Find Tabs Confusing? Learn How to Read Them Properly in 10 Minutes.
A simple, beginner-friendly guide that finally explains guitar tablature in a clear, no nonsense way, so that you can start learning the riffs and songs you love.
Perfect for beginners, returning players, and anyone overwhelmed by tabs on Ultimate Guitar.
If You're Struggling With Tabs, You're Not Alone
Tab seekers usually run into the same issues:
Tabs don’t look like music
Everything is upside down
You can’t tell which string is which
Numbers and lines make no sense
Songs never sound like they should
Timing feels impossible
You’re constantly second-guessing
It’s frustrating, but it’s not your fault.
You’ve simply never been shown how tab actually works.
I’m Ricky, I Teach Guitar the Simple, No Nonsense Way
For over 36 years I’ve helped thousands of beginners go from confused and frustrated to confident and capable guitar players.(Some students have even gone on to become pro musicians and guitar teachers)
My teaching is:
beginner-friendly
warm
clear
practical
no-nonsense
free from theory overload
Tabs are a fantastic tool once you understand them properly.
This guide breaks tab down so clearly that the whole thing just clicks.
What You’ll Learn Inside the Tab Guide
This isn’t a beginner guitar course.
It’s a clear, friendly explanation of how tab works so you can finally use it with confidence.
The six line layout and what it really represents
How to instantly tell which string is which
What the numbers mean (and don’t mean)
Why tabs look upside down
My “Top Bottom / Treble Bass” memory trick
How to follow tabs like a “bouncing ball”
How to read single note riffs
How to read chords in tab
My “Bendy Rainbow Method” for converting chord diagrams into tab
The “Dot Burn” accuracy exercise for navigating the fretboard faster
This guide teaches you how to read tab. It doesn’t teach you how to play guitar. For that, you’ll want a structured beginner path once you're ready.
If Any of This Sounds Like You, This Guide Will Help
“Tabs never make sense to me.”
“I can’t tell which string the numbers refer to.”
“Why is everything upside down?”
“Songs don’t sound right when I play them.”
“I don’t know how to move around the fretboard.”
“I keep quitting because I get confused.”
Thousands of Beginners Trust My Simple Teaching Style
Download the FREE Tab Reading Guide
Learn how tablature works in a clear, simple, beginner-friendly way, so that you can start playing the music you love with confidence.
You’ll also get beginner-friendly tips to help you continue progressing. No spam. No BS.
Tabs show you what to play, but playing guitar confidently takes structure.
Tabs are brilliant for showing riffs and melodies you already know... once you understand them. BUT!
Tabs don’t teach strumming
Tabs don’t teach clean chords
Tabs don’t teach timing
Tabs don’t teach technique
Tabs don’t give you a structured path
