Ref: Reading Tab
Basic tab example:
pm e-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------x--|--0-- b-------------------------------------------|--------------------<5>-[5]--\1/----|--1-- g-------------------------------------------|-/5/7t12p7\5\--5s7------------------|--0-- d---------------------5b7==7r5----5b7--h7r5-|------------------------------------|--2-- a-----------0h5h7p5p0-----------------------|------------------------------------|--3-- e-0--5~~-7-(7)------------------------------|------------------------------------|--x--
The letters on the left of each line indicate the tuning/string. If none are present, the tuning may have been indicated in the header above the tab. If not, assume standard tuning.
Tab reads like a book from left to right. Each line indicates a string. Each number indicates a note. The number indicates the fret number to hold on that string to give the note the appropriate pitch (but this gets confusing for bending, which is described below). If a number is surrounded by ()'s, this indicates to let the note ring, even if a note is being sounded simultaneously on another string.
Let's analyze each string.
pm e-0--5~~-7-(7)--
Palm mute the open e. Play the 5th fret and use vibrato. Play the 7th fret, and continue to sustain it.
a---0h5h7p5p0---
Pluck the open A, hammer-on the 5th fret, then the 7th fret. Pull-off to the 5th fret, then to the open A.
d---5b7==7r5----5b7--h7r5---
Pluck the 5th fret and bend it up a whole step to match the normal pitch of the unbent 7th fret. Hold the bend and pluck the bent string again, then release the bend and sustain the unbent 5th fret note. The second set of notes is the exact same thing but uses a different notation.
g--/5/7t12p7\5\--5s7--
Pluck the G string as you slide up to the 5th fret. Legato slide up to the 7th fret. Tap (hammer-on) the 12th fret with your right hand. Pull-off from the tap back to the 7th fret. Legato slide back to the 5th fret. Legato slide down the fretboard then mute the string. Pluck the 5th fret, then legato slide up to the 7th fret.
b--<5>-[5]--\1/---
Play the natural harmonic sounded by muting directly over the 5th fret and plucking the string. Play an artificial (pinch) harmonic while fretting the 5th fret (this tab doesn't specify which harmonic order or note is the target). Then do a quick whole step dip by pressing and releasing the bar.
e---x---
Mute the E string with the left hand and pluck the string.
e--0-- b--1-- g--0-- d--2-- a--3-- e--x--
Strum an open-string C Major chord while muting the low E string.
Table of all symbols
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