GUITAR LESSONS

By clicking the song title below, a window will open with free sample tab (using Acrobat Reader).  Each month I will
post a new tab for you to use to learn a song.  You will find below an explanation of how to read the tab so it makes sense.  You will also notice there is no "timing" associated with the notes.  My belief is that tab is a learning tool to be used in conjunction with listening to the song itself.  By listening carefully to the song and using the tab you will be able to play the song with practice.

Notice:  I would like to say that I play all these songs as I interpret them.  I do not 
try to copy anybody else.  Also, if you own the copyright to any of these songs and 
would like it removed from my list, contact me and I will gladly do so.

                                                                                     


This month's free sample tab: Little Cabin Home on the Hill

Click to hear sound file: Little Cabin Home on the Hill (slow)       Little Cabin Home on the Hill (fast)

Last month's free sample tab (in case you missed it): Georgia Rose

Click to hear sound file  Georgia Rose (slow)                  Georgia Rose (fast)


                                              HOW TO READ THE TAB

The tab is created using Microsoft Excel.  The six spaces between the seven lines
represents the strings.  The topmost "string" is your "E" string.  Each successive
space moving down represents "B", "G", "D", "A", "E".  The number in each space
represents the fret you use to obtain the desired note.  The letters appearing just
above each stanza represents the musical chords of the song.  The following
symbols are used as explained:


 This symbolizes the beginning of a section that repeats.

And this symbolizes the end of a section that repeats.  When you get
here you go back to the symbol above and play it one more time.

If this symbol is between two of the above "repeat" symbols, you stop
here during the second time you play it then continue playing just past
the "end of the repeat" symbol just above.

This symbolizes a strum.

This symbolizes a rest, or a pause.  It can be any duration...you need to listen to the music to determine how long it is.

When you see a "0" on the left connected to a larger number on the
right by a hyphen, the first note is played with the right hand and the
second note is played by "hammering" the finger of your left hand
down on the same string at the indicated fret.  This called a "hammer".

When you see a large number on the left connected to a "0" on the right by a hyphen, you put your finger on the indicated fret the pick the string with your right hand and the second note is played by the action of "pulling" your finger off the string.  This is called a "pull-off".

If you see a small number on the left connected by a hyphen to a larger
number on the right, these are slides.  A slide is begun by fretting the
first note with your finger and picking the string with your right hand.
The second note is played by sliding your left hand smoothly up to the
higher numbered fret.  This is called a "slide".

This symbol indicates the direction the pick is moved to play a string or to strum the guitar.