Tablature Symbols
The following tablature symbols are used throughout this book.
The Hammer-On
A curved line and the letter H indicates a hammer. 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 then pulling the finger off the first note.
The Slide
The letter S and a straight line indicates a slide. If the line comes from below the number, slide from a lower fret; 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 indicates 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 and the letter R indicates a release bend. This technique involves bending the note indicated with the left hand, plucking the string while 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.
Double-Note Licks
The symbol is used in the tablature to show two notes are sustained together when using a double-note lick. This time a note is bent, and as the note is sustaining, another note is played with a different finger, causing both notes to ring together.
Vibrato
A wavy line above the tablature indicates vibrato. As the left hand finger frets the note it is moved 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.
Harmonics
A dot next to a tablature number represents a harmonic. A harmonic is produced by touching the string slightly above the fretwire as the string is played.
Tapping
The letter T shown above the tablature number indicates a right hand tap. This time a note is produced by tapping the string against the fretboard with a right hand finger.
Right Hand Pull-Off
A right hand pull-off is indicated by the initials r.h. and the letter P shown above the tablature This time a note is produced by pulling a finger away from the string after a right hand tap has been used.
Whammy Bar Vibrato
The initials w.b. shown above the tremolo symbol indicates that the vibrato is executed with the whammy bar.
Whammy Bar Dive and Release
The initials w.b.d. (whammy bar dive), and w.b.r. (whammy bar release) represent the techniques of depressing and releasing the whammy bar.
