How to Follow Guitar Tabs

Guitar tabs are the unsung hero of self-taught guitarists. They bridge the gap between knowing nothing about music theory and playing some of your favorite tunes. But if you're new to the scene, they can look like a jumble of numbers and lines. So, let's unravel the mystery of guitar tabs together and get you picking up your guitar with confidence.

What Are Guitar Tabs Anyway?

At first glance, guitar tabs might seem like secret code, but they’re actually quite straightforward. Essentially, tabs are a type of musical notation that tells you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Unlike traditional sheet music, which requires you to learn notes, tabs focus solely on numbers and lines.

Here's how tabs work: Imagine the six strings of your guitar laid out in front of you. The top line represents your high E string, and the bottom line is your low E string. Numbers placed on these lines indicate which fret you should press down. For example, if you see a "3" on the top line, you play the third fret of the high E string.

This approach makes it easy for beginners to jump straight into playing without having to learn to read music. The simplicity of tabs is why they're so popular, especially among metalheads eager to tackle complex solos and riffs. And if you're interested in modern metal genres, Riffhard offers downloadable tabs alongside their lessons, making it even easier to follow along.

Getting Comfortable with the Layout

When you first look at a tab, it might seem overwhelming. But once you get familiar with the layout, it's like reading a map. The six horizontal lines represent the guitar strings from top to bottom: high E, B, G, D, A, and low E. The numbers on these lines tell you which fret to press down.

For instance, if you see this:

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

This indicates an open chord, specifically C major. You'd strum all strings except the low E, which is marked with an "x" to indicate that it should be muted.

Tabs are read from left to right, just like a book. If you see numbers stacked vertically, it means you play those notes simultaneously, like a chord. If they're spread out, you play them in sequence, like a melody or riff. Understanding this simple layout is key to navigating any tab you come across.

Decoding Symbols and Notations

Guitar tabs often include additional symbols that provide more detail on how to play a particular section. These symbols indicate techniques like slides, bends, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and more. Let’s break down some of the common ones you might encounter:

• h: Hammer-on. For example, if you see "5h7", play the 5th fret and then hammer on to the 7th fret.
• p: Pull-off. If you see "7p5", play the 7th fret and pull off to the 5th fret.
• /: Slide up. For example, "5/7" means slide from the 5th fret to the 7th.
• \: Slide down. This works the same way but in reverse.
• b: Bend. If you see "7b9", bend the string at the 7th fret to reach the pitch of the 9th fret.
• ~: Vibrato. Shake the string to add a shimmering effect.
• x: Muted note. Play a percussive note by muting the string with your fretting hand.

These notations add depth to tabs, transforming a simple string of numbers into a dynamic piece of music. They guide you through the nuances of playing, which is especially important in genres like metal where techniques are integral to the sound. On Riffhard, you’ll find detailed explanations of these techniques in their lessons, taught by some of the best metal guitarists around.

Reading Timing and Rhythm

While tabs are great for showing where to place your fingers, they often fall short when it comes to timing and rhythm. Unlike traditional sheet music, tabs don’t explicitly indicate how long to hold a note or the rhythm of the piece. This can be a bit tricky, especially if you're trying to nail the timing of a riff or solo.

To overcome this, you might want to listen to the track you're learning while following the tab. This helps you understand the rhythm and timing. Some tabs come with rhythmic indications, such as spacing and stems, but these aren't always precise.

Another tool is Guitar Pro files, which some tabs offer. These files can be played back on software that displays the tab in real-time as it's played, giving you a better sense of timing. This feature is particularly useful for complex metal pieces where precision is key.

Practicing with Tabs

Once you’ve got a handle on how to read tabs, the next step is practice. Start slow and focus on accuracy rather than speed. It might be tempting to blaze through a solo or riff, but precision is your best friend.

Break the song into sections and practice each part until you're comfortable. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your speed as you become more confident. This methodical approach helps build muscle memory and ensures you’re playing cleanly.

At Riffhard, we emphasize the importance of rhythm in metal guitar playing. Our custom metronome is designed specifically for guitar practice, helping you lock in your timing and play with precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As with any learning process, there are pitfalls to be aware of when working with guitar tabs. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring Technique: Tabs are great for finger placement, but they don't teach technique. Pay attention to how a note should be played, whether it's picking, hammering, or sliding.
• Not Listening to the Original Track: Tabs don’t always convey the full musical picture. Listening to the original track helps you understand the rhythm and feel.
• Rushing Through: Speed is impressive, but accuracy is vital. Practice slowly and build up speed over time.
• Overlooking Muted Notes: Muted notes are common in metal and add a percussive element. Be sure to include them for a more authentic sound.

Avoiding these mistakes can save you a lot of frustration and set you on the right path. Remember, patience and persistence are key.

Transitioning from Tabs to Music Theory

Tabs are a fantastic entry point, but as you progress, you might want to explore music theory. Understanding scales, keys, and chords can enhance your playing and give you more creative freedom.

For instance, knowing the pentatonic scale can help you improvise solos, while understanding chord progressions can aid in songwriting. You don't need to be a theory expert to enjoy these benefits. Just a basic understanding can go a long way.

On Riffhard, we have lessons that incorporate music theory into practical playing, taught by experienced instructors. This approach helps you see how theory applies directly to the music you love and play.

Using Technology to Enhance Your Learning

In today’s digital age, technology offers many tools to aid your learning process. Apps and software like Guitar Pro, Ultimate Guitar, and TuxGuitar provide a platform to view, edit, and play tabs. They often come with features like tempo adjustment, looping, and backing tracks, making practice sessions more effective.

These tools can simulate a band environment, helping you play along and stay in time. They also allow you to slow down difficult sections and gradually increase speed as you improve, which is crucial for mastering complex metal riffs.

Combining these tools with resources like Riffhard gives you a comprehensive learning experience, blending traditional tab reading with modern technology.

Expanding Your Repertoire

Once you're comfortable with tabs, the world of guitar music opens up to you. Dive into different genres and styles to expand your repertoire. Metal is diverse, offering subgenres like thrash, death, black, and more, each with its own unique playing style.

Exploring different styles not only broadens your musical knowledge but also improves your versatility as a guitarist. You’ll find that many techniques and principles overlap across genres, enriching your overall playing ability.

At Riffhard, our lessons cover a wide range of metal subgenres, taught by top guitarists who specialize in these styles. This variety helps you find your niche and develop a well-rounded skill set.

Final Thoughts

Guitar tabs are an invaluable tool for learning new songs and techniques. They simplify the process, allowing anyone to start playing their favorite tunes quickly. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to tackle even the most challenging riffs and solos. And don’t forget, our team at Riffhard is here to support your journey with expert lessons and resources tailored for modern metal guitarists.