Tips for Writing Guitar Tabs (on Paper and iPad)

Lesson #489 • May 12, 2023

Hey there, friends! In today’s video I’ll show you a simple guide to writing your own guitar tabs. I’ll start off showing how to quickly jot them down on paper, using my blank tab PDF template – including a super handy 4x6 notecard trick. Then I’ll show how you can get started writing them on the iPad (using the free app Notability, which I’ve used happily since 2018). Many of you have asked about this in the past few years - I hope you find the video helpful!

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 0:54 Writing Tabs on Paper
  • 1:49 Writing Tabs on Notecards
  • 3:19 Writing Tabs on the iPad
  • 8:23 Advanced Notability Tips

Blank Tabs — Simple Version

Looking for a quick download to get started? Use this!

It's a single-page PDF with 5 rows of tabs and nothing else. Perfect if you want to jump right in and get going with things. Print multiple copies & keep them nearby!

Download Free PDF

Blank Tabs — with Counting & Rhythm

Looking for tabs with counting & rhythm already written in? Whether you're in 4/4 time, 3/4 time, or 6/8 time – this template has you covered.

Helpful tip: only print the specific page(s) you need!

Download Free PDF


Lesson Discussion

Jump in the conversation with other members of the Song Notes community! Post a comment about this lesson, ask a question, or even upload a video of your progress. All skill levels welcome!

View Comments

Jump in the conversation with other members of the Song Notes community! Post a comment about this lesson, ask a question, or even upload a video of your progress. All skill levels welcome!

To access the community forum, upgrade to premium or log in.

The Question That Inspired This Video

Perry sent in the following question:

I direct a nonprofit group that teaches kids to play. I like the final appearance of your tabs – I just want to be able to create similar sheets for our JAM Students. But I’m having challenges knowing how to begin!

I’ve used tab creating software like TablEdit and I have GuitarPro – but I find them cumbersome. I use an iMac, iPad and also a new Apple Pencil. Thanks!

My Older Video on This Topic

Back in lesson #345 I originally tackled this same topic - though I didn’t show any of the iPad process. This video also shows some specific examples of when you might want to include counting & rhythm in your tabs.

Browse Related Lessons

Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:

About Song Notes

Hey there! My name is David Potsiadlo, and I'm the creator of the 400+ weekly lessons here at Song Notes, going back to 2013. Here’s my guitar story »

Get Free Lessons Each Week!

Join the 20,000+ readers who get my new lessons dropped in their inbox each week. I teach a fun mix of songs, weekly riffs, practice ideas, and more!

Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!

If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Interactive fretboard map! See the patterns behind every scale in any key.

View

Capo Captain

An easy way to calculate key & chord combinations, for any capo location!

View

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!


Recent Lessons

Browse All Recent Lessons →

Browse All My Lessons

By lesson type

By technique

By musical genre

By decade

By musical key

By popular artist


← back to homepage