How to read guitar tabs

If you’ve ever looked up how to play a song online, chances are you’ve seen guitar tabs (tablature). They’re everywhere. And for good reason — they’re the easiest way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music.

But if you’re new to tabs, they can look a bit confusing. Don’t fret (bad joke) — it’s actually really simple. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to read guitar tabs step by step, with real examples to try out and a free video playthrough to help you play along. By the end, you’ll be reading tabs and playing real songs today.