How to Write Acoustic Guitar Tablature: A Comprehensive Guide

Guitar tablature (tablature for short) is a visual representation of music that shows instructions for playing a specific instrument. Unlike traditional sheet music, tablature focuses on the fretboard and provides clear, step-by-step instructions for each string and note. This guide will walk you through the process of writing tablature for acoustic guitar music.

Understanding the Six-Line Grid

Tablature is typically set up as a six-line grid, with each line representing a string on the guitar. The highest pitch string (the e string) is at the top of the tab, and the lowest pitch string (the E string) is at the bottom.

Reading the Strings from Top to Bottom

Here's a breakdown of each string in the tablature grid:

Reading Fret Numbers

Each number on the tab indicates which fret to play on a specific string. Fret numbers are read from left to right. For example, the tab below shows you playing fret 2 on the e string, fret 3 on the B string, and so on.

e —-2—————————————————B. ——3———————————————G. ——————-1———————————-D. —————————2—————————-A. ————————————3———————E. ———————————————2————-

In this example, the piece is random to provide a reference point. You would play fret 2 on the e string, fret 3 on the B string, and so forth.

Chord Notation in Tablature

Chords are written differently in tablature, with the fret numbers for each string placed vertically in a straight line. For example, the tab below shows an E minor chord.

e. ———————————B. ——————————-G. ———————————D. ————2——————-A. ————2——————-E. ———————————-

This tab indicates that all six strings are played at the specified frets (2 on the D and A strings).

Using a Digital Tool for Tablature Writing

Creating tablature manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Fortunately, there are digital tools available to make this process easier. One such tool is MuseScore, which is a free and powerful software for composing, playing, and editing music.

Acoustic Guitar vs. Electric Guitar

Acoustic and electric guitars are fundamentally similar in their construction and the way they make music. While electric guitars are equipped with pickups and amplification, the core principles of playing and tab writing remain the same. However, because of their hardware differences, guitarists often favor certain styles and techniques on each instrument.

Acoustic guitarists typically play more chords, whereas electric guitar players are more inclined towards solos. This is due to the differences in the hardware and design of each type. Despite these differences, the tablature system remains the same for both instruments.

Writing Tablature for Acoustic Guitar Music

When writing tablature for acoustic guitar music, especially in the style of classical, it is essential to focus on the genre. Classical, blues, and metal techniques can all be effectively utilized on the acoustic guitar. Some popular acoustic guitar pieces in the classical style include Greensleeves, a song by an anonymous author, and many others in the same genre that you can enjoy and play.

Here’s a simple example of a folk-inspired tab for Greensleeves:

e. —————0—————B. —————3—————G. —————5—————D. —————4—————A. —————2—————E. —————0—————

This tab shows a basic chord progression that can be played on an acoustic guitar.

Conclusion

Writing tablature for acoustic guitar music is a straightforward yet precise process that can bring a wealth of songs to life. Whether you write it on paper or use a digital tool like MuseScore, the key is to follow the basic rules and practice regularly. Enjoy exploring the vast world of acoustic guitar tablature and let it enhance your music playing experience.