Guitar Daily Companion

By Johnny Stall

One of the easiest ways to learn how to play a guitar quickly is by reading guitar tablature. This is commonly called tab and learning how to read guitar tabs is very easy.

Guitar tab resembles sheet music. The difference is that guitar tabs have six lines while sheet music has five lines. The six lines represent the strings of the guitar with the bottom line being the thickest string. Here is an example of how a tab will look.

E--------------------------Thinnest string
B--------------------------Next thinnest string
G-------------------------Next thinnest string
D-------------------------Next thinnest string
A-------------------------Next thinnest string
E-------------------------Thickest string

Numbers are placed on the lines. These numbers tell which fret to play on that string. A number "1" would mean 1st fret, a "2" would mean 2nd fret and so on. If you see a "0" it means the string is played "open" or with no fingers positioned on the neck. An "X" means the string is not played at all.
For instance, to play a "G" on the thickest string, the tab would look like this.

E-------------------------
B-------------------------
G-------------------------
D-------------------------
A-------------------------
E----3---------------------

Assuming that you are a complete beginner AND that you are right handed, let's make sure you know what a fret is.

As you hold the guitar, your right hand is the picking hand. The other hand holds the neck (also called the fret board) and is the one you will use to finger notes. If you look at the neck, you will notice that there are bars that run across the neck. There are usually 22 (some guitars have more) of them and they get closer together as you move up the neck closer to the body.

In the tab above, you would place your third finger of your left hand just behind the third fret of the thickest string and pick the string with the right hand.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You just played your first note on the guitar! Wasn't that easy?

Now let's look at a tab for a group of notes. We'll start with the lowest string (E) and go up to the highest string (G).

E---------------------------------------------------------------------------------0----1----3-------------
B---------------------------------------------------------------0----1----3-------------------------------
G----------------------------------------------------0----2-----------------------------------------------
D-----------------------------------0----2----3-----------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------0----2----3---------------------------------------------------------------------------
E----0----1----3-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now here is the same tab with the names of the notes instead of numbers.

E---------------------------------------------------------------------------------E----F----G-------------
B---------------------------------------------------------------B----C----D-------------------------------
G----------------------------------------------------G----A-----------------------------------------------
D-----------------------------------D----E----F-----------------------------------------------------------
A-------------------A----B----C---------------------------------------------------------------------------
E----E----F----G-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK. Now you know how to read single notes in guitar tab, so let's see how to tab out a chord. By definition, a chord is at least three notes played together and sound harmonious together.

The tablature rules remain the same except that the numbers will be stacked together. When you see this, you will play all the strings at the same time.

For our purpose here we will look at a "C" chord tab. Here I will name the notes next to the number tabs for convenience.

E------0--------E----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B------1--------C----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G------0--------G----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D------2--------E----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A------3--------C----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E------X-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the example above, you would strum the C chord once. Each time you see the chord tabbed, strum it. For instance, a tab that tells you to strum the chord four times would look like this.

E------0-----0------0------0---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B------1-----1------1------1---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G------0-----0------0------0---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D------2-----2------2------2---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A------3-----3------3------3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E------X-----X------X------X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you can see, guitar tabs are an easy way to learn to play quickly. The one shortcoming is that tabs don't really give you a rhythm pattern or timing or note/chord durations. While some tab writers try to represent these things, tabs aren't meant to replace sheet music, but just reference how and where to play the note/chord on the guitar.

If you want to learn a song using tabs, I have two suggestions for you.

1. Listen to a song and get an idea of how it should sound. Then go to the tab and replicate the song the same way.

2. Use written music that has the tab under the sheet music. While you can read the music off of the sheet, you can also reference the position on the guitar with the tab. This is a great tool and very powerful.

There are quite a few notations that can be made as well. Things like bends, slides, hammer ons and pull offs are quite common. Here are a few of the most common notations you should make it a point to learn.

b=Bend
r=Release bend
h=Hammer on
p=Pull off
/=Slide up as in 5/7
-Slide down as in 7/5
PM=Palm mute
T=Tap

There are lots more, but these will get you started for the time being. These notations are written in guitar tab as follows.

E---5b----9r7-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B--------------------12h14---7p5---------------------------------------------------------------------------
G---5/7----7/5------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A------PM5----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E-------------------------6t7----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above is not any song that I know of. It is simply a random presentation of the notations.
By combining the knowledge of reading music with reading guitar tabs, you can virtually learn any song. All you need is an idea of how the song should sound, a decent guitar, a little initiative and some practice. In no time at all, you will be amazing your friends with the ability to play songs they have heard on the radio.

Teaching yourself how to read guitar tabs is fun and easy. Once you learn this skill, you will be unstoppable... a virtual musical juggernaut.
Go ahead. Get started. Time's wasting.

Johnny Stall is passionate about playing guitar and has created a web site for beginner guitarists at http://www.teach-yourself-guitar.com

After a long Hiatus, we will be posting new articles soon. Check back for more insightful tips, guitar lessons, and tricks of the trade!

This guitar lesson sponsored by Jamorama

As there are many different picking techniques, and any number of chord inversions, there are different strumming patterns for guitar. A list of strumming patterns is nearly impossible to define, as there are variations from jazz patterns all the way to country strumming patterns (and every style in between) that go well beyond the usual guitar strumming patterns. As many players as there are, you can be assured new strumming guitar techniques, as well as guitar strumming tricks will be invented to challenge the old patterns. Learning guitar chords strumming or just the basics of strumming the guitar could take a few months, but years to master.

Basic strumming patterns is where this all starts. Down strokes or up strokes, it is imperative you keep the rhythm steady (unless of course you want a slower or different strum on your opposing direction). Sometimes within the same stroke you might slow down or speed up, but these are beyond the basic strumming patterns. In fact there are those basic strumming patterns where you don’t even attempt opposing down-strokes and upstrokes, just a nice steady flow with a flick of your wrist in one direction.

No matter what stroke you are trying, what level of skill you have, the motion with guitar and strumming should come from the rotation of your wrist. Overall it is best not to stiffen your wrist stiff when strumming (even picking).

There are some differences in strumming a guitar, based on the type of guitar you play. Strumming patterns for acoustic guitar can often become very percussive; there is a lot of bouncing off the strings. In some ways the acoustic makes guitar strumming tricks easier and the flourishes you manage might seem very showy because of the big sound you can get by moving your wrist fast across the acoustic sound hole. But at the same time, placement of your hand is very important when trying various strumming patterns for this type of guitar; no matter how you are strumming the guitar you get the best results by playing directly over that sound hole.

Guitar strumming techniques for electric can be different, but basically it is still up to how well you move your wrist…and where you strum. The pick-ups in an electric guitar (or an acoustic with pick-ups) allow you to play at various places over the body of the instrument. Strumming the guitar close to or away from pickups, even choosing to play over one pick-up instead of another alter the sound of even the most basic strumming patterns.

As a magician might claim, it really is “all in the wrist”. By regulating your speed during guitar strumming, adding some guitar strumming tricks like hammers and pull-off’s, and even actually lifting your hand from the guitar, you can introduce whole new strumming patterns into your playing. The trick really is to keep the motion consistent and your wrist placed correctly (and your pick held tightly (if you are using a pick). The dexterity and speed you will gain in practicing a good steady strum will help you even as much or more so, then the scales you can run off. There are a bunch of good lead players out there, in fact almost everyone who picks up an electric guitar wants to play lead, but how many players do you know even know the most basic country strumming patterns, or how many of us can keep up a consistent, odd timed rhythm through an entire song?

Guitar strumming is a basic of playing the instrument.

Brad Finley is senior editor of MyGuitarWorkshop - Guitar Lessons and Music Theory. Website provides guitar lessons and instructions for all level guitar players. Click for more Guitar Theory Lessons

This Guitar Lesson sponsored by Jamorama

By By Ralph Serpe

Find a Good Teacher - There is no substitution for a good guitar teacher. You can buy all the books and videos you want, but in order to really become a good guitar player, you need to learn from a pro. A professional guitar teacher has the experience and wisdom necessary to teach you how to become a proper guitar player. Books, videos, and the Internet for that matter, lack in their ability to provide you with feedback and advice. A good guitar teacher will correct you if you are doing something wrong so that you don't form bad habits or techniques. A good guitar teacher will also encourage you when you are doing something right.

Do Not Get Discouraged - When first learning the guitar, or any instrument for that matter, you may find yourself getting discouraged, or perhaps saying to yourself "this is just too difficult". You may find yourself practicing the same song or chords over and over again, and never getting any better at it. Do not let this discourage you. Sometimes are brains just need a little rest, or need to be occupied with something else. Take a break and come back to your practice with a fresh mind.

Practice - The more often that you practice your guitar the more familiar you will become with the instrument. Your playing will become easier over time. Try and free up at least 20 minutes of time every day to practice your guitar. Find a time and location where you know you will not be interrupted. Interruption can really kill your concentration and snap you out of a good rhythm. Warm your hands and stretch your fingers before you play. Talk with your guitar teacher to develop the best practice exercises that are right for your style of playing.

Create an effective practice schedule - The length of your practice is not necessarily the most important thing. Usually it is the quality of your practice that is most important. Make sure your guitar teacher is giving you a well-rounded approach to guitar playing and helping you make the most of your practice sessions.

Slow Down - One great bit of advice with your practicing; don't play too quickly! Many new guitar players will rush through a lick or a song in the beginning, trying to play it exactly as they hear it and only wind up butchering it. Before you can play anything correctly, you must learn to slow down and play it right at a much slower speed. You can then slowly increase your speed as you improve.

Watch your posture - Guitar playing should not be extremely painful and uncomfortable. If you find yourself with various aches and pains in your shoulders, your neck, your back, etc., chances are you are not in a correct playing posture. Ask your guitar teacher to demonstrate a proper playing posture, then do your best to stick to it. Tell your teacher to observe you during practice and correct you whenever you fall out of the correct posture.

Get a metronome - A very important part of guitar playing is the ability to keep good timing. An instrument, which will help you become better at timing, is called a metronome. You can purchase this at any guitar center. When working with a metronome, in the beginning, you should start off at a slow speed. This will help you build your muscles and develop better control and good playing habits.

Change your strings - Your guitar strings are very important to the quality of sound your guitar produces. How often you change your guitar strings really depends on how often you play. Professional guitar players may change their strings before every gig. Others who don't play as often, may change their strings every 2 months or so. Again it really depends on how often you play, and how well you take care of your guitar strings. Don't wait until your strings break before you change them and you should change all of your strings at the same time.

Try new things/experiment - If you feel uninspired in your guitar playing why not try something fresh and different? If you have mastered a particular song on your electric guitar, why not try the same song on an acoustic guitar? If you only play your guitar using a pick, put down the pick and just use your fingers. Perhaps you only enjoy playing blues guitar. Why not try some jazz or classical?

I hope these guitar tips were helpful. The most important thing is to never get discouraged and never give up. Persistence is key when it comes to playing the guitar. If you really have a sincere desire to learn, and you continue to practice, you will become a better guitar player.

You can learn how to play guitar free online. Visit http://www.artsymmetry.com/Category/Guitar-Lessons/199 for more great articles on guitar playing.

Another Guitar Lesson sponsored by Jamorama

When you take a look at the guitar fretboard you may ask yourself if it is possible to learn the notes there! Can you find the notes you want to find? Let's start to conquer the fretboard by taking the first step!

When you are playing your first melodies on your guitar your teacher will probably let you begin by learning the notes in the first position on your guitar.

We will begin this guitar lesson by taking a look at three notes on the first string. The first open string is an E, the first fret an F and the third fret a G.

The second string open string is B. On the first fret you'll find C and on the third fret a D.

Now we will make up an exercise with the before mentioned notes. Play the notes slowly and with concentration and with the purpose to learn the notes:

E G F E D F D G C B D G E

You will also learn the names of the notes if you play them on your guitar as you try to say the note names aloud or in your mind.

When you know these notes by heart you can try to play a melody as a test. Let's try to play
Mary Had A Little Lamb with the use of these notes:

E D C D E E E D D D E G G E D C D E E E E D D E D C

I guess you recognized the melody, right!

We will proceed with this guitar lesson by learning some notes on the third string.
The third open string is G and the second fret is A. Now, let's play the notes we have learned in consecutive order from the third string!

G A B C D E F G

Starting with the G on the third string and the other notes we have learned we will try to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star:

G G D D E E D C C B B A A G
D D C C B B A D D C C B B A
G G D D E E D C C B B A A G

I hope you'll recognize this melody as you play. The important thing when learning to play the notes on the guitar is to make a conscious effort to learn the notes and not to work on to many notes at the same time.

My father was a guitar teacher and he taught mostly classical guitar playing. I was one of his students and I learned my first guitar pieces in a short time due to a system he often used that is similar to tablature.

His system showed the frets and strings to play along with the sheet music. He said that his system didn't prevent children from learning to read guitar sheet music and that if somebody really wants to learn the notes they will anyway.

In my guitar teaching experiences I have found out the same thing. If you are not motivated to learn sheet music notation for guitar you will not learn it even if you only use sheet music.
If you learn the notes on your guitar fretboard first you will find it much easier reading guitar sheet music notation and I hope that this first step will help you!

Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and guitar lessons at http://www.capotastomusic.com/

This Guitar Lesson sponsored by Jamorama

For many guitarists, playing for hours may seem an impossibility. Pain and fatigue can limit a players ability to jam all night long. The cure for this is to properly warm up before playing. Have you ever seen an athlete go out to play a game or run a race without warming up first? Well guitarists need to warm up also.

Here's a great exercise that serves as a great warm up:

Use 1st finger in first fret, 2nd finger in 2nd fret, etc.
Also, alternate picking down then up.

E------------------------------------------------------0-1-2-3-4-----
A--------------------------------------------0-1-2-3-4---------------
G----------------------------------0-1-2-3-4-------------------------
D------------------------0-1-2-3-4-----------------------------------
A-------------0-1-2-3-4----------------------------------------------
E--0-1-2-3-4---------------------------------------------------------


Then reverse.

E--4-3-2-1-0----------------------------------------------------------
B------------4-3-2-1-0------------------------------------------------
G----------------------4-3-2-1-0--------------------------------------
D--------------------------------4-3-2-1-0----------------------------
A------------------------------------------4-3-2-1-0------------------
E----------------------------------------------------4-3-2-1-0--------

The key to using this as a warm up is to start SLOW. This may seem like a waste of time at first, but believe me, it works. Start this exercise at about 1 note per second. Go through the whole exercise at this tempo, using as little pressure on the strings as possible to sound the note. The next time, go a little faster (only a little faster). Do this 10 times, taking small breaks in between to allow for increased blood flow to the hands.


Beginners can try one string at a time to build up finger strength:

E--------------------------------------------------------------
B--------------------------------------------------------------
G---------------------------------------------------------etc--
D--------------------------------------0-1-2-3-4-3-2-1-0-------
A--------------------0-1-2-3-4-3-2-1-0-------------------------
E--0-1-2-3-4-3-2-1-0-------------------------------------------


This is a great warm up exercise that many professionals use before a long night of playing. A good warm up will help your endurance and enjoyment as a player tremendously.

Bill Chambless

This Guitar Lesson sponsored by Jamorama

How quickly can your fretting hand switch from one chord to another? The speed and confidence you have in making chord changes is key to mastering the guitar and successfully playing the instrument.

The key to learning any instrument, like most intricate human activity, is to develop brain and muscle coordination, more commonly called, muscle memory needed to play the instrument. If you picture a basketball player, for instance, the key to a good shooting performance is the proper hand-to-eye coordination in order to bring the ball up, prepare, aim, and throw it towards the hoop. The different muscles of the arms, wrist and hands will learn the right movements and strength needed to score. Constant practice will condition the brain, eyes, and entire body to know the routine of shooting the ball.

This is similar to guitar playing. The muscles involved would be the arms, wrists and the fingers, with the eyes, ears and brain working in unison to relate the movements to the music being read and the notes produced by the guitar. This is the mechanism that works when a guitar player starts to change chords.

Luckily, there are simple techniques that can help the beginning guitar player to develop these muscle memories and ear training for proper chord changes. Read below and you will see that chord changes are not that difficult to do.

When changing chords, first memorize all the chords involved in the song, and then visualize exactly which fingers of the fretting hand are involved in playing the chords. When playing simple barre chords, the most important finger is the index finger, which will squeeze all 6 strings across the fretboard. So as you move towards playing the chord, you have to position the index finger across the proper fret, or place, along the fretboard before positioning the other fingers of the chord. When playing a broken or simple chord, it is usually the index finger that is the most important finger. Primarily, the index finger and the thumb will form a stable anchor on the guitar neck in order for the other fingers to press the other strings of the chord. The index finger is usually played on the lowest fret and the highest string (by pitch, or string 1), where it could more easily find the proper note, and the other fingers can follow to complete the chord.

When playing a particular song, keep time with the music, but anticipate in which bar and on which beat the next chord will continue. For beginners, it would be preferable to practice the entire song slowly from beginning to end, taking care to change to each chord on time and on tempo. When the student can play the entire song like this without chord errors, he can start increasing the speed to the song’s proper tempo. It would also be helpful to identify particularly tricky chord changes. For instance, 2 consecutive bar graphs would be a relatively simple change, because the guitar player needs only to slide his index finger (which is already in the barre position) to its proper position on the fretboard and quickly press in the other strings of the chord. Changes from simple chords to barre chords – and vice versa – and chords that are positioned at a far distance from each other along the length of the neck are more difficult to perform. Isolate these difficult changes and practice those chord changes.

If it is still to difficult with the slow tempo, don’t play the last beat of the last chord and use the time to move your fret hand into position for the next fret. Keep practicing these changes until the short passage can be played without error. Afterwards, go back to playing the entire song as discussed above. When you can play an entire song properly, try different strumming styles to accentuate parts of the song, or a particular beat; or alternate strumming and light plucking to give volume and variety to the music of the song. First, it is best to complete the song by actually copying how the original artist played it on the guitar; then you can add your own twists and extra technique according to your ear and taste. This will help you develop your hands for more difficult chords and finger playing techniques.

Do this for every song, and before you know it, you’ll be playing a new song like a seasoned guitarist in a short period of time.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Guitar Warehouse the best place to Buy Guitar and learn Guitar Playing Techniques. Both sites offer free lesson and product sales.

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