You do not need any musical knowledge
Guitar tablature enables those who do not know any (or little) musical theory or the position of the notes on their instrument, to learn the guitar all the same. It is often provided as a substitute for (or a supplement to) standard musical notation. The tablature is represented by six lines (each one corresponding to a string) with the TAB indication at the beginning. In this guitar course, you will always find it placed under the standard musical notation stave. Using figure #1 below, notice the place of the low and treble strings, as well as the name of each string (E, A, D, G, B and E again) which are also called 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th starting with the treble string (1st string).
The principle is simple and makes it possible to play the guitar parts quickly, without the help of music theory. The number(s) on each line indicates the fret and the string at which the left hand presses on the string to obtain the desired note. To make a sound it is necessary, of course, to pick the string with your right hand (with a pick or fingers). The fingerings of the two hands are indicated on both upper and lower sides of the standard notation stave. See figure #2.
| In the guitar courses that I wrote, these two logos will remind you which technique to use for the right hand: fingers or pick/plectrum. |  |
You’re a beginner, but you’re familiar with musical theory
It is obvious that you are invited to sight-read the musical notation stave directly, although the guitar tablature can, initially, help you find your fingerings and the position of the notes on the guitar’s fretboard.
Related posts:
- The right hand – How to use a pick (also called a plectrum)
- Sight-reading rhythm – Definition of rhythm – Representation
- Rhythm of the Blues: difference between straight and shuffle beat
- The fingers of the right hand – Preparation for arpeggios
- E Blues #3 – Hammering-on & Pulling-off, 3 and 4 sound chords
Tags: Beginners, guitar tab, music theory, musical notation, TAB, tablature
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