module 6
HOW TO READ UKULELE Tab
In this module you will explore how to play ukulele tab, or tablature. This method is kind of like a play by numbers system which is much easier than learning the formal notation system, but also combines the formal notation system as a guide for rhythm.
Tab is great for picking out melody lines or learning solo parts for songs. Once you get the hang of it, the next stage is to combine chords and melody lines to make you sound like a pro, but let's start with the basics.
Tab is great for picking out melody lines or learning solo parts for songs. Once you get the hang of it, the next stage is to combine chords and melody lines to make you sound like a pro, but let's start with the basics.
HOW TO READ UKULELE TAB
Ukulele tab, also known as tablature or tab, is a musical notation system designed for stringed instruments like the ukulele. It visually represents the ukulele's fretboard, indicating which strings to play and where to place your fingers for specific notes or chords.
The ability to read tab is popular among ukulele players, particularly beginners, as it provides an accessible way to learn songs and melodies without requiring extensive knowledge of traditional sheet music. So let's break it down:
The ability to read tab is popular among ukulele players, particularly beginners, as it provides an accessible way to learn songs and melodies without requiring extensive knowledge of traditional sheet music. So let's break it down:
What do the lines represent?
In ukulele tab, the four horizontal strings on the page represent each of the strings on your ukulele. The top string is the A string and the bottom string G string, which may seem a little confusing at first because when you hold your ukulele in playing position, the G string appears to be the top string. If you hold your ukulele flat to the page facing upwards, you will get a direct birds eye view of the tab instruction and it doesn't take too long to get used to this system at all.
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?
The numbers that appear on the string lines specify which fret to press down. "0" represents an open string played without pressing any frets. So say number 2 appears on the c string, you would hold down the 2nd fret to play that note. You read from left to write, the same as reading text.
FRETTING FINGERS
As a general rule of thumb, each finger should be allocated a fret number. So your index finger would play all notes on any of the strings in fret 1, your middle finger any string in fret 2, your ring (3rd) finger any note in fret three and so on. This will change as you begin to play melodies all over the fretboard but for now you will just try a few melody lines using the first 3 frets.
PLUCKING FINGERS
So now you know what fingers to fret with, let's have a look at what fingers to pluck with using your other hand. These beginner exercises will just utilise the C, E and A strings so you will just use your THUMB to pluck any notes on the C string and pluck in a downwards motion, your INDEX to pluck any notes on the E string and your MIDDLE finger to pluck any notes on the A string, both plucked in an upward motion, as illustrated:
MUSIC THEORY EXERCISE: Play the C Major Scale 🎵
Watch the video below to learn and play the C major scale on your ukulele.
The on-screen illustration will guide you through:
Ready? Let’s scale up your skills! 🎶
Watch the video below to learn and play the C major scale on your ukulele.
The on-screen illustration will guide you through:
- Which fingers to use for fretting, and
- The note names you're playing along the way.
Ready? Let’s scale up your skills! 🎶
CAN YOU PLAY CHORDS WITH TAB?
Yes, absolutely — chords can definitely be shown in tab!
In tablature, chords are illustrated by numbers stacked vertically, which means the notes are played at the same time.
Each number tells you which fret to press on which string, and when they're aligned, it signals that you strum all the strings together — typically with a downward motion, unless another direction is indicated.
EXERCISE: Take a look at the two chord diagrams shown below. Based on the fret positions in the tab, can you figure out which familiar chords they represent?
(Hint: Think back to your Level 1 chord shapes!)
In tablature, chords are illustrated by numbers stacked vertically, which means the notes are played at the same time.
Each number tells you which fret to press on which string, and when they're aligned, it signals that you strum all the strings together — typically with a downward motion, unless another direction is indicated.
EXERCISE: Take a look at the two chord diagrams shown below. Based on the fret positions in the tab, can you figure out which familiar chords they represent?
(Hint: Think back to your Level 1 chord shapes!)
What About Rhythm and Timing in Ukulele TAB?
Great question! While ukulele tab is fantastic for showing finger placement, it doesn’t automatically tell you how long to play each note or chord. That’s where rhythm notation comes in.Above the tab lines, you'll often see standard music notation that indicates the timing and duration of each note. This tells you how long to hold a note or chord, and helps you stay in rhythm as you play.
You may also come across rest symbols, which indicate moments of silence where no notes are played — just as important as the notes themselves!
You may also come across rest symbols, which indicate moments of silence where no notes are played — just as important as the notes themselves!
📝 Understanding Dotted Notes
Keep an eye out for dotted notation! A dot placed next to a note changes its value by extending it by half of its original duration.
In simple terms:
Keep an eye out for dotted notation! A dot placed next to a note changes its value by extending it by half of its original duration.
In simple terms:
- A dotted note lasts for the note’s original value, plus half of that value.
- A dotted half note (minim) = 2 beats + 1 beat = 3 beats
- A dotted quarter note (crotchet) = 1 beat + ½ beat = 1.5 beats
DEFINING TIME SIGNATURES
C Major Scale in 4/4 Time
Let’s take the C major scale you played earlier and now look at it with musical notation added, so you can clearly see the note values in each bar.
As shown in the illustration below, each bar contains four quarter notes (crotchets). That means the piece is written in 4/4 time — also known as “common time.” This time signature tells us that:
Let’s take the C major scale you played earlier and now look at it with musical notation added, so you can clearly see the note values in each bar.
As shown in the illustration below, each bar contains four quarter notes (crotchets). That means the piece is written in 4/4 time — also known as “common time.” This time signature tells us that:
- Each bar has 4 beats
- A quarter note gets 1 beat
Time Signatures Explained 🎶
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What about the Speed of Songs?
The tempo of a song refers to its speed — how fast or slow the music feels — and it’s measured in BPM (beats per minute).
Here’s a guide to some formal tempo markings, along with real song examples to help you feel the difference:
🎵 Slow Tempo – Andante
A relaxed, walking pace (around 70–80 BPM)
🎵 Moderate Tempo – Allegro
Lively and bright (around 110–130 BPM)
🎵 Fast Tempo – Vivacissimo
Very lively and quick (around 140–160 BPM)
🎵 Very Fast Tempo – Presto
Rapid and energetic (160+ BPM)
- A lower BPM means a slower tempo
- A higher BPM means a faster tempo
Here’s a guide to some formal tempo markings, along with real song examples to help you feel the difference:
🎵 Slow Tempo – Andante
A relaxed, walking pace (around 70–80 BPM)
- IMAGINE - John Lennon (74 BPM)
- THREE LITTLE BIRDS - Bon Marley (74 BPM)
🎵 Moderate Tempo – Allegro
Lively and bright (around 110–130 BPM)
- DANCIN IN THE STREET - Martha & The Vandellas (126 BPM)
🎵 Fast Tempo – Vivacissimo
Very lively and quick (around 140–160 BPM)
- BROWN EYED GIRL - Van Morrison (150 BPM)
🎵 Very Fast Tempo – Presto
Rapid and energetic (160+ BPM)
- GYPSIES, TRAMPS & THIEVES - Cher (170 BPM)
🎵 EXERCISE: Can You Name That Tune?
Let’s put your musical ears to the test!
Listen closely to the melody — can you guess which early years song this first line belongs to? (Hint: It’s the opening line of a very familiar lullaby…)
Let’s put your musical ears to the test!
Listen closely to the melody — can you guess which early years song this first line belongs to? (Hint: It’s the opening line of a very familiar lullaby…)
🌟 Once you’ve made your guess, download the tab below to see if you were right — and get ready to play the full 12-bar version of the song on your ukulele.
Have fun, and happy strumming! 🎶
Have fun, and happy strumming! 🎶
16 FRET STRETCH @ 80BPM
EXERCISE: Use your Finger Gym PDF from Module 2 to play along with this weeks speed at 80BPM.
Time to put your new tab reading skills into action in the next module: