Guitar tabs can be a great tool for learning how to play guitar. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or you have been playing for years, learning how to read guitar tabs can unlock new potential for learning songs and new techniques.
That’s why I’ve been teaching students how to read them for as long as I’ve been a guitar teacher!
Learning how to read guitar tabs can be difficult for some players. But I’m here to let you in on a little secret – while they might seem intimidating at first glance, guitar tabs are actually really easy to get the hang of.
Below, I’ll give you a brief rundown on how to read guitar tabs and share 15 easy tabs that you can use to hone your guitar-playing skills.
Click here to jump directly to the beginner guitar tabs!
Originally published on May 22, 2019, this article was republished on February 28, 2024.
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Yes, I Want the FREE Download!What Are Guitar Tabs?
Guitar tabs are one of the most basic ways of writing down and interpreting music for guitar players.
They notate which frets are played and on what string in a six-line grid — each line represents a string on the guitar. Some tabs are basic, only telling you which frets to play.
Alternatively, some tabs also include rhythm notation to help you better understand the timing of the piece you’re working on.
While some musicians learn by ear, and some learn through musical notation, guitar tabs are a special, simpler way for guitar players to learn written music.
Because they are relatively simple to understand, many musicians pick up on songs through a combination of listening to the music and checking the notes through guitar tabs.
You can find acoustic guitar tabs for beginners online or in many guitar books.
How To Read Guitar Tabs
Reading guitar tabs is similar to reading a book. You move across the guitar tab from left to right, and the speed at which you move depends on the tempo of the song.
As you move across the tab, you will see different numbers – these indicate which fret to play on your guitar.
Beyond this simple rundown of guitar tabs, there can also be a rhythmic notation that is borrowed from musical notation.
There are also tab symbols like slides, hammer-ons, vibrato, and bends that are typically notated through a legend; however, most of these stylistic notations are standard across all guitar tabs.
15 Easy Guitar Tabs for Beginners
Now that we’ve explained what a guitar tab is and how to read it, let’s take a look at a few easy guitar tabs that you can learn as a beginner.
1. Before You Go – Lewis Capaldi
“Before You Go” by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi was released on November 19, 2019.
The song is one of Capaldi’s most personal, dealing with his emotional state in the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide.
It topped the Irish Singles Chart in November 2019 and the UK Singles Chart in January 2020.
It makes for a really cool acoustic song to learn and involves some fingerpicking between a few different chords.
You can find the tab here.
2. Like a Stone – Audioslave
“Like a Stone” is the biggest US hit from the supergroup Audioslave. Released in January 2003, the song is about an old man waiting for death after all his friends and family have passed on, and to be reunited with them.
The song features a catchy intro riff that is fantastic for beginner guitarists to cut their teeth on, before moving on to some chords during the chorus.
You can read the tab here.
3. Scar Tissue – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Scar Tissue” is a song that needs no introduction, but we’ll give one anyway. Written by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and released on May 25, 1999, Scar Tissue spent 16 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks.
It’s poignant, sweet, and features a really fun-to-play intro riff!
Read the tab here.
4. Blackbird – The Beatles
“Blackbird” is one of the most famous songs released by the Beatles in 1968 on their eponymous double album, also known as “The White Album”.
Inspired by hearing a blackbird while studying transcendental meditation in India, Blackbird is distinguished by its simple yet catchy fingerpicking pattern.
Once you master the guitar playing, try tapping your foot to keep time and add rhythm just like Paul McCartney does.
Read the tab here.
5. Wonderwall – Oasis
“Wonderwall” is a hit song released by Oasis in 1995. Lead guitarist Noel Gallagher describes the song as being about “an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself”.
The song has topped numerous charts around the world, and, in October 2020, became the first song from the 1990s to hit one billion streams on Spotify.
The distinctive strumming riff is one of the most iconic and satisfying to learn on acoustic guitar. And since it only consists of five chords, it’s a great song to learn as a beginner.
Read the full tab here.
6. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan is a timeless classic released in 1973, known for its poignant lyrics and simple yet powerful melody.
Dylan’s introspective songwriting invites interpretation, with themes of mortality and redemption resonating deeply.
The song’s widespread popularity is reflected in its enduring presence across various media and its status as a cultural touchstone.
Read the full tab here.
7. Horse With No Name – America
“Horse with No Name” by America, released in 1971, is a folk rock masterpiece characterized by its atmospheric sound and enigmatic lyrics.
The song’s dreamy imagery evokes a sense of wanderlust and introspection, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Its haunting melody and evocative storytelling have cemented its status as a beloved classic.
Read the full tab here.
8. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, released in 1975, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the longing for connection and the pain of absence.
The song’s introspective lyrics and mesmerizing guitar solos resonate with listeners on a deeply emotional level, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever experienced loss or longing.
Read the full tab here.
9. Let It Be – The Beatles
“Let It Be” by The Beatles, released in 1970, is a poignant and uplifting ballad that offers solace and wisdom in times of struggle.
The song’s reassuring message of acceptance and resilience, coupled with its iconic melody and harmonies, has made it an enduring favorite for generations of listeners.
Read the full tab here.
10. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, released in 1967, is a celebration of youthful innocence and nostalgia.
The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody invite listeners to reminisce about carefree days gone by, while its heartfelt lyrics capture the essence of young love and summer romance.
Read the full tab here.
11. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day, released in 1997, is a bittersweet anthem that captures the poignancy of endings and new beginnings.
The song’s simple yet heartfelt lyrics and acoustic instrumentation convey a sense of reflection and introspection, making it a poignant soundtrack for milestones and farewells.
Read the full tab here.
12. Blowing in the Wind – Bob Dylan
“Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, released in 1963, is a powerful protest song that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
The song’s timeless message of social justice and equality, coupled with its haunting melody and poetic lyrics, has made it an enduring anthem for peace and change.
Read the full tab here.
13. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt, released in 2005, is a heartfelt ballad that captures the intoxicating rush of love at first sight.
The song’s romantic lyrics and soaring vocals evoke a sense of euphoria and longing, making it a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions.
Read the full tab here.
14. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, released in 2008, is a sunny and infectious pop anthem that radiates positivity and joy.
The song’s upbeat melody and catchy hooks, coupled with its uplifting lyrics about seizing the moment and following your heart, have made it a feel-good favorite for listeners of all ages.
Read the full tab here.
15. Hey, Soul Sister – Train
“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train, released in 2009, is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song that celebrates the magic of friendship and connection.
The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody, coupled with its playful lyrics and soulful vocals, have made it a favorite for road trips, parties, and sing-alongs.
Read the full tab here.
Looking to learn more cool songs on the acoustic guitar? Check out these 5 easy songs to play on guitar or these 10 easy guitar riffs.
Discover More Ways to Learn Beginner Acoustic Guitar Tabs
The tabs outlined in this article are a great starting point for getting a couple of easy songs under your belt, but if you want to take your guitar playing even further, I recommend my online guitar workshop, Tony’s Acoustic Challenge.
When you sign up, you’ll find help, a sense of community, and a place to share your progress.
You’ll also have access to tons of lessons, close to endless guitar exercises for beginners and pros, and the ability to grow as an acoustic guitar player.
Ready to get started? Watch this FREE guitar class for three secrets to learn guitar faster in just 10 minutes a day.
