An EASIER Alternative to Reading Music for Guitar in Only 7 Minutes!

Welcome to my beginner guitar lesson on how read guitar tablature for beginners. So many guitar students ask me, Lauren, do I really need to learn how to read sheet music to play guitar? My answer may shock a lot of guitar teachers, but the answer is, no. You don’t not need to know how to read traditional sheet music the be good at guitar. How do I know that? Because I’m honestly not the best at reading sheet music myself.

While I believe you don’t need to learn how to read traditional sheet music to learn guitar, it think there is something you should learn how to read as a beginner guitar player and that is how to read guitar tablature. Guitar tab is way more accessible and easier to use by beginner guitar students. It’s a coordinate system and in this guitar tutorial, I’m going to show you how to read guitar tablature step by step using two song example – Ode to Joy and Amazing Grace.

So let’s get into the guitar lesson on how to read guitar tablature for beginners!

⏱How To Read Guituar Tablature Chapters: ⏱

0:00 - Lesson Intro
1:03 - Basic of Reading Guitar Tabulature
2:01 - Tabulature Example: Ode To Joy
4:33 - Tabulature Example: Amazing Grace
6:32 - Lesson Outro

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Thank you for watching my guitar lesson.

Lauren :)

#LaurenBateman #LaurenBatemanGuitar

[bobbynash]

Dont think ive ever seen someone explain this so clearly an easily. For someone that doesn't know this. You have made it so easy an clear. But then again im not surprised. You always make things this way. So too anyone thats learning guitar. Lauren Bateman is the way to go.

[blancathurman]

OMG!!! I ordered a beginner guitar inspired on this video… the more I see your videos the more I want to learn guitar … it’s going to be very fun to start to play guitar for me at my 65 (years old) finally my dreams will be accomplish it I am determined to do it because of you!!!Finally I got it… Thanks Lauren!!!!

[scottblair]

Thank you so much! I'm 57 and finally trying to learn after a life time of being to busy.
Struggling heavy due to memory problems from crash. But this is helping. Your awesome!

[draster]

I always had trouble which string to play. I think I was using the top string as the heavy not of E. That’s why the songs didn’t sound right. Than you come along show us that the top E is the high pitch. So I was playing in reverse. So I’ve learned so much today that I’ll go back & play the songs the the right way. Thanks for an Excellent Tutorial.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[bigrudi]

Thank you, there is no better and more thorough explanation of this method! I wish, around 40 years ago, when I first saw tablature, you and your videos had existed. For many years I have watched videos and written down the frets on tab sheets I made myself. That's how I still learn solos, licks and scales to this day. I hope many will learn from your video as it will be a wonderful resource for anyone interested in tablature. Kind regards, Rudi.

[NiechoBGCSL]

So very helpful! Many people assume that guitarists understand tabs and/or understand the new way tablature is written. I didn't. I was a "band geek" (Yay! Band Geeks! :) ) throughout school and took additional classes in musical theory, earned distinction in local, state, and national honor band. So I know how to sight read music-- I'm rusty after all these years, but I can do it. The new version of reading tab though left me with a "WTF?", so thank you so much for having done this video. It so needs a bump or a pin or something so others looking through your videos knows it's available. And once again, you explain it so well!

[tedduggan]

Thanks Lauren - after watching this, I think it may be helpful (to me) to write the names of the notes besides the numbers — which will help me learn the notes on the neck as I’m reading/learning the TABS.

[TheSteffie]

That is super better to learn, I can practice this quite easily. Thank you so much, Lauren! 😊

[ClayJarvisGuitar]

Hi Lauren, I know of you from VRA and have really learned a lot by watching your videos. You are a great teacher. I’ve been playing guitar over 30 years. I used to teach about 15 years ago.Now along with my YouTube channel, I’m getting back to teaching again. For whatever reason, I’ve never really been into tab but now that I’m bringing on new students, I’m probably going to start using tab more. Thanks again. I’m very inspired by what you are doing so thank you!!

[alexandernicholson]

So impressed with your teaching, I am brand new on guitar . at the ripe age of 73 and really enjoying the way you teach and your enthusiasm, thank you very much

[fshg]

I tell everyone I see that ask me why David are you so happy 😀 and I tell them all about your show on YouTube and how fun you make guitar! Thanks again for your help today please keep helping us learners and God will keep blessing you

[stoopotts]

Quick and easy explanation of tablature and how to use it! Well done!

[DailyLifeStyle]

Thank you so much teacher. Start from today remember that you are my teacher and I am your guitar student ok, don’t forget it ok. And I will try my best as I am your student. I try not to put you in shame. I will not promise you that I will be a famous guitar player in the world, but I will do my best.

[nicolen.]

Great idea Lauren. I don't read music. I just read tabs. It's a fantastic alternative, genius, practical experience. Thanks Lauren 🎶🎶🎶

[michaelquilter]

I find learning tabs a lot easier for me, as now let's say I'm a senior I can't get some of the normal guitar chords. But playing tabs still enjoyable to me.

[tahoemike]

One way to understand the low string on the bottom of the tab/top of the guitar confusion is to look at the tab as if it were a guitar hanging on the wall. If you think of turning the tab a quarter turn clockwise, so that the lines run vertically, rather than horizontally; it reads low to high from left to right just like a guitar hanging on the wall.

[tommyhamilton]

Thanks Lauren From mature beginner in Scotland🎸🤘🏻🙏

[Rews-fish-shed]

Oh My words cant express how glad I'm that I found your video's. I'm going to your classes to look into the course. TY

[EhobbiesAI]

Absolutely true, for me it's easier learn seeing you play, much easier

[schalksteyn]

Wow, that was so helpful, I've always played using chords above the words. Thank you so much. Blessings from Kruger Park SA.