Tablature
Tablature is essential for learning to play pieces in open tuning. Even good music readers will have difficulty in reading music in open tuning because with each open tuning, notes are found in different places on the fretboard.
Tablature is a method of indicating the position of notes on the fretboard. There are six "tab" lines, each representing one of the six strings on the guitar.
When a number is placed on one of the lines, it indicates the fret location of the note, e.g.:
This indicates the seventh fret of the 5th string (an E note in standard tuning).
This indicates the 3rd string open (a G note in standard tuning).
Tablature symbols are used to indicate a left hand technique.
Tablature Symbols
The Hammer-On
A curved line and the letter H indicates a hammer-on. The first note is played but the second note is produced by hammering on the left hand finger, which plays the second note.
The Pull-Off
A curved line and the letter P indicates a pull-off. The first note is played but the second note is produced by pulling off the left hand finger to sound the second note.
The Slide
The letter S and a straight line indicates a slide. If the line comes from below the number, slide from a lower fret but if the line is above the number, slide from a higher fret.
The Bend
The letter B and a curved line represents a bend. The note is played by the left hand finger which bends the string (from the note indicated in the tab to the pitch of the note in brackets).
Harmonics
Harmonics are a bell-like sound produced by touching the string lightly above the fretwire with a left hand finger. The string is not pressed against the fretboard. Harmonics are indicated with a dot and the abbreviation har. above the tab numbers.
String Muting
A cross underneath the tab number indicates a string mute. This is achieved by lightly resting the butt of the right hand on the strings near the bridge of the guitar when a note is played.
