How to Write Guitar Tabs: A Beginner's Guide

Guitar tabs are a simple way to notate music for guitar players. They use six lines to represent strings and numbers to show which frets to press. Whether you're documenting your own riffs or learning songs, tabs are easy to create and share. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What guitar tabs are: A visual system for guitar notation.
• How to read tabs: Learn to interpret notes, chords, and symbols like slides (/), hammer-ons (h), and bends (b).
• How to write tabs: Tools like Guitar Pro or TuxGuitar can help, or you can use pen and paper.
• Tips for accuracy: Use spacing for rhythm, symbols for techniques, and software for playback.

Tabs are an accessible way to preserve and share music. Start small, practice often, and focus on clarity to make your tabs easy to follow. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Understanding How Guitar Tabs Work

The Layout of Guitar Tabs

Guitar tabs use a straightforward visual system of six horizontal lines that represent your guitar's strings. The thickest string (low E) is shown at the bottom, while the thinnest string (high E) is at the top. This setup mimics the view of your guitar strings as you hold it.

e|------- (High E string)
B|-------
G|-------
D|-------
A|-------
E|------- (Low E string)

In tabs, a 0 means you play the string open, while numbers such as 3 tell you which fret to press. This system makes it clear where your fingers need to go.

How to Read Guitar Tabs

Guitar tabs are read from left to right, just like text. When numbers are stacked vertically across strings, it means those notes form a chord and should be played together. For example:

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

This example shows an A chord. You strum all six strings, pressing specific frets on the B, G, and D strings.

Symbols and Markings in Guitar Tabs

Tabs also include symbols to show different playing techniques. Here are some of the most common ones:

These symbols add detail to the notes, showing how to play them. For instance, 5h7 means you pick the 5th fret, then hammer-on to the 7th fret without picking again. This notation captures both the melody and the style of playing.

Start with simple tabs to build confidence before tackling advanced techniques. Consistent practice will help you get comfortable with both reading and writing tabs.

Next, we’ll dive into creating your own tabs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Guitar Tabs

Choosing Your Tools

Before diving into writing tabs, make sure you have the right tools. If you prefer handwriting, a blank tab notebook with pre-printed staves works great. For digital options, Guitar Pro is a top choice for advanced features, while TuxGuitar is a free and beginner-friendly alternative.

Writing Notes and Chords

Tabs are written by placing fret numbers on the appropriate string lines. For chords, write the numbers vertically across the strings to show they’re played together. Here’s an example of a simple G chord:

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

Make sure to space the notes evenly - this keeps your tabs clear and easy to follow, even in more detailed sections.

Adding Rhythm to Your Tabs

To show timing, use spacing and bar lines (|) to divide measures. Numbers and dashes represent the duration of notes. Here's an example:

e|---3---|---0---|
B|---0---|---2---|
G|---0---|---2---|

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Tips for Writing Clear and Accurate Guitar Tabs

How to Transcribe Songs by Ear

Start with straightforward songs and break them into smaller parts like verses or riffs. Use the pause and rewind features frequently to catch every detail. For more challenging sections, try slowing down the playback speed. Software like Guitar Pro 7 lets you reduce the tempo without affecting the pitch, making it easier to pick out tricky notes.

Focus on one layer at a time - begin with the bass notes, then move on to melody and rhythm. Once you've nailed down these core elements, use software tools to fine-tune your transcription.

Using Software for Better Tabs

Digital tools can make writing tabs much easier and more accurate. Programs like Guitar Pro 7 and TuxGuitar offer features like playback, looping, and formatting to simplify the process. If you're just starting out, TuxGuitar is a great option since it's free and user-friendly.

Formatting Tabs for Sharing

Clear formatting makes tabs easier for others to read and play. Break down complex sections into smaller, manageable parts and use proper spacing. Include symbols and markings for special techniques, as shown below:

e|---3h5---|---3---
B|---5-----|---5---
G|---------|-------
D|---------|-------
A|---------|-------
E|---------|-------

When sharing tabs, keep the spacing consistent and use clear divisions for measures. Well-organized tabs are easier to follow and help others learn and enjoy the music you've transcribed.

Tools and Resources to Help You Write Tabs

Guitar Pro

Guitar Pro 7 is packed with advanced features for creating detailed tablature. It includes real music sampling, extensive chord and scale libraries, and support for multiple file formats. Priced between $69.95 and $149.95, it has earned a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 1,200 reviews. Its ability to handle various file formats makes it a great choice for collaborating with other musicians.

TuxGuitar

TuxGuitar is a free, open-source option that covers the basics. It offers features like a visual fretboard, tablature and standard notation, and basic file format compatibility. With a 4.5/5 rating on SourceForge from 200 users, it's a solid pick for simple tab creation and learning.

Journeyman Notebooks

Journeyman creates well-designed tab notebooks available in compact (A5) and large (A4) sizes. These notebooks include both 4- and 6-line tablature formats, making them suitable for various stringed instruments. Their durable construction is ideal for preserving your music over time, whether you're jotting down quick ideas or crafting detailed arrangements.

These resources simplify the process of writing and sharing tabs, offering options for both digital precision and traditional pen-and-paper methods. Whatever your preference, they make documenting your music straightforward and effective.