Observe the scale diagram, which is represented by either circles or diamonds with numerals inside. The shapes should be written over a grid diagram; the shorter lines represent frets, while the longer lines are strings. The first string on the left is the top string on the guitar, and the rest follow suit. The numbers correlate to the fingers used on the right hand.
Learn the connection between the numbers and fingering positions. "1" is the index finger, "2" is the middle finger, "3" is the ring finger and "4" is the pinky. The location of the numbered shape corresponds with its placement on the fretboard. For example, a shape noted with a "1" that is located on the first long line from the left, on the first space, is played with the first finger, on the first fret, and on the first string.
Decipher the use of multiple numbered shapes. Sometimes publishers print the entire scale written in one diagram with multiple shapes and multiple "1" to "4" numbers. When asked to play a scale, you begin with the top string that is represented by the first string in the diagram. The string is played with no fingers (open), then the numeric pattern is followed in relation to the placement on the diagram. Each string is played open first, before the numbered notes are fingered.
Recognize the tablature diagram. Tablature is written as six horizontal lines spaced evenly, which represent the six guitar strings. The top line is the first string, which is on the bottom of the guitar. The bottom line is the sixth string, which is on the top of the guitar closest to you. Tablature is also numbered to represent the fret that is to be fingered with the left hand. For example, "4" means to play the fourth fret on the line on which it is written.
Understand multiple numbers on tablature. Chords are represented by multiple numbers that are written in a vertical line. A zero represents an open string, while an "X" means not to play the denoted string in the chord. Staggered numbers denote the scale and how it is to be fingered.
Notice the musical staff that is sometimes written directly below or above tablature. The staff denotes the actual notes for musicians who can read music. Notes range from the lowest note, three lines below the staff to the highest that is four lines above the staff. The fingerings for each note correlate to the tablature. For example, if the first note written on tablature is a "3" on the second to last line, that note is a C, and is denoted by a circle with a line through the center, below the music staff. The note is played on the second to last string on the third fret. In this manner you can teach yourself the fingerings and the represented music notes or refer to a guitar handbook.