Pick a favorite song and locate it in guitar tablature format. You can purchase guitar tablature at music stores, some bookstores, or find it online at no charge (see Resources). Start with something simple until you get used to reading tab notation.
Place the electric guitar tablature music in front of you. You will see six lines. These lines represent the six guitar strings, with the line closest to you representing the thickest, or sixth, string of your electric guitar. This means you are going to read the tablature as you would be looking at your guitar while you're holding it.
Play the numbers you see written on the six lines. These numbers represent the frets on the guitar where you will place your fingers. If you see the number three written on the line representing the guitar's sixth string, you will place a finger on the third fret of the sixth string of the guitar. Consecutive numbers tell you to play the notes one after the other. Numbers in line with one another indicate the numbers should be played together as a chord. Eventually, with practice, playing guitar tab by sight will become easier.
Play any special symbols written alongside the numbers. These symbols include letters, such as a small "h" and a curved line from one note to the next to indicate you should hammer on (play the first note with a pick and drop your finger on the next) or a "p" to indicate the opposite of a hammer on. Other symbols include a small "v" for vibrato and curved lines with a small number (usually 1/2 or 1) to indicate bends. Keep a guitar tab guide handy until you are familiar with all the musical symbols associated with guitar tablature.