Guitar tablature, or guitar tabs, is an accessible and user-friendly way to notate music for guitar. Instead of learning standard musical notation, guitar tabs use numbers to represent frets on the guitar neck, making it visually intuitive for guitarists. If you’re looking to transcribe your own guitar riffs, solos, or song ideas, understanding how to use Blank Guitar Tablature is an essential skill. This guide will walk you through simple methods for writing your own guitar tabs, whether you prefer the tactile feel of pen and paper or the convenience of a digital approach.
Writing Guitar Tabs on Paper with Blank Tablature Sheets
For many guitarists, the most straightforward way to start writing tabs is with pen and paper. Using blank guitar tablature sheets provides a pre-formatted template that makes the process quick and easy. You can easily find and print blank guitar tab templates online – a simple search for “printable guitar tab paper” will yield numerous results. These templates typically feature six horizontal lines representing the six strings of a guitar (E-A-D-G-B-e, from bottom to top), with vertical lines to delineate measures.
To write a tab, simply write the fret number on the line corresponding to the string you want to play. For example, writing a “0” on the top line (e string) means playing the open e string. A “3” on the second line from the top (B string) means fretting the B string at the 3rd fret. You can jot down your musical ideas quickly and efficiently using this method.
The 4×6 Notecard Trick for Portable Guitar Tablature
For ultimate portability, consider using 4×6 inch notecards as blank guitar tablature. This is a handy trick for jotting down musical ideas on the go. Simply draw six horizontal lines on the notecard to create a miniature tab template. Notecards are perfect for capturing short riffs, chord progressions, or song fragments when inspiration strikes, and they easily fit in your guitar case or pocket. This low-tech approach is incredibly convenient for guitarists who prefer to work away from their desks.
Creating Digital Guitar Tabs on Your iPad
If you prefer a digital approach, writing guitar tabs on an iPad is a fantastic option. Using a free app like Notability (available on the App Store) allows you to create and organize your tabs digitally. Notability is a versatile note-taking app that works seamlessly with a stylus, making it ideal for writing music notation.
To write tabs in Notability, you can either import a blank guitar tablature PDF template as a background or simply draw six horizontal lines yourself using the app’s drawing tools. Notability offers various pen and highlighter options, allowing you to clearly write your tabs and even add annotations or markings. The app’s zoom feature is particularly helpful for detailed tab writing, and you can easily erase and edit your tabs as needed. Furthermore, Notability allows you to organize your tabs into different notebooks and subjects, keeping your musical ideas neatly organized and readily accessible.
Advanced Notability Tips for Guitar Tablature
Beyond basic tab writing, Notability offers features that can enhance your digital tablature workflow. You can use the app’s audio recording feature to record yourself playing the music you are tabbing, allowing you to easily reference the audio while writing. Notability also supports handwriting recognition, which, while not directly applicable to tablature numbers, can be useful for adding lyrics or notes alongside your tabs. Experiment with different pen colors to color-code different sections of your tabs or highlight important musical phrases.
Incorporating Rhythm into Your Guitar Tabs
While standard blank guitar tablature primarily focuses on pitch, you can also incorporate rhythmic information to make your tabs even more comprehensive. For more detailed transcriptions, especially when learning songs, consider using tab templates that include rhythmic notation. These templates often include pre-written rhythmic grids above the tablature lines, helping you visually align the notes with the rhythm. While not always necessary for basic tab writing, rhythm templates can be invaluable when you need to accurately capture the timing and duration of notes in a musical piece.
Need Help Reading Guitar Music and Tabs?
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of guitar music notation, including tabs, chord charts, and more, consider exploring dedicated resources. Courses like “Reading Music for Guitarists” offer structured lessons that break down various aspects of guitar music reading. Developing your music reading skills will not only enhance your ability to interpret tabs but also open up a wider world of musical resources and learning materials, empowering you to become a more well-rounded and versatile guitarist.
