Guitar Tabs: Which fingers to use when fretting? And strum/pluck methods?

Question

I'm only going to use two strings in this tab. Here we go:

x--1-------------------------
y--3-------------------------

Obviously this means, place a finger on string x, on the first fret, and place a finger on the y string, on the third fret.

Problem is; Does it mater which fingers I use? Generally I'll place the index finger on the highest string, on the fret closet to the tuning stock thing.., then go with the second, third, etc.

Lastly; For the above tab, let's modify it:

x--1-0-----------------------
y--3-1-----------------------

Ok so I go into the first note(s). I place a finger on xstring, fret 1, y string, fret 3. Do I strum all the strings (imagine the rest, these being the lowest 2) or do I only pluck the two strings which have been fretted? I know 0 means leave open, but still pluck/strum. So therefore would the I on the next notes, finger Y string on fret 1, and pluck open(0) x, and then Y?

Or does 0 mean to strum all? Sorry if this is confusing! Thx

Answer 1

Try the 2nd site below. Don't give up. Sometimes, when you want to mute a string you can do it just by letting the finger above the muted string rest lightly on the string. As to the question: strumming or plucking, try both and see which way you prefer or are more able to execute.

Answer 2

Each line (the one's with numbers on them) represents a guitar string. I'm going to assume you already know your strings order. The top line represents the high E (the thinnest string), the bottom representing the low E (thickest string). Each number represents the "frets" each spaced out by the bars all along the fingerboard. Fret one begins at the top, where they are most spaced. Then they just work there way down. Now put it all together and tabs will tell you which string to play, and the number telling you which fret to push down on. When shown numbers on top of another (all on different strings though) it is a chord.

Answer 3

1. Index on the x string. Middle on the Y string
2. Just the two. Zero means just strum that string.