How to Read Guitar Numbers

Guitar numbers might sound like a cryptic code to beginners, but they're actually a straightforward way to unlock a vast world of music. Whether you're strumming along to your favorite metal track or crafting your own riff, understanding these numbers is crucial. Let's break down how to read them, so you can focus on what truly matters—playing your heart out.

The Basics of Guitar Numbers

At its core, reading guitar numbers, often referred to as tablature or "tabs," is about understanding a simple system used to notate music for guitar. Unlike traditional sheet music, which can be quite complex and intimidating for many, tabs provide a more intuitive way for guitarists to see which strings to play and which frets to press. Here's how it works:

• Strings: Guitar tabs are made up of six horizontal lines, each representing a guitar string. The bottom line corresponds to the low E string (thickest), while the top line represents the high E string (thinnest).
• Frets: Numbers on these lines indicate which fret to press. A '0' means you play the string open, without pressing down any fret.
• Reading Direction: Tabs are read from left to right. As you move from one number to the next, you play that note in sequence.

It's really that simple! Tabs are a guitarist's best friend, allowing you to learn songs quickly, especially if you're diving into complex genres like metal or progressive rock.

Decoding Symbols in Tabs

As with any language, guitar tabs come with their own set of symbols to denote specific techniques. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones you'll encounter:

• Hammer-ons (h): A hammer-on is when you play a note and then hammer your finger onto the next fret without picking again. In tabs, it's usually notated as '5h7', meaning you play the 5th fret and hammer onto the 7th.
• Pull-offs (p): The opposite of a hammer-on. You play a note and then pull your finger off to reveal the note below it. Notated as '7p5'.
• Slides (/ or \): Sliding involves playing a note and then moving to another fret while keeping the string pressed down. An upward slide is notated as '5/7', while a downward slide is '7\5'.
• Bends (b): For bends, you play a note and bend the string to reach a higher pitch. It's notated as '7b9', indicating you bend the note at the 7th fret to sound like the 9th fret.

These symbols might seem confusing at first, but with practice, they'll become second nature. Each one adds a unique flavor to your playing, especially when you're tackling complex metal solos or intricate riffing.

Understanding Rhythm in Tabs

While tabs are great for showing you what notes to play, they can be a bit cryptic when it comes to rhythms. However, there are ways to interpret timing:

• Spacing: The distance between numbers can indicate timing. If notes are spaced far apart, it usually means they're played slowly. Close together? Play them quickly.
• Note Lengths: Sometimes, tabs include lines or dashes to suggest how long a note should be held. A longer dash means the note is sustained.
• Listen and Play: Often, the best way to grasp the rhythm is to listen to the song while following the tab. This approach helps you match the timing and feel of the piece.

While it might take a bit of practice to sync your playing with the song's rhythm, this is where your ear truly becomes an invaluable tool. And if you're looking for some guidance, Riffhard offers lessons that can help you master the art of rhythm through the eyes of some of metal's best guitarists.

How Tabs Differ in Metal and Subgenres

Metal and its various subgenres bring unique challenges when it comes to reading tabs. From fast-paced thrash to intricate djent, each style has its quirks:

• Speed and Complexity: Metal tabs often feature rapid note sequences and complex rhythms. This can be daunting, but it also highlights the importance of precision and timing in your playing.
• Techniques: Many metal subgenres heavily use techniques like palm muting, alternate picking, and sweeping. Tabs for these genres might include more symbols to denote these techniques.
• Low Tunings: Some metal bands use lower tunings, requiring you to adapt your reading and playing to a different set of pitches. Always check the tuning specified in the tab!

While these elements can add layers of difficulty, they also offer a chance to expand your skills and creativity. And if you're feeling stuck, Riffhard has plenty of resources to guide you through the intricacies of metal guitar techniques.

Practicing with Tabs

Once you're familiar with reading tabs, it's time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some tips to make your practice sessions more effective:

• Start Slow: Don't rush! Begin playing sections at a slower tempo to ensure accuracy before speeding up.
• Break it Down: Focus on small sections at a time. Trying to tackle an entire song at once can be overwhelming.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome is invaluable for maintaining consistent timing. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions allows you to hear what might need improvement. You can identify timing issues or areas where your technique could be tighter.

Remember, practice is all about making progress, not perfection. And if you're looking for structured practice routines, Riffhard offers a bi-weekly lesson plan called The Shredule that can guide you through your practice journey.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Reading guitar tabs is relatively straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes beginners tend to make. Here’s how to sidestep them:

• Ignoring Tuning: Always check the tuning before you start playing. Many songs, especially in metal, use alternate tunings that can drastically change how the piece sounds.
• Skimming Details: Pay attention to the symbols and spacing. These details are crucial for capturing the essence of the song.
• Rushing: It's tempting to play at full speed right away, but that can lead to sloppy technique. Take your time to master each section.

With a bit of patience and practice, you'll find that reading tabs becomes second nature. If you're struggling with specific techniques, Riffhard has a wealth of lessons focusing on precision and control, particularly in rhythm guitar playing.

Transitioning from Tabs to Sheet Music

While tabs are an excellent tool for guitarists, there may come a time when you want to delve into traditional sheet music. Here's how you can make that transition smoother:

• Learn Basic Music Theory: Understanding scales, chords, and rhythm notation can provide a solid foundation for reading sheet music.
• Start Simple: Begin with simpler pieces to build your confidence. As you grow more comfortable, you can tackle more complex compositions.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps reinforce your learning and solidify your skills.

While transitioning to sheet music can be challenging, it can also open up new musical possibilities. And if you're interested in exploring this further, instructors at Riffhard can offer insights into blending both tabs and traditional notation.

Using Tabs for Songwriting

Once you're comfortable reading tabs, they can become a powerful tool for songwriting. Here's how you can harness this skill to create your own music:

• Experiment with Riffs: Use tabs to jot down your riff ideas. Play around with different note combinations and rhythms until you find something you like.
• Structure Your Songs: Organize your ideas into verses, choruses, and bridges. Tabs help you visualize the flow and structure of your composition.
• Collaborate: Share your tabs with bandmates or fellow musicians. This makes it easier to communicate your ideas and collaborate on arrangements.

Songwriting is deeply personal and creative, and tabs offer a way to capture your musical ideas quickly. And if you're collaborating with others, why not check out the songwriting lessons at Riffhard? They can provide helpful tips from experienced musicians.

Final Thoughts

Reading guitar numbers is a gateway to endless musical adventures. Whether you're ripping through a metal solo or crafting a new riff, tabs are there to guide you. And if you're looking to hone your skills further, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, helping you improve your technique and expand your musical horizons.