How to Read Music

Lesson 32/34 | Study Time: 5 Min
How to Read Music

How to Read Music

There are two methods used to write guitar music. First is the traditional music notation method (using music notes, 3) and second is tablature. Most guitarists find Tablature easier to read, however, it is very worthwhile to learn to read traditional music notation as well. Nearly all sheet music you buy in a store is written in traditional notation.

Tablature

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 of the guitar. Study the following diagram.

When a number is placed on one of the lines, it indicates the fret location of a note e.g.

 

This indicates the open 3rd string (a G note).

 

This indicates the 3rd fret of the 5th string (a C note).

 

This indicates the 1st fret of the 1st string (an F note).

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