How to Read Guitar Tabs

Guitar Tabs are a six line staff that graphically represents the guitar fingerboard, with the top line indicating the highest sounding string (high E) and the bottom line indicating the (Low E) string.

     E----------------- <- High E  1st string
     B-----------------            2nd string
     G-----------------            3rd string
     D-----------------            4th string
     A-----------------            5th string
     E ---------------- <- Low E   6th string

By placing a number on the appropriate line, the string and fret of any note can be indicated.

Example: 5th Fret 5th String (A) would be a D note.

     E----------------- <- High E
     B-----------------
     G-----------------
     D-----------------
     A------5----------
     E ---------------- <- Low E

The number 0 represents an open string. The 0's mean that string is played [open] (no fingers)

Example: 4th String Played Open (D) and 3rd String (G) Played Open with no fingers.

     E----------------- <- High E
     B-----------------
     G-----0-----------
     D-----0-----------
     A-----------------
     E ---------------- <- Low E