5 Easy Steps to Write Guitar Tab Like a Pro

Guitar Tablature
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Have you ever wanted to write your own guitar tabs? Maybe you’ve found a song that you love, but you can’t find the tabs anywhere online. Or maybe you’ve written a song of your own and you want to share it with the world. Whatever the reason, writing guitar tabs is a great way to learn more about the guitar and to share your music with others.

Guitar tabs are a type of musical notation that shows you how to play a song on the guitar. They are written using a series of numbers and symbols that represent the different notes and chords that you need to play. If you can read guitar tabs, you can learn to play any song that you want. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of writing guitar tabs. We’ll cover everything from the different types of symbols that you’ll need to know to how to write out a song in tablature.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of writing guitar tabs, you’ll be able to write out any song that you want. You’ll also be able to share your music with others and help them to learn how to play the guitar. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Understanding Guitar TAB Basics

Guitar tablature, often abbreviated as TAB, is a simplified notation system designed specifically for guitarists. It provides a clear and easy-to-read representation of the fingerings and note intervals on the guitar neck, making it an accessible tool for beginners and experienced players alike.

TAB consists of six horizontal lines, each representing a string on the guitar. The lines are numbered from top to bottom, with the lowest-pitched string (E) at the top and the highest-pitched string (e) at the bottom.

Numbers are placed on the lines to indicate which fret on that string to play. A “0” indicates an open string, while higher numbers represent higher frets. For example, a “2” on the second line from the top would indicate to play the second fret on the third string (G).

TAB can also include various symbols to indicate specific techniques, such as bends, slides, and harmonics. These symbols are typically placed above or below the numbers to clarify the desired effect.

TAB Symbol	Technique
~	Bend
h	Hammer-on
p	Pull-off
/	Slide
x	Harmonic

Transcribing Chords in TAB

Transcribing chords into tablature involves representing each string and fret as a number on the corresponding line in the tablature. To do this, you’ll need to understand the following:

String numbers: The strings are numbered from 1 (the thickest string) to 6 (the thinnest string).
Fret numbers: The frets are numbered from 0 (the nut) to the highest fret on your guitar.
Open strings: If a string is played open (without fretting it), it’s represented by a "0" on that string’s line in the tablature.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transcribe chords in TAB:

Identify the root note of the chord. The root note is the note that gives the chord its name. For example, in a C major chord, the root note is C.
Locate the chord on the fretboard. Use your knowledge of the root note and the intervals in the chord to find the notes on the guitar that create that chord.
Fret the notes and observe the string/fret position. For each string, note the fret where the corresponding chord note is played.
Notate the TAB. Write the fret number for each string on the corresponding line in the tablature. If the string is played open, write "0."

String	Fret for Chord Note
1	3
2	2
3	0
4	1
5	0
6	3

This tablature represents a C major chord in the open position.

Indicating String and Fret Numbers

Guitar tabs use numbers to indicate the frets and strings to be played. Fret numbers are written above the tab staff, and the string numbers are written below it.

String Numbers

The strings are numbered from 1 to 6, with the lowest-pitched string being string 6 and the highest-pitched string being string 1. The strings are named as follows:

String Number	Name
6	Low E
5	A
4	D
3	G
2	B
1	High E

Fret Numbers

Fret numbers indicate which fret on the string should be played. The number 0 indicates the open string (not fretted), and higher numbers indicate higher frets. For example, the number 3 on string 6 indicates that the finger should be placed on the third fret of the low E string.

In some cases, a number may be written in parentheses below a fret number. This indicates that the string should be played with a hammer-on or pull-off technique.

A hammer-on is played by striking the string with the picking hand while simultaneously fretting it with the fretting hand. A pull-off is played by releasing the fretting hand while simultaneously plucking the string with the picking hand.

Here is an example of a simple guitar tab with fret and string numbers indicated:

“`
e|———————————-|
B|———————————-|
G|———————————-|
D|———————————-|
A|———————————-|
E|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|
“`

Notating Slides and Bends

Notation:

– Slide up: / or slide up
– Slide down: \ or slide down
– Bend up: (~) or (b)
– Bend down: (^)

Slides:

Slides involve moving the finger along the same string, either up or down the fretboard. This technique creates a smooth transition between notes.
Example: 5/7 means slide the finger from the 5th fret to the 7th fret on the same string.
Example: 5\3 means slide the finger from the 5th fret to the 3rd fret on the same string.

Bends:

Bends involve pushing or pulling the string to raise or lower its pitch. The amount of bend is often indicated by semitones, such as 1/2 step or whole step.
Example: 7~(9) means bend the 7th fret note up to the 9th fret and then release.
Example: 7^(5) means bend the 7th fret note down to the 5th fret and then release.

Notation	Description
/	Slide up
\	Slide down
(~)	Bend up
(b)	Bend up
(^)	Bend down

Creating Tab for Open Strings

For open strings, the tablature will be blank on all six lines. This represents the open strings being plucked or strummed without being fretted. In standard tuning, the tab will look like this:

String	Tab
6th (E)	0
5th (A)	0
4th (D)	0
3rd (G)	0
2nd (B)	0
1st (E)	0

The numbers on the lines represent the fret that is being played on the corresponding string. For example, a “3” on the 6th string line means that the 6th string is being fretted at the third fret. However, for open strings, all the numbers will be “0” since no fretting is involved.

Open string tablature is often used to indicate strumming or arpeggiated patterns, as well as to show the overall chord progression or harmonic structure of a song.

Representing Single Notes with 0

The number 0 is used to indicate an open string, meaning that the string should be played without fretting it. For example, the following tab shows how to play the open E string:

String	Fret
E	0

To play this note, simply strum the open E string.

The 0 can also be used to indicate a “dead note,” which is a note that is not played. For example, the following tab shows how to play a power chord on the E and A strings:

String	Fret
E	0
A	0
D	2
G	2
B	3
E	0

In this example, the 0s on the E and A strings indicate that these strings should not be played. This creates a “fatter” sound than a traditional open chord.

The 0 can also be used to indicate a “slide” or “hammer-on.” A slide is a technique where you slide your finger from one fret to another on the same string. A hammer-on is a technique where you hit a fret with your picking hand, causing the string to sound. Both of these techniques can be notated with the 0.

For example, the following tab shows how to play a slide from the 3rd fret to the 5th fret on the E string:

String	Fret
E	3
E	0
E	5

To play this slide, start by fretting the E string at the 3rd fret. Then, slide your finger up to the 5th fret while strumming the string.

The 0 can also be used to indicate a “bend.” A bend is a technique where you bend the string with your picking hand, causing the pitch of the note to change. Bends can be notated with the 0 followed by a bend symbol (e.g., “0b”).

For example, the following tab shows how to play a bend on the E string:

String	Fret
E	0
E	0b

To play this bend, start by fretting the E string at the 0th fret. Then, bend the string up with your picking hand until it reaches the pitch of the next fret (in this case, the 1st fret).

Using “x” for Muted Notes

The “x” symbol in guitar tab indicates a muted note. This means that the string should not be played, but instead should be lightly touched with the picking hand to stop the string from vibrating and producing sound.

When to Use “x”

There are two main ways to use “x” for muted notes:

To mute a string before it is played: This is used to create a staccato effect, where the note is played sharply and then cut off quickly.
To mute a string after it is played: This is used to create a softer, more mellow sound.

How to Mute a String

To mute a string, simply place your picking hand lightly on the string, just behind the fret where you would normally play the note. The string should not be pressed down fully, but should be touched just enough to stop it from vibrating.

Example

The following tab shows how to use “x” to mute a string:

String	Fret	Note
6	0	x
5	2	A
4	3	C
3	2	D
2	1	E
1	0	G

In this example, the 6th string is muted (indicated by the “x” symbol) before the A note on the 5th string is played. This creates a staccato effect on the A note.

Notating Hammers and Pull-Offs

In guitar tablature, hammers and pull-offs are indicated using the letters "h" and "p," respectively, followed by the fret number. These techniques allow you to create a fluid and percussive sound by striking a note and then hammering onto or pulling off from a different note.

Notating Hammers

To notate a hammer-on, use the letter "h" followed by the fret number of the hammered-on note. For instance, "12h14" indicates a hammer-on from the 12th fret to the 14th fret.

Notating Pull-Offs

To notate a pull-off, use the letter "p" followed by the fret number of the pulled-off note. As an example, "14p12" denotes a pull-off from the 14th fret to the 12th fret.

Combining Hammers and Pull-Offs

You can combine multiple hammers and pull-offs within the same measure. For instance, "12h14p12h14" represents a hammer-on from the 12th fret to the 14th fret, followed by a pull-off back to the 12th fret and a second hammer-on to the 14th fret.

Hammer-On and Pull-Off Examples

The following table provides some examples of hammer-on and pull-off notation:

Notation	Description
12h14	Hammer-on from the 12th fret to the 14th fret
14p12	Pull-off from the 14th fret to the 12th fret
12h14p12h14	Hammer-on from the 12th fret to the 14th fret, pull-off to the 12th fret, and hammer-on again to the 14th fret

Understanding Palm Muting in TAB

Palm muting is a technique used to dampen the strings with the palm of the hand. In TAB, it is indicated by the letter “P.” This technique is often used in heavy metal and other genres to create a percussive, chugging sound.

Placement

To palm mute, place the side of your palm on the strings between the bridge and the pickups. The exact placement will vary depending on the guitar and the desired sound.

Pressure

The amount of pressure applied to the strings will affect the sound. Lighter pressure will produce a softer, more subtle effect, while heavier pressure will produce a louder, more aggressive sound.

Timing

Palm muting can be performed on individual notes or on chords. When muting individual notes, aim to palm mute the string just before the note is picked. For chords, palm mute the strings as the chord is played.

Combining with Other Techniques

Palm muting can be combined with other techniques, such as downpicking and alternate picking, to create a variety of sounds.

Common Palm Muting Patterns

Here are some common palm muting patterns:

Pattern	Description
P-P-P-P	Straight palm muting
P-M-P-M	Palm mute on every other note
P-P-M-M	Palm mute on the first two notes of every four

Adding Rhythmic Information

Once you have the basic tablature structure established, you can start adding rhythmic information. This will help to make your tab more readable and easier to play. There are a few different ways to add rhythm to your tab, including:

1. Beat Markers

Beat markers are small lines or dots that are placed above the tablature staff to indicate the location of the beats. This can be helpful for keeping track of the tempo and rhythm of the song.

2. Bar Lines

Bar lines are vertical lines that are placed in the tablature staff to separate measures. This can help to make your tab more organized and easier to read.

3. Measures

Measures are groups of beats that are grouped together by bar lines. The most common time signature in tablature is 4/4, which means that there are four beats in each measure. However, other time signatures are also possible.

The following table shows how to add rhythmic information to your tablature:

Symbol	Description
\|	Bar line
.	Beat marker
1	Measure number

4. Rests

Rests are symbols that are used to indicate that there is no sound being played. There are different types of rests, depending on how many beats they represent. The following table shows the most common types of rests:

Symbol	Description
o	Whole rest (4 beats)
e	Half rest (2 beats)
f	Quarter rest (1 beat)
g	Eighth rest (1/2 beat)
h	Sixteenth rest (1/4 beat)

5. Ties

Ties are symbols that are used to connect two notes together. This indicates that the two notes should be played as one long note. Ties can be used to create different rhythms and effects.

6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques that are used to create notes without picking the string. Hammer-ons are created by hitting the string directly with the finger, while pull-offs are created by releasing the finger from the string. These techniques can be used to create fast and fluid passages.

7. Slides

Slides are techniques that are used to move from one note to another by sliding the finger along the string. Slides can be used to create a variety of effects, such as bends, vibrato, and harmonics.

8. Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique that is used to add a slight vibrato to a note. Vibrato is created by shaking the finger back and forth along the string. This can help to add expression and emotion to your playing.

9. Bends

Bends are techniques that are used to raise the pitch of a note by bending the string. Bends can be used to create a variety of effects, such as bluesy licks and country twangs.

10. Harmonics

Harmonics are techniques that are used to create notes that are not normally present on the guitar. Harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at specific points. This can create a variety of bell-like and ethereal sounds.

How to Write Guitar Tab

Materials:

Guitar (in tune)
Blank sheet of paper (or graph paper for clarity)
Pencil or pen

Steps:

Determine the key and tuning: Most guitar tabs are written in the key of C and using standard tuning (E A D G B E). However, if you are playing in a different key or tuning, be sure to indicate this at the top of the tab.
Identify the strings: Draw six horizontal lines to represent the six strings of the guitar. The bottom line represents the lowest string (E), while the top line represents the highest string (e).
Note the frets: Place vertical lines at the frets that you wish to play. The number of fret indicates the fret at which you should play the note.
Indicate the fingerings: If you want to specify which hand fingering to use, write "P" for pulling off, "H" for hammer-on, and "S" for slide.
Write the timing: Use numbers above or below the tab to indicate the duration of each note, similar to musical notation. For example, "1" represents a quarter note, "2" represents a half note, and so on.
Add embellishments: If desired, you can add embellishments such as bends, vibrato, or harmonics by writing the appropriate symbols above or below the tab.

Example:

e|--0----3----5----7---|
B|--1----4----5----7---|
G|--0----2----3----5---|
D|--0----2----3----5---|
A|--0----2----3----5---|
E|--0----3----5----7---|