Tab Guide
Lines
Violin tab has 4 horizontal lines which indicate which string each note is on. Imagine your violin has been turned on its side, and the strings are running from highest in pitch to lowest.
E string is the top line, then A, D, and G string at the bottom
Numbers
The numbers on each line show which finger to use on that string:
0 = Open string (no fingers)
1 = First finger (index finger)
2 = Second finger
3 - Third finger
4 = Fourth finger (pinky finger)
H, L & X
Occasionally some notes will have a letter above the number. This indicates to move your finger forwards or backwards from standard position:
H = High finger. Move your finger up the string by half a step (semitone)
L = Low finger. Move your finger down the string by half a step (semitone)
X = Extension. Move your finger up the string by a whole step (tone)
Try It Out
Download Happy Birthday for free and try playing your first tab!
There's a tutorial and backing track you can follow along with on YouTube if you get stuck
Happy Playing!
Stickers
If you’re not sure where the standard finger positions are on your violin, try out one of our fingerboard stickers to help