Reading guitar tablature found on the Internet

Vibrato

Vibrato is a slight fluctuation in pitch, that gives more depth and sustain to a note. This is done by using a technique similar to bending. You will rock your wrist and slightly bend the string up and down at a constant rate. Vibrato is notated in a couple of ways. First with an "v" after the note. Another common notation, is using a "~ " after or above the note that vibrato should be applied to.

                    ~~~~
E:-------------------------
B:--------or------or-------
G:-----5v----5~~~----5-----
D:-------------------------
A:-------------------------
E:-------------------------

Reference Lessons

For more information on vibrato, check out this lesson.

Vibrato - One of the most important guitar techniques to help add depth and sustain to your notes.

Natural Harmonics

Natural harmonics are notes that produce a bell like sound when you touch a string over a particular fret bar. The notation that is most commonly used is the fret that you will touch, surrounded by the less than and greater than symbols "<12>".

E:-----------
B:-----------
G:----<12>---
D:-----------
A:-----------
E:-----------

Reference Lessons

For more information on natural harmonics, check out this lesson.

Natural Harmonics - Make the guitar sound like a harp, or bells. This is a must know trick of the trade.

Other Harmonics

There is not really a standardized notation for other types of harmonics. These include artificial harmonics, touch harmonics, tap harmonics, and pinch harmonics. The individual transcriber will usually write an explanation of a technique that is not easily notated.

Reference Lessons

Pinch Harmonics - This is a type of artificial harmonic. It's the "make your guitar squeal" technique.

Palm Mute

A palm mute is where you take the side of your right hand (4th finger side) and lightly touch the string at the edge of the bridge. This will give the notes that you are playing a muffled sound. This is most often notated with the letters "P.M." written under the notes.

E:------------------------
B:------------------------
G:------------------------
D:------------------------
A:----2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-----
E:----0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-----

     P.M.-----------|

Reference Lessons

For more information on palm muting, check out this lesson.

Palm muting - This technique is used to create a more percussive sound when playing notes or chords.

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