How to Read Legato Phrasing on Guitar Tabs

To read legato phrasing on guitar tablature or "tabs," you have to know how tabs are written. Tablature uses fret numbers and an actual string diagram to show you exactly where your fingers should go on the strings. The system is a little more straightforward than traditional sheet music.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a series of notes played on the same string that are joined together by a drawn arc over top of the series. Find the starting point of this series of notes and look at the number. This is your beginning fret number.

2. Look for the end of the arc to see how long your legato phrase is. The last note will be your end note.

3. Begin with either hammer-on or pull-off notes. Legato phrasing indicated that you'll only pick the first note, all of the others will be struck by just your fingers, and musicians call this "hammer-on" (hitting a higher note on a string with your finger) and pull-off (plucking a note to descend on a string). If your numbers on the tabs are going up, you'll be using hammer-on, and if they are going down, you'll be doing the pull-off technique.

4. Change direction with the numbers. In legato phrasing, you'll generally be doing a series of hammer-on notes going up the string. When you come to a point where the numbers go down, you'll change to the pull-off method, plucking the highest fret with your finger and releasing your finger so that the highest tone descends to a lower one. Knowing when to switch techniques is a large part of doing legato phrasing.

5. Play out the rest of the series to arrive at your end note.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a good electric guitar tone for sustained notes and practice keeping your legato phrase loud and clear. It's hard when you only pick the first note and rely on your fingers to do the rest. You'll have to practice hammering your finger forcefully onto a higher fret, and to the same extent, releasing and plucking notes to descend. With the right setup and practice, your legato phrasing will sound clearer and more sustained.