Tablature Symbols
The following tablature symbols are used throughout this book.
The Hammer-On
A curved line and the letter H indicates a hammer-on. The first note is played but the second note is produced by hammering on the left-hand finger which plays the second note.
The Pull-Off
A curved line and the letter P indicates a pull-off. The first note is played but the second note is produced by pulling off the finger which is playing the first note.
The Slide
The letter S and a straight line represents a slide. If the line comes from below the number, slide from a lower fret but if the line is above the number, slide from a higher fret. The third example on the right shows the desired fret to slide from.
The Bend
The letter B and a curved arrow represents a bend. The note is played by the left-hand finger which bends the string (from the note indicated in the tab.
The Release Bend
A curved arrow on the top left-hand side of the number and the letter R indicates a release bend. This technique involves bending the note indicated with the left hand, plucking the string whilst bent, then returning the string to its normal position. The release bend creates a drop in pitch from a higher note to a lower note.
Slight Bend
A small curved arrow on the top left-hand side of the number indicates a slight bend. The string is only bent slightly, not far enough to reach the pitch of another note.
Vibrato
A wavy line shown above the tablature indicates when vibrato is used. Vibrato is controlled with the left-hand finger which is fretting the note. As the finger frets the note move the finger rapidly back and forth in the direction of the adjacent strings.
Muting
Muting is achieved by touching the string being played with the edge of the right hand thus causing a slightly muted sound to the note. The mute is represented by a cross shown below the tablature number.
The Rake
The rake is achieved by first fretting the note indicated and then lying a finger (or fingers) across two or three adjacent strings. The pick is then raked across the strings, causing a muted sound leading up to the original note which is left sustaining.
The Trill
The trill is a rapid succession of hammer-ons and pull-offs with only the first note being picked, indicated by a curved line and the symbol tr.
The Tremolo
Tremolo is extremely rapid picking on either a single note, double-stop or chord.
The Trail Off
After playing a specific note, slide away from the note, gradually releasing the pressure off the fretting hand. Indicated by a wavy line.
