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How to Read Acoustic Guitar Tablature
E|-------| 1st String --> thinnest...closest to the floor B|-------| 2nd String G|-------| 3rd String D|-------| 4th String A|-------| 5th String E|-------| 6th String --> thickest...closest to the ceilingCan't remember which letters represent which strings in acoustic guitar tablature? Try this "eddy ate dynamite good bye Eddy" - Representing the strings "EADGBE". Here's another one "Eat All Day Get Big Easy"! Or, "Even Afer Dinner Giant Boys Eat" Numbers in tablature The numbers located in the middle of the lines (the strings) represent the fret the tab is telling you to play. In the example below, 3 means the third fret. So you would press down the string just to the left of the 3rd fret bar. The "0" represents that the given string should be played open (no fingers pressing on any fret). 3rd fret open string The order that notes are played
first you play the 6th string...open E|----------------------------| 1st String When you see 2 or more numbers stacked up on top of each other in acoustic guitar tablature, you play the notes at the same time. So in the example below you play the 6th string...4th fret, and the 5th string...4th fret at the same time. E|---------------------------| 1st String What fingers to use An acoustic guitar tab does not indicate what finger you should use to play each note. You will have to make that decision on your own. As shown in the image below, a guitarist's fingers are numberered 1 (index finger) thru 4 (pinky). Note that this is contrary to how pianists number their fingers. With your 4 fingers, use one finger per fret in a 4 fret area. 
In the example below, use your 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers.
6th fret ---1st finger
E|---------------------------| 1st String Keep in mind that this is a very general guideline, and not everything is as clear cut as the above example. Using tablature Knowing these basics about acoustic guitar tablature will help you get started playing a wealth of songs available on the Internet or in song books. One thing to keep in mind is that this system of notation is far from being standardized. A person writing a particular piece of tablature may use their own non-standard symbols, which can be very confusing. Get a recording of what ever song you are working on, and use your ear along with the tab to help. Here's a great video about how to read guitar tabs ... Do you now feel confident you can read an acoustic guitar tab? If so, let's find some easy acoustic guitar tablature that you can begin playing right now! Or view these free, 3-chord acoustic guitar lessons. Table of Contents: LESSONS
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You're probably wondering whether learning your first songs from acoustic guitar tablature is as good as getting them from "real" sheet music. If you don't already read music notation, learning acoustic guitar tablature is an easy way to learn guitar. Already know how to read tabs? Skip ahead for free, easy
