Basic GUitar Updated There are tab symbols that you need to know before you want to learn a song in tab format. They are: h - hammer on p - pull off b - bend string up r - release bend / - slide up \ - slide down v - vibrato (sometimes written as ~) t - right hand tap x - play 'note' with heavy damping Basic Free String E----------------------------- String 1 B----------------------------- String 2 G----------------------------- String 3 D----------------------------- String 4 A----------------------------- String 5 E----------------------------- String 6 Info Playing Style h-Hammer On is produced by hitting a note first, before sliding your finger to another fret while the string is still ringing out. p-Pull off is the same as a hammer on - but instead of placing our fingers onto the string, we are TAKING OUR FINGERS OFF the string, after striking it. b-Bends are relatively easy to perform. Bends are shown in many different symbols. The b and ^ are common symbols used for bends. The ( ) usually contain a number in between and tell the player to bend to that note. Notes without ( ) usually have the note to be bent to next to the original note. r-A release is done by picking the note in its bent position, but letting go of the string so that it can return to its normal pitch. \-The symbol \ signifies a slide down the neck. The notes are picked in the order in which they appear from left to right. /-signifies a slide up the neck. The notes are picked in the order in which they appear from left to right. v-If you continue to hold the fret down after the slide, or even after picking any random note, it will cause the note to ring. This effect is called vibrato which is fluctuating the pitch of a note. t-Tapping is where you tap the string repeatedly. x-Gently rest a finger of your left hand over the indicated string or strings, and then strum. This will produce a dull, almost scratchy sound.