How to read guitar tabs: a guide to common symbols

Opened a guitar tab and found a bunch of numbers and letters? No problem. The six lines represent the strings, and the numbers tell you where to put your fingers. Let's start there, then look at the symbols you're likely to see.

Lines and numbers

In standard tuning, the top line is the high E, the thinnest string. The bottom line is the low E, the thickest. The letters at the left name the open strings: E, A, D, G, B and high e.

Read from left to right. A number tells you which fret to press; 0 means play the open string. Here, play the open low E, then frets 3 and 5 on the same string:

e|-------|B|-------|G|-------|D|-------|A|-------|E|-0-3-5-|

Numbers are frets, not fingers. 10, for example, means the tenth fret, not two notes. If you need to tune first, try Dorica's tuner.

Notes together, chords and rhythm

Numbers aligned vertically are played together. Here, play the three indicated strings at the same time:

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

Plain-text tabs don't always show note duration precisely. Spacing alone can be ambiguous. If rhythm notation, audio or a recording is available, use it to hear when to play. Some tabs show rhythmic notation or rests above the lines; formats vary. Our metronome guide explains subdivisions.

Legato: hammer-ons and pull-offs

h — hammer-on: pick the first note, then press the second fret with another finger without picking again. In 5h7, pick fret 5 and hammer onto fret 7.

p — pull-off: pick the first note, then lift that finger with a slight movement to sound the lower note already held down. In 7p5, prepare fret 5, pick fret 7 and sound fret 5 without another pick stroke.

e|-------------|B|-5h7---7p5---|G|-------------|D|-------------|A|-------------|E|-------------|

Slides

A slash can mean slide your finger while maintaining contact with the string: / usually goes up in pitch and \\ goes down. In 5/7, pick fret 5 and slide to fret 7; in 7\\5, go the other way. How a tab marks a separately picked arrival note depends on the editor.

e|-------------|B|-5/7---7\5---|G|-------------|D|-------------|A|-------------|E|-------------|

Bends and vibrato

b — bend: push or pull the string to raise its pitch. 7b9 commonly means bend the note at fret 7 until it sounds like fret 9; it doesn't mean move to fret 9. Some tabs use full for a whole step and 1/2 for a half step. The physical direction and effort vary with the string and the player.

r — release: in some tabs, lower a bent note back down. ~ — vibrato: vary the pitch with small controlled movements. Text may not show duration or intensity clearly, so listen to the reference if one is available.

e|----------------|B|-7b9---7~-------|G|----------------|D|----------------|A|----------------|E|----------------|

Muting and harmonics

x often means a muted note: touch the string without pressing it down to the fret, then pick for a percussive sound. The same letter can mean something else in chord diagrams, so check the material's key.

PM or P.M. usually means palm muting: rest the side of your picking hand lightly near the bridge as you play. A dotted line after the marking often shows which notes to mute. The exact position changes the sound; experiment without squeezing your hand.

Harmonics: markings such as <12>, 12 with H, or NH can indicate a natural harmonic, but formats differ. For a natural harmonic at the 12th fret, touch the string lightly over the metal fret, pick it and then lift your finger. In text tabs, check the key before assuming a number in brackets is a fretted note.

Other markings you may see

• t or T: often indicates tapping, sounding a note with a finger from the picking hand. Check which notes are connected in the example.
• (5): parentheses may indicate a ghost note, a note sustained from earlier, or an optional note, depending on the material. The key and audio help distinguish them.
• tr: can indicate a trill, rapid alternation between two notes using legato; check the marked frets and duration.
• Picking arrows: downstroke and upstroke symbols vary across editors. Check the key rather than assuming what a standalone arrow means.
• Vertical bars |: normally separate measures; double bars or additional signs may mark repeats or sections, depending on the notation.

These are common uses, not a universal key. Plain-text tabs, apps and sheet music can mark the same effect differently.

Practice reading

Choose a short phrase you know, identify the strings and frets, then add rhythm and effects. Play slowly, compare it with audio if available, and isolate the passage if a note doesn't sound. To bring both hands together, try the hand synchronization guide.

Aim for comfortable movements and take breaks. If playing hurts, stop; seek professional guidance if pain persists.