newbie help

[lurch]

iosted on here a awhile ago about getting my firt guitar and would like to say thank you for everyone help. i just had my knee surgrey three days ago and igoing to start learing on to play, but i cant read tabs,can someone offer a crash course on the basics and maybe some songs to start out? thanks so much!

[littlefriend]

Tabs are easy, but here are the basics:

Code: Select all

E:-----3-------2-------0-------2--
B:----(3)------3-------2-------3--
G:-----0-------2-------2-------2--
D:-----0----0--0-------2----0--0--
A:-----2------------0--0----------
E:--3--3---------------x----------
   (1)     (1)     (1) 

Here's a simple G-D-A-D progression.

The letters down the left are the standard, open tuned strings. The top line is your high E, the bottom your low E. Alternate tunings will usually be noted.
The numbers on the lines are the fret that you position your finger on to play. 0's are played open, x's are not played or muted. Numbers in () can be played or not.
The numbers below the tab are suggested fingerings. They're not too common, but you'll see them from time to time.
You can't really show rhythm or strumming with tabs so you pretty have to know the song to figure that out.

Some other common symbols:
/ - slide up
\ - slide down
* - harmonic
~ - Let note ring

I'd suggest getting a chord book for learning chords. They have suggested fingerings for all the notes in the chord which a tab can't really do.

As far as songs go I just went to tab sites and looked for songs I liked and wanted to learn how to play. A lot of songs have all chord versions that are a bit simplified and a good jumping off point. If you want lean specifically towards Dave's style then go here: http://www.dmbtabs.com/lessons.php?id=1. Then go through the tabs on the main page and find the simpler looking tabs to start with. Practice and patience are key. It can be frustrating at first; just remember to have fun! Good luck!