Guitar tablature (TAB) is the most widely used notation system for guitar — simpler than standard notation and instantly readable. Every guitarist should know how to read it.
TAB uses six horizontal lines, each representing a string. The bottom line is the low E (thickest string); the top line is the high E (thinnest). Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press. A "0" means play the open string. Stacked numbers mean play those notes together as a chord.
Each number corresponds to a fret position: 1 = first fret, 3 = third fret, 5 = fifth fret, and so on. Read TAB left to right, just like standard notation. The spacing between numbers roughly indicates rhythm — notes closer together are played faster.
Traditional TAB doesn't show rhythm precisely — that's its main limitation. Modern TAB often adds stems, beams and flags below the numbers to indicate note duration. For precise rhythm, look for TAB paired with standard notation on a combined staff.
Download our free guitar TAB paper and blank guitar fretboard diagrams to start writing and reading your own TAB today.