How to Play Tablature on the Guitar

Welcome to the world of guitar tablature—a realm where numbers and lines are your roadmap to playing your favorite songs. If you’ve ever wondered how guitarists learn those intricate licks and heavy riffs, chances are they’re using tabs. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about reading and playing guitar tablature, focusing on the skills you’ll need to tackle those metal subgenres like thrash, djent, and progressive metal. Ready to shred? Let’s get into it.

Decoding the Lines and Numbers

Guitar tablature, often called “tab,” is a form of musical notation that’s much simpler to understand than traditional sheet music. It’s perfect for guitarists because it shows you exactly where to put your fingers on the fretboard. Tabs feature six horizontal lines representing the strings of the guitar, from the low E at the bottom to the high E at the top. Numbers on these lines indicate which fret to press down.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Each line on the tab represents a string on the guitar, with the bottom line for the low E string and the top line for the high E string.
• Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press. For example, a “3” on the top line means to press the third fret on the high E string.
• A “0” indicates an open string, meaning you play the string without pressing any frets.

It’s as straightforward as that! Now, let’s look at how these numbers translate into riffs and solos, especially in metal music.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: The Basics of Legato

Legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs are staples in metal guitar playing. They allow you to play fast licks smoothly and with minimal pick attack. In tablature, these techniques are often marked with an “h” for hammer-ons and “p” for pull-offs.

For example:

E|-----5h7-----|
B|-------------|
G|-------------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|

In this example, you’d pick the fifth fret on the high E string and then hammer onto the seventh fret without picking again. Pull-offs work in the opposite way, where you pull your finger off the higher fret to sound the lower note.

Mastering these techniques will give your playing that fluid, seamless sound that defines metal solos. If you’re looking for lessons that dive deep into legato and other advanced techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists who specialize in these skills.

Bending: Adding Expression to Your Playing

Bends are a technique that allows you to alter the pitch of a note, adding expressiveness to your solos. In tablature, bends are often indicated with a “b” followed by the target fret to which you’re bending.

Here’s what a bend might look like:

E|-----7b9-----|
B|-------------|
G|-------------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|

This indicates that you’re bending the seventh fret note on the high E string up to the pitch of the ninth fret. Bends can be full (a whole step) or half (a half step), and mastering them is crucial for capturing that soaring, emotional quality of metal leads.

Slides: Smooth Transitions Across the Fretboard

Slides, marked in tablature with a forward slash (/) or backslash (\), allow you to transition smoothly from one note to another. They’re used extensively in metal for both rhythm and lead parts to create fluid movements across the fretboard.

Here’s an example:

E|-----7/9-----|
B|-------------|
G|-------------|
D|-------------|
A|-------------|
E|-------------|

In this example, you play the seventh fret and then slide up to the ninth fret. Slides add a sleek, slithering quality to your playing, essential for capturing the dynamics of metal music. Practicing these will help you develop a more connected and expressive playing style.

Reading Rhythm Notation in Tabs

While tablature shows you where to place your fingers, it doesn’t inherently convey rhythm. Some tabs include rhythmic notation, often using symbols like dashes or spaces to indicate timing. However, many tabs rely on you listening to the song to understand the rhythm.

Here’s a quick guide to rhythm in tabs:

• Spaces between notes often indicate a pause or rest.
• Dashes can suggest the note’s duration, with longer dashes indicating longer notes.

For those just starting, it might be helpful to listen closely to the tracks you’re trying to learn. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of rhythm that will make reading tabs much easier. If you’re looking to improve your timing and rhythm skills, Riffhard offers lessons that focus on rhythm techniques, especially in the context of metal guitar.

Understanding Chords and Power Chords in Tabs

Chords in tablature are represented by stacked numbers. This means that you play all the indicated frets simultaneously. Power chords, which are a staple of metal music, usually involve two or three notes and are often played with distortion for that heavy sound.

Here’s how a power chord might look in tab:

E|-------------|
B|-------------|
G|-------------|
D|-----7-------|
A|-----5-------|
E|-------------|

In this example, you’re playing the fifth fret on the A string and the seventh fret on the D string simultaneously. Power chords are relatively simple but are incredibly effective for creating that chunky, powerful sound characteristic of metal guitar.

Arpeggios: Breaking Down Chords

Arpeggios are broken chords where you play each note separately instead of strumming them together. They’re a great way to add complexity and interest to your playing. In metal, arpeggios are often used in solos or intricate rhythm parts.

Here’s an example in tablature:

E|-----12-------|
B|--------10----|
G|-----------9--|
D|--------------|
A|--------------|
E|--------------|

This shows an ascending arpeggio starting on the 12th fret of the high E string. Arpeggios can be challenging to play at high speeds, but they’re worth the effort for the depth they add to your music. For those looking to explore arpeggios further, Riffhard includes lessons that break down complex arpeggios into manageable steps.

Advanced Techniques: Tapping and Harmonics

Tapping and harmonics are techniques that add flair and technicality to your playing. Tapping involves using your picking hand to fret notes, while harmonics produce bell-like tones by lightly touching the string at specific points.

Here’s how they might appear in tabs:

• Tapping: Indicated by a “t” before the tapped note.
• Harmonics: Often marked with “” around the note.

These techniques can be tricky to master but are essential for those jaw-dropping solos. They offer a level of dynamic expression that can elevate your playing to new heights.

Putting It All Together: Learning Songs with Tabs

Once you’re comfortable reading tabs and familiar with these techniques, it’s time to start learning full songs. Choose a piece that challenges you yet aligns with your current skill level. Take it slow, focusing on small sections and gradually speeding up as you get more comfortable.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t click right away. Each guitarist has their own pace, and patience is key.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar tablature opens up a world of musical possibilities, especially within the metal genre. Whether you’re jamming out to thrash, djent, or progressive metal, tabs provide the roadmap you need. If you want to expand your skills further, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. Dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Your journey into metal guitar is just beginning.