Guitar Tablature Symbol Dictionary

See Getting Started section if you are not familiar with guitar tab.

Bends Bend & Release Pre Bend Pre Bend & Release
Guitar tablature bend

Bend the string to the indicated pitch. Full implies whole step, 1/2 implies bend a half step. For the first bend, sound the G note and bend the string up to an A. For the second bend, sound the G bend the string up to an A(flat).

Guitar tablature bend and release

Bend the string up a whole step, then return to the original note. In this case bend the C up to a D, then release the D back to a C. The string is only picked once.

Guitar tablature Pre bend

First bend the note up, then pick the note. In this case before you pick, put your finger on the C bend the string up two frets, then pick the note, which sould sound a D.

Guitar tablature pre bend and release

First bend the string up, then pick the note, then release. In this case before you pick, put your finger on the C bend the string up two frets, then pick the note, which sould sound a D. Release the bend back to a C. Again you only pick once.

Hammer-On Pull-Off Trill Vibrato
Guitar tablature Hammer On

Pick the first note, then using another finger from the left hand strike(like a hammer) then second note. You only pick the note once. After the hammer both fingers should be on both notes.

Guitar tablature Pull Off

Place both fingers on the notes. Pick the first note, then without picking, pull off to the second note.

Guitar tablature Trill

First bend the note up, then pick the note. In this case before you pick, put your finger on the C bend the string up two frets, then pick the note, which sould sound a D.

Guitar tablature Vibrato

Pick the note then rock your finger back and forth or in a circular motion.

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