how do I use tabs

I've just purchased a guitar(1st timer) and I don't understand tabs. how do you read them?

Paul

Well there are plent of tutorials all over the web about this subject, and probably even on this website. I'll give you the most lucid explanation that I can.

The skinniest string, the e, is on the top line. Then its goes down from b, g, d, a, low e.

e-------
b-------
g-----
d------
a------
e-----


The number on the line represent what fret you place your finger on. The fret is the space between the little line thingies on the neck of your guitar.

Hope I helped a little.

there is also many different effects that are put into tabs to get them ...just search it up on yahoo!!

There are some very common techniques that will show up on your tabs, I'll list two of them:

Hammer on:

e|-------------
b|-------------
g|--2h4--
d|-------------
a|-------------
e|-------------

What you should do here is: Press down the second note on the g-string with your index finger. Hit the string with your pick. As it rings, strike your ringfinger on the 4th note to create a new note (it's supposed to sound as loud as the fist note, so in the beginning it will feel a little bit diffucult). Why just not play it normaly? Using hammer on's create a more smooth sound, and it faster.


Pull off:

e|-------------
b|-------------
g|--4p2
d|-------------
a|-------------
e|-------------

Now you simple do the same as before, but backwards. Press the fourth note on the g-string with your ringfinger and strike the string with your pick (as you do this, place your index finger on the second note. As it rings, lift of your ringfinger so that the sound continues to the next note. Therefor, you create two different notes by only striking the string once! Very economicly.. =D

Now try:

e|--------------
b|--------------
g|--2h4p2
d|--------------
a|--------------
e|--------------

Again, do the same two movements again and you will make a pretty long soundshape by only striking the string once.


Good luck in the future and don't give up!

Hey Paul - welcome to the site...
here's a link to the faq here... should help a little

http://www.guitartricks.com/faq.shtml

I think most tab sites have some instruction on them too...
here are a few to get you started:
http://www.guitartabs.net/
http://www.wholenote.com/
http://www.electric-guitar.co.uk/

good luck and let us know how you're progressing!