How do you read guitar tabs?

Question

I don't really understand how to read tabs. I just started teaching myself how to play the guitar by using a computer prgram. But, in those things, you really don't learn much except the notes and stuff. So what's the point if I can't read tabs? HELP!

Answer 1

you read the tabs by looking at the 6 lines on a page below.
Now.. these lines represt the 6 strinsgs on your guitar.
The first line on top is the 6th string known as E.
the last line on the bottom is the 1st string known as E too I think. Now you you'll see different numbers on the page. Those numbers tell you what frets to put your fingers on.
like for example...it might say 2 on the 2nd line and 2 on the 3rd line below. So chord would be a E 5. on the chart.
_________________________________________
_2_______________________________________
_2_______________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________


This is only an example of a tab chart. It would be better for you to go to your local music store and buy a little cheap $5 dollar book of guitar chords. Hopefully they will have guitar tabs in there so you can see visually where your fingers go on the chart. Each finger goes on a certain spot on each string to make a chord. Good luck!

Answer 2

The tabs tell you where to place your finger and what string to pluck.
The music notation given with the tabs gives you the duration of the note and general timing.
If you are using a computer program it should let you hear what the sound should be.