1. Understand the String Representation:
Each horizontal line represents a string of your guitar, from top to bottom:
E (top string)
B
G
D
A
E (bottom string)
2. Numbers:
The numbers on the tab represent which fret you should press on the respective string.
For example, if you see "3" on the E string, it means you press down on the third fret of the E string.
An "x" represents a string that should be played open (without fretting).
A number "0" may also indicate an open string.
3. Vertical Alignment:
The vertical alignment of the numbers on different strings indicates which notes should be played at the same time.
For example, if you see the numbers "2" on both the E and A strings, you would pluck the second fret on both strings simultaneously.
4. Numbers Above Lines:
Numbers above a horizontal line indicate hammer-ons or pull-offs.
For example, a "3h4" on the A string indicates that you should hammer-on from fret 3 to 4.
A "pull-off," e.g., a "4p2" on the G string, indicates that you should pull off from fret 4 to 2.
5. Numbers in Parentheses:
Numbers in parentheses indicate notes to play using either fingerpicking or light picking with your picking hand.
For instance, "(3)" on the E string suggests you play the 3rd fret with your picking hand while fingerpicking the other strings.
6. "-" and "&" Symbols:
"-" indicates a slide along a string. For example, "3-5" means slide up from the third fret to the fifth fret on the same string.
"&" indicates a string bend, where you pull the string horizontally to raise the pitch.
7. Timing:
Although tablature doesn't dictate exact rhythmic timing, musicians will write rhythmic nuances, like "-" for staccato and "^" for accented notes, or they might align numbers with beat divisions to indicate rhythmic patterns.
Remember that guitar tab is typically just one voice of the music and does not include information on strumming patterns or the other strings you may be playing simultaneously. It's common for guitarists to mix tablature with standard music notation for a more complete picture of the music they're playing.