software program or a dedicated tablature editor to write complex rhythms.
