How to Play Guitar Tabs

Guitar tabs are like the secret code that unlocks the world of your favorite riffs and solos. They simplify the learning process by translating music into an easy-to-read format, letting you dive straight into playing without needing a degree in music theory. This article will break down how to read and play guitar tabs, covering everything from basic note reading to advanced techniques specific to metal and its subgenres. So, grab your guitar, and let’s get started on this musical journey.

What Are Guitar Tabs?

Tabs, short for tablature, are a form of musical notation that visually represents the strings and frets of a guitar. Unlike traditional sheet music, tabs are more intuitive, showing where your fingers should go on the fretboard rather than what note you should play. This makes them accessible for beginners and seasoned guitarists alike.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how tabs are structured:

• Six Lines: Each line represents one of the guitar strings. The top line is the high E string, and the bottom is the low E string.
• Numbers: These indicate which fret to press on a particular string. For example, a “3” on the top line means you press the third fret on the high E string.
• Symbols: Guitar tabs often include symbols for techniques like hammer-ons (h), pull-offs (p), slides (/ or \), and bends (b).

Understanding these basics will help you start playing your favorite songs in no time.

Reading the Strings and Frets

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of reading guitar tabs. First, you need to familiarize yourself with the six lines representing the strings of your guitar. As mentioned, the top line is the high E string, and the bottom line is the low E string. It’s like having a bird’s eye view of your fretboard.

Now, let’s talk about the numbers. Numbers on these lines indicate the fret you need to press down. For instance, if you see a “5” on the second line from the top (the B string), you press down on the fifth fret of the B string. Easy, right?

Here’s an example:

e|---0---2---4---5---|
B|---0---2---4---5---|
G|---1---3---5---6---|
D|---2---4---6---7---|
A|---2---4---6---7---|
E|---0---2---4---5---|

This tab translates to a simple chord progression. Each column represents a chord, and the numbers indicate the fret on each string to press.

Common Symbols and Techniques

Guitar tabs often include symbols that represent specific techniques, crucial for playing metal and its subgenres. Here’s a rundown of some common symbols you might encounter:

• Hammer-on (h): This involves striking a note and then “hammering” your finger onto a higher fret on the same string without re-picking.
• Pull-off (p): The opposite of a hammer-on. You pluck a note and then pull your finger off to a lower fret, allowing the note to ring out.
• Slide (/ or \): Sliding your finger up or down the fretboard to reach another note. Slash forward (/) means sliding up; backward (\) means sliding down.
• Bend (b): Pushing the string up or down to change the pitch. Usually noted as “7b9,” meaning you bend the 7th fret note to match the pitch of the 9th fret.

These techniques add expressiveness to your playing and are essential for replicating the dynamic sound of metal guitar.

Understanding Rhythms in Tabs

While tabs tell you which notes to play, they don’t always indicate how long to hold each note. This is a common pitfall for many beginners. Understanding rhythm is key to making your tabbed music sound like the actual song.

Many tabs incorporate rhythmic notation through spacing and additional symbols. For instance:

• Spacing: The distance between numbers can sometimes indicate timing. Closer numbers mean faster notes, whereas spaced-out numbers suggest slower notes.
• Beams and Stems: Some tabs use lines or dashes between numbers to indicate note length, similar to sheet music.

Sometimes, you’ll need to listen to the song to get a feel for the rhythm. Software or apps that slow down tracks without changing pitch can be incredibly helpful here.

Applying Metal Techniques

Metal guitar often employs specific techniques that give it its distinctive sound. Let’s explore some of these techniques and their tab notation:

Palm Muting

Palm muting involves resting the edge of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge while playing. In tabs, it’s often marked with a “PM” or a series of dots under the notes.

Here’s a simple example:

e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|---------------------|
D|---2-2-2-2-----------|
A|---2-2-2-2-----------|
E|---0-0-0-0-----------|
   PM----|

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is crucial for fast metal riffs. It involves alternating down and up strokes with the pick. While not always notated, it’s implied in many fast passages. Practicing this with a metronome can improve speed and accuracy.

Pinch Harmonics

Pinch harmonics create a squealing sound and are notated with an “A.H.” or just an “H.” above the note. Achieving them consistently takes practice and control over your picking technique.

Playing with Precision: Timing and Tempo

Playing metal guitar is as much about precision as it is about speed. To nail those complex riffs and solos, you need to have a solid grip on timing and tempo.

Using a Metronome

A metronome is your best friend when it comes to practicing timing. Start slow, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. This trains your muscle memory and ensures each note is played clearly.

Counting Beats

Understanding the timing of notes is crucial. Count beats aloud or in your head to keep track of where you are in a measure. This is especially important when tackling odd time signatures often found in progressive metal.

Riffhard’s Custom Metronome

We developed a custom metronome specifically for guitar practice. It helps you focus on timing with features tailored to enhance your rhythm and lead guitar skills. You can check it out at Riffhard.

Practicing Efficiently

Effective practice makes all the difference in your playing progress. Here are some tips to help you practice guitar tabs efficiently:

• Break Down Difficult Sections: Divide challenging parts into smaller chunks and practice them individually before putting it all together.
• Use a Consistent Practice Routine: Set aside dedicated time each day to practice. Consistency is key.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas for improvement.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Don’t rush through learning; focus on accuracy before speed.

Learning from the Pros

One of the best ways to improve is by learning from those who have mastered the craft. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s most respected metal guitarists. These instructors share their techniques and insights, helping you to refine your skills and expand your repertoire.

Our video lessons cover everything from picking and rhythm to advanced techniques like sweep picking and tapping. You can even slow down the playback to catch every detail.

Writing Your Own Tabs

Once you’re comfortable reading and playing tabs, why not try writing your own? This can be a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity and contribute to the community.

Tools for Writing Tabs

There are several tools available to help you write tabs. Software like Guitar Pro and TuxGuitar allows you to create professional-looking tabs with ease. These programs also let you play back your compositions to hear how they sound.

Sharing Your Tabs

Sharing your tabs with others can be a great way to get feedback and connect with fellow musicians. Websites like Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr are popular platforms for sharing and discovering new music.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering obstacles when learning guitar tabs is common, but overcoming them is part of the journey. Here are some solutions to typical problems:

Fret Buzz

Fret buzz can be a nuisance. Ensure your guitar is properly set up and that you’re pressing the strings firmly enough. If it persists, consider adjusting the action or having a professional take a look.

Hand Fatigue

Developing endurance takes time. Make sure you’re practicing proper hand position and taking breaks when needed. Over time, your stamina will improve.

Staying Motivated

It’s easy to get discouraged, but remember why you started. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress. Joining a community of like-minded musicians can also provide support and encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Guitar tabs are an invaluable tool for learning and playing music, especially for metal guitarists looking to master their favorite riffs and solos. At Riffhard, we offer lessons and resources to help you improve your skills and achieve your musical goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s always something new to learn and explore in the world of guitar.