How to Read Banjo Tablature
Tablature (tab) is a system of notation used primarily by stringed instrument players. Banjo tablature is very similar to tablature used by guitar players, with the exception of additional information added that dictates which fingers to use to play the notes represented. Tab is a system preferred by many banjo players over traditional notation because they find it easier to read and more logical for the instrument. Learning to read tablature for banjo isn't difficult. Here's how you can master it in just a few hours.
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Instructions
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Study a banjo tab graph. If you place the tab graph in front of you and look down at it, you're looking at the graph in the same way you look at your banjo. A banjo tab graph consists of lines that represent the strings of your banjo. How many lines there are depends upon the type of banjo the tab is written for. Four-string banjo tab will have four lines. Looking down at the graph when it's in front of you, the line closest represents the thickest string on your banjo.
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Use numbers to represent the frets you want to play. The letter O stands for open (played without a fret) and the letter X indicates a string should be muted. If you want to play the thickest string at the second fret, place a No. 2 on the line closest to you. This tells you you'll play that string at the second fret. To indicate the string should be played without placing your finger on a fret, place an O to the left of the tab graph beside that string. If you want to indicate the string should be muted, place an X over the line. To indicate the string shouldn't be played at all, don't write anything on the line. Practice writing simple melody lines using this system of tab to help you become familiar with it.
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Write a couple of banjo chords in tab to learn how to indicate chords. When you see letters following one another, those are melody lines. To indicate a chord, write the fret numbers on the appropriate strings in stacked format, one on top of the other. This tells you to play the notes simultaneously, which produces a chord. You can also indicate the name of the chord above the tab graph if you want to.
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Indicate fingering style with the letter T, I and M written above the graph, in line with the written note in question. A T tells the player to use his thumb. An I indicates the index finger and an M indicates to play the note with your middle finger.
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Purchase a book of banjo music written in tab and practice reading. You can also find free banjo tab music online. The more you practice reading and playing banjo tablature, the quicker you will become at it. You should also try and make up a couple of simple songs on your own and notate them in tab format for practice.
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