How to Read Guitar Tabs with Chords

Ever picked up a guitar tab and felt like you were trying to decipher an ancient scroll? You’re not alone. Guitar tabs are an incredible tool for learning songs quickly, but they can seem a bit cryptic at first glance. This post will break down how to read guitar tabs with chords and make that process as painless as possible. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to tighten up your technique for those blistering metal riffs, understanding tabs is crucial. So, let’s get right into it.

Guitar Tabs: The Basics

Guitar tablature, or “tabs,” is a form of musical notation that indicates instrument fingering rather than musical pitches. It’s like a secret language among guitarists, simplifying complex sheet music into something more easily digestible.

Here’s the simplest layout of a tab:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|-----------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|

Each line represents a string on the guitar, with the top line corresponding to the high E string (the one closest to your feet when you’re playing) and the bottom line representing the low E string. Numbers placed on these lines show which fret you need to press. Simple, right?

Let’s say you see a “3” on the bottom line; that means you press the third fret on the low E string. If there’s a number on multiple lines stacked vertically, you play those notes simultaneously, forming a chord. For example:

e|----0----|
B|----1----|
G|----0----|
D|----2----|
A|----3----|
E|----x----|

This represents a C major chord. The “x” means you don’t play that string.

Understanding Rhythm in Tabs

One limitation of guitar tabs is that they don’t always indicate rhythm. This can make it tricky to understand how long to hold each note or chord. However, some tabs include rhythmic notation above the staff, which is incredibly helpful.

For those without rhythmic notation, you’ll need to rely on your ear. Listen to the song you’re learning and try to match the timing. It might take a couple of tries, but you’ll get the hang of it. If you’re working on metal riffs, this is where it gets exciting. Heavy metal often requires precise timing, especially with techniques like palm muting and chugging.

To practice rhythm, use a metronome. It’s your best friend when it comes to locking in those tricky rhythms. We have a custom metronome over at Riffhard that’s perfect for this kind of practice.

Deciphering Common Symbols

Beyond the numbers, guitar tabs often include a variety of symbols to indicate different techniques. Here’s a quick rundown of some you might encounter:

• h: Hammer-on
• p: Pull-off
• /: Slide up
• \: Slide down
• b: Bend
• r: Release bend
• t: Tapping
• v: Vibrato
• x: Muted note

For instance, if you see “7h9,” you play the 7th fret and then hammer-on to the 9th. If it’s “9p7,” you’d play the 9th fret and pull-off to the 7th. These symbols are crucial for capturing the nuances of a song, especially in genres like metal where techniques like tapping and slides are frequently used.

Chords within Tabs

Reading chords in tabs is straightforward but requires a bit of practice to get used to the finger placements. When chords are written out in tabs, they’re usually shown with the fret numbers stacked vertically.

Let’s take a look at a few examples:

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

This is an A major chord. Practice putting your fingers in place and strumming slowly. Make sure each note rings out clearly. If something sounds muted, adjust your finger pressure or position.

For more complex chords, like those used in progressive metal, you’ll often see combinations of regular and power chords. Power chords are particularly popular because of their simplicity and powerful sound:

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

This is a simple power chord. Notice how only the bottom three strings are used. These chords are the backbone of many metal genres, offering a thick, heavy sound.

Playing Metal with Tabs

Reading tabs is one thing, but translating them into the crushing sound of metal is another. Metal guitar playing often includes fast riffs, palm muting, alternate picking, and more. Here’s how you can apply tabs to improve your metal playing:

Palm Muting

This technique gives metal its iconic chugging sound. To palm mute, lightly rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while picking. It might take a while to get the pressure just right, but it’s worth the effort.

Alternate Picking

Speed is essential in metal, and alternate picking helps you achieve it. This technique involves picking down and up alternately with your pick. Practice slowly with a metronome, gradually increasing the speed.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists who can guide you through these techniques, ensuring you nail that metal sound.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As with any skill, learning to read guitar tabs with chords comes with its challenges. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them:

Relying Too Much on Tabs

While tabs are useful, relying solely on them can stunt your musical growth. Use them as a guide but also develop your ear and musical intuition.

Ignoring Technique

It’s easy to focus on playing the right notes and overlook technique. Poor technique can lead to sloppy playing and even injury. Pay attention to how you hold the guitar, your picking hand position, and finger placement.

Skipping Rhythm Practice

Rhythm is just as important as playing the right notes. Use a metronome to practice timing and ensure you’re not rushing or dragging through songs.

Using Tabs for Songwriting

Once you’re comfortable reading tabs, you can use them as a tool for songwriting. Drafting riffs and chord progressions in tab form can help you visualize your ideas.

Experiment with different chord voicings and techniques to create unique sounds. Mix in some of the metal techniques we’ve discussed, like palm muting and power chords, to give your songs an edge.

If you’re into modern metal genres like djent or metalcore, the lessons at Riffhard can offer insights into advanced techniques and creative approaches to songwriting.

When to Use Tabs vs. Sheet Music

While tabs are incredibly useful, there are times when traditional sheet music might be more appropriate. If you’re interested in classical guitar or jazz, for example, sheet music provides more information about dynamics and expression.

On the other hand, for rock and metal, tabs are often preferred because they get straight to the point—showing you exactly where to put your fingers without the clutter of extra notation.

Ultimately, the choice between tabs and sheet music depends on your personal goals and the style of music you’re pursuing.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, reading tabs takes practice. Start with simple songs and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. Don’t rush; take the time to learn each section before moving on.

Learning metal guitar techniques can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Practicing regularly and pushing yourself to tackle more difficult songs will help you improve over time.

For those looking to seriously up their game, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of lessons taught by some of the best in the business. With our step-by-step approach, you’ll be shredding like a pro in no time.

Final Thoughts

Tabs are a fantastic tool for guitarists, opening up a world of music for you to explore. By understanding how to read tabs and incorporating techniques specific to metal, you’ll be able to tackle any song with confidence. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you on your musical journey with lessons from top metal guitarists and a community of fellow learners. Dive in, practice hard, and watch your skills grow.