8,720
edits
Changes
m
eE-0----|0----|1----|0----| bB-1----|1----|1----|1----| gG-0----|2----|2----|0----| dD-2----|2----|3----|2----| aA-3----|0----|-----|3----| eE------|-----|-----|-----|
→Writing Conventions
Usually the short name in the 2nd rightmost column in the table above is used to denote a chord. This includes the root and an optional quality. When only the root is present, this indicates a major chord. Chord symbols typically appear above sheet music or tab as follows:
C Am F C
Notice tab shows the frets to hold to play each chord. Since chords are often played repetitively, tabbing out chords can be unnecessary and distracting. Also, tab doesn't indicate the preferred fingering to use. Instead, tab or sheet music will usually give ''chord charts'' for all of the ''chord shapes'' used in the song before the song starts. For the above example, you'd see:
/ / / /
Or even more concisely with additional strums on the initial C and the F chord during each measurethose measures: C / Am / F / C /
The names/slashes here indicate to strum the chord, with the spacing used to roughly indicate timing. Conventionally, chords get played for a whole or half measure, so there is no need to provide any more info here. If the strumming pattern were more complex, or there were chords that only lasted a quarter note, etc., then we would additionally need the note durations or numbers to indicate where each strum falls in relation to the beat.