Tablature is a method of indicating the position of notes on the fretboard. There are six "tab" lines each representing one of the six strings on the guitar.
When a number is placed on one of the lines, it indicates the fret location of the note, e.g.:
This indicates the seventh fret of the 5th string (an E note).
This indicates the 3rd string open (a G note).
To familiarize yourself with tablature try the following simple example that uses the open first string and the notes on the first and third frets of the same string.
The next example combines notes on the second and third strings. Strict attention should be made to the timing. Listen to the recording to assist with this.
All the natural notes in the open position are shown in the following example.
Tablature is an easy system of notation to play single notes on the fretboard and requires no knowledge of music. To learn how to read music see section 3.
It is possible to play the melody to a song with the use of tablature. Banks of the Ohio uses notes on the 5ht , 4th and 3 rd strings. This tune is also a 16 bar Country progression.
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
The Streets of Laredo is a 16 bar Country progression in three four time. The song begins with a pick-up note on the third beat of the bar. A pick-up note is a note that occurs before the first complete bar of music. You will also notice that the final bar contains only two beats, which acts as a 'balance' to the pick-up note. Do not start strumming until the first beat of the first complete bar (the second note in the tune).