Learn Tabs Reading
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
 | This is the basic staff structure, where each one of the six lines represents a string. The top line represents the high-E string while the bottom line represents the bass-E string. Tools with a different set of strings are represented with corelated munber of lines on the tab. |
 | A number on a string instructs to play that string while pressing on the Nth fret. The image on the left instructs to play the 4th string (D) while pressing on the 6th fret.The number '0' instruct playing the string without pressing any fret. |
 | Few numbers one on to of the other in a single column represents a chord. that means, all strings should be played together. The image on the left represents the chord A 1st position. |
 | The 'x' head instructs playing the string while it blocked. That means, resting the finger on the string (without pressing) while playing it. |
 | This sign may represent two different scenarios. 1) Slur : Two similar frets (e.g 9,9) connected with arc means that the second note should not be played. Instead, the first note played for the length of both of them. 2) Hammer-On / Hammer-Off: Two different frets connected with arc means that playing the second one should be made with the left hand while "hammering" with the left-hand finger on the second fret. |
 | A line that connect 2 notes represents Slide. This instruct sliding the left-hand finger on the string from the first fret to the second one without using the right hand. |
 | An arrow running from a note instructs srting-bending. That means, press the required fret and bend the string to change its pitch. The number on top of the arrow instructs the required pitch-change. The example on the left image instructs bending the string by 1 (full) tone, then bend by half tone. |
 | This sign indicates a note-quarter. If you do not familiar with notes you may consider this line as the basic unit for playing speed. |
 | This sign indicates 8th of a note. That means, it should be played as twice faster then a quarter. |
 | This sign indicates 16th of a note. That means, it should be played four times faster then a quarter. |
 | This sign indicates 32th of a note. That means, it should be played eight times faster then a quarter. |
 | A dot follow one of the above speed-instructions adds 50% to the base speed.On the left example the note should be played for a length of 1.5 quarters (or 3 * 8th). |