Ukulele tablature (or “tab”) is a simplified way to read music, especially helpful if you don’t read standard music notation. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Understand the Layout of the Tab

Ukulele tablature (highlighted in yellow) typically has four horizontal lines, each one representing a string on the ukulele.

• The top line represents the A string (the highest-pitched string).
• The second line represents the E string.
• The third line represents the C string.
• The bottom line represents the G string (the string closest to you when holding a ukulele).

So, the lines in order from top to bottom are:
A (1st string), E (2nd string), C (3rd string), G (4th string).

2. Numbers Indicate Frets

Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press on each string:
0 means you play the string open (without pressing any fret).
1 means to press down on the first fret.
2 means the second fret, and so on.

For example:
A|—0—2—3—0—|
E|——————–|
C|——————–|
G|——————–|
This would mean:

• Play the A string open.
• Play the A string on the 2nd fret.
• Play the A string on the 3rd fret.
• Then play it open again.

3. Read Left to Right

Ukulele tabs are read from left to right, so follow the numbers in the order they appear.

4. Chords and Multiple Notes

If numbers are stacked vertically, it means you play them all at the same time, like a chord.

To play a C chord:

A|—3—|
E|—0—|
C|—0—|
G|—0—|

• Place your finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
• Leave the E, C, and G strings open.

Watch these short videos to help you understand some of these concepts. Then download the PDF guide below for future reference.

The YouTube video below provides additional instruction on note values.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what basic notes look like as well as their time value. There are many videos on YouTube explaining music notation as well as Music Theory websites.

There are also a couple more different styles of tabs that do not include the music notes but we’ll save that for a future demo.

When you feel comfortable with this, try the Blue Monk Duet arrangement we played in our meeting.