--------------------5-----------------
-------------------------------------
------------1-------------------------
------------2-------------------------
------2-----2--------------------------
--0---------0--------------------------
You have to read tab sequentially, starting at the left. In this example, first you play the open E (on the low E string), then the next note by fretting the A string at the second fret, next you play the four notes that make up the open E chord all at the same time, and finish up on the fifth fret of the high E string. Each vertical 'column' of notes should be played at the same time, but you need to figure out for how long (which is why people are suggesting you focus on songs you know).
Hope that helped.
