Reading guitar tablature found on the Internet

Other Symbols used in tab

Internet tablature is limited to the symbols found on the computer keyboard. Therefore some of the more graphic symbols found in published tabs are not available. This is also where individual transcribers will have their own way of doing things. But here are some basic symbols used.

h = hammer-on
p = pull-off

/ = slide up
\ = slide down
s = slide

b = bend
r = reverse bend, or release bend

t = right hand tap
+ = right hand tap

x = rhythm click or muted string

v = vibrato
~ = vibrato

(5) = ghost note, or optional note

<5> = harmonic

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons are represented by an "h" placed between 2 different notes. The 1st note is plucked, then you will "hammer" another finger onto the string at the fret indicated by the 2^nd number. The force of your finger "hammering" will cause the next note to sound without picking the string again. Another way that you may see a hammer-on represented in Internet tablature, is this symbol between 2 different notes ^. This is similar to the graphic arc used in published tablature. If the second of the 2 notes is higher, the ^ represents a hammer-on. Sometimes the addition of an h above the ^ symbol helps clarify things.

E:--------------------------------
B:--------------------------------
G:-----------or-------or----------
D:--------------------------h-----
A:-----5h7-------5^7-------5^7----
E:--------------------------------

Pull-offs

Pull-offs are represented by a "p" placed between 2 different notes. For a pull-off, you will need to have both fingers placed on the notes before you start. The 1st note is plucked, then the next note is sounded by "pulling off" the finger on the higher fret. You can not just lift up your finger to get the 2^nd note to sound. You will need to "pluck" the string with your left hand finger. Pull out away from the guitar, and towards the floor. Like the hammer-on, you may see this symbol between 2 notes ^. The way you can tell pull-off apart from a hammer-on, is that the second note is lower than the first for a pull-off. Sometimes the addition of a "p" above the ^ symbol helps to clarify things.

E:--------------------------------
B:--------------------------------
G:-----------or-------or----------
D:--------------------------p-----
A:-----7p5-------7^5-------7^5----
E:--------------------------------

Reference Lessons

For more information on hammer-ons and pull-offs, check out this lesson.

Hammer-ons and pull-offs - Create a smoother sounding guitar line by using this technique. Also known as slurs.

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