Guitar tabs for beginners
Tabs show strings and fret numbers so beginners can play riffs without reading standard notation.
Taught by Rene Free Beginner firstQuick answer
Guitar tabs use six lines for strings and numbers for frets. A 0 means play the open string. A 3 means press the third fret on that string.
- Beginner-first
- Plain-language guidance
- Links to interactive practice tools
Tab is a map
The line tells you which string. The number tells you which fret. Read from left to right.
0
Play the string open.
1, 2, 3
Press that fret number.
h
Hammer-on: pick once, then press the next note.
/
Slide up to a higher fret.
Step by step
- 1
Find the string line
The top line is usually the thinnest string.
- 2
Read the fret number
Press the numbered fret on that string.
- 3
Move left to right
Play notes in the order they appear.
- 4
Loop one bar
Practice a small part before the full tab.
Timing still matters
Many tabs show note order better than rhythm. Listen to the song or use a player.
Useful next pages
Common questions
Are guitar tabs good for beginners?
Yes, especially for riffs and melodies. Beginners should also learn chords for full songs.
What does 0 mean in guitar tab?
0 means play the open string without pressing a fret.