How to Read Guitar Tablature by Joseph Alexander

Guitar tablature, often affectionately referred to as “tabs,” is the unsung hero for many guitarists, especially those dabbling in the complexities of metal and its subgenres. If you’re rummaging through riffs and solos, trying to decipher those numbers scrawled across six lines, Joseph Alexander’s guide, “How to Read Guitar Tablature,” is a beacon of clarity. This blog post will walk you through the fundamentals, intricacies, and nuances of guitar tabs, using insights from Alexander’s work and my own experiences as a guitar educator.

Why Tabs Matter for Metal Guitarists

Tabs are like your trusty GPS in the world of guitar. For metal guitarists, they’re even more crucial. Why, you ask? Metal music often involves intricate riffs, unconventional scales, and rapid pace changes. Trying to learn these by ear alone can be like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

Sheet music, with its dots and lines, has its place, but let’s face it—tabs are the go-to for many due to their straightforward nature. They give you the exact fret and string to play without requiring a degree in music theory. Whether you’re shredding through a death metal solo or perfecting a djent rhythm, tabs provide a visual roadmap that’s easy to follow.

Interestingly enough, tabs also allow you to learn songs the way they were intended to be played. If you’ve ever tried to mimic the unique picking style of a metalcore riff, you know that precision is key. And tabs capture that precision beautifully, offering insights into finger positioning and picking patterns that traditional notation might gloss over.

Understanding the Basics of Guitar Tabs

Before you dive into any song, it’s important to get comfortable with the basics of reading tabs. Think of this as learning the alphabet before you start reading books. Guitar tabs are composed of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of the guitar. The top line is the high E string, and the bottom is the low E string.

The numbers on these lines indicate which fret to press down. A “0” means you play the string open, while other numbers denote which fret to hold. For instance, a “2” on the bottom line means you play the second fret on the low E string. Simple enough, right?

Now, if you see numbers stacked vertically, that indicates a chord. You’ll play all those notes simultaneously. Horizontal sequences of numbers, on the other hand, represent a melody or riff, played one note at a time. It’s like reading a sentence left to right, but instead of words, you have a blend of single notes and chords creating a story of sound.

Decoding Advanced Tab Notations

Once you’re comfy with the basics, it’s time to tackle those quirky symbols and numbers that make tabs seem like a secret code. In metal, especially, techniques like bends, slides, and hammer-ons are staples, and tabs have their own way of illustrating these moves.

• Bends: Represented by an arrow or a “b” next to a number. A “9b11” means you play the ninth fret and bend it to the pitch of the eleventh fret.
• Slides: Indicated by a slash. “7/9” means you slide from the seventh to the ninth fret.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Noted by an “h” or “p” between notes. A “5h7” means you hammer-on from the fifth to the seventh fret.
• Vibrato: Shown as a squiggly line or “~” after a note, adding that signature wavering sound.
• Palm Muting: Often denoted by “PM” or dots under the notes, crucial for achieving that chugging metal sound.

Each of these symbols adds another layer of expression to your playing. They’re not just technical exercises; they’re the heart of what makes a riff sound compelling and dynamic. And when you’re trying to replicate the aggressive, precise sound of genres like thrash or death metal, these notations are indispensable.

Applying Tablature to Metal Techniques

Metal is a genre where technique reigns supreme. From pinch harmonics to tremolo picking, the genre demands precision and flair. Tabs are especially useful here because they don’t just show you what to play—they hint at how to play it.

Take downpicking, for instance. This technique is a cornerstone of thrash metal, giving riffs their relentless drive. Tabs might not explicitly say “downpick this,” but by observing the flow of notes and the context (like a fast-paced Metallica riff), you can infer the technique needed.

Similarly, for sweep picking in progressive metal, tabs can guide you through the arpeggios that define the genre’s sound. While tabs provide the notes, it’s up to you to apply the correct picking technique, often hinted at by the sequence and speed of notes.

For those seeking to master these specific techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from top-tier metal guitarists. These lessons delve deep into the nuances of rhythm guitar, providing practical insights into applying tab notations to real-world playing.

Using Tabs to Enhance Your Songwriting

Writing your own music is one of the most rewarding aspects of playing guitar. Tabs can be a powerful tool in this creative process, allowing you to jot down ideas quickly without needing to notate every rhythm or pitch perfectly.

Imagine you’ve come up with a killer riff while jamming. With tabs, you can capture the essence of that riff in seconds, preserving it for later refinement. You can also experiment with variations, easily tweaking a note or two to create something entirely new.

Moreover, tabs can help you visualize the structure of a song. By writing out the different sections—intro, verse, chorus, bridge—you can see how they fit together. This bird’s-eye view is invaluable for creating cohesive, compelling compositions.

And if you’re collaborating with other musicians, tabs are a universal language. You can share your riffs and ideas, ensuring everyone’s on the same page (literally). This is especially useful in metal bands, where complex arrangements are the norm.

Common Mistakes When Reading Tabs

Despite their simplicity, it’s easy to trip up when reading tabs. One common mistake is focusing solely on the numbers without considering the rhythm. Tabs don’t always convey timing clearly, so it’s crucial to listen to the song while reading the tab to get the feel right.

Another pitfall is ignoring the small details. Those little symbols we discussed earlier? They’re not just for show. Missing a slide or hammer-on can make your playing sound flat or disjointed. Pay attention to these nuances—they’re what bring the music to life.

It’s also important to remember that tabs are a guide, not gospel. They can vary in accuracy, especially those found online. Cross-reference with other versions or, better yet, use your ear to make corrections if something sounds off. This practice can sharpen your listening skills and improve your overall musicianship.

The Role of Tablature in Metal Guitar Education

For aspiring metal guitarists, tabs are often the first step into a larger world of music education. They offer a gateway to understanding complex pieces without the intimidation of traditional sheet music. But tabs are just one piece of the puzzle.

To truly excel, it’s beneficial to combine tab reading with other forms of learning. This might include ear training, understanding basic music theory, or studying the techniques of your favorite players. For instance, Riffhard provides an extensive library of lessons that complement tab reading, focusing on the rhythm guitar techniques that are critical in metal playing.

Additionally, becoming proficient in tab reading can open up opportunities for teaching. Many guitar instructors use tabs as a teaching tool, and a solid understanding can enhance your ability to communicate concepts to students effectively.

Tips for Improving Your Tab Reading Skills

Like any skill, reading tabs gets easier with practice. Start with simple songs and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. Pay attention to the details, and don’t rush. Accuracy is more important than speed.

Try transcribing songs yourself. This exercise can deepen your understanding of how tabs work and improve your ear for music. Begin with sections you’re familiar with and challenge yourself with new material as you grow more confident.

Another tip is to use technology to your advantage. Many online platforms allow you to slow down tracks without changing the pitch, making it easier to follow along with tabs. This can be particularly helpful for fast metal solos or intricate rhythm parts.

And remember, patience is key. Mastering tab reading won’t happen overnight, but with persistence, you’ll find it becomes second nature. As you progress, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your ability to learn and play new music.

Integrating Tab Reading with Other Learning Tools

While tabs are fantastic for learning songs, they shouldn’t be your only resource. Integrating other learning tools can provide a more rounded musical education. Consider using video lessons, apps, and interactive software to complement your tab reading.

For instance, Riffhard offers a unique blend of video instruction and downloadable tabs. This allows you to see the techniques in action and then practice them at your own pace. Their custom metronome and interactive player are particularly useful for fine-tuning your rhythm and timing.

Additionally, practicing with a metronome can improve your timing and precision, crucial elements in metal music. Apps that provide backing tracks can also be beneficial, allowing you to practice playing in a band-like setting.

By combining these tools with traditional tab reading, you can create a comprehensive learning experience that caters to various aspects of guitar playing. This holistic approach will make you a more versatile and skilled musician.

Final Thoughts

Reading guitar tablature is an invaluable skill, especially for metal enthusiasts eager to tackle complex riffs and solos. It’s a straightforward method to capture the essence of a song, allowing you to play it as intended. While tabs alone won’t make you a guitar virtuoso, they’re a crucial part of the learning process. At Riffhard, we offer a wealth of resources that complement tab reading, helping you hone your skills and bring your metal guitar dreams to life.