Symbols
The following symbols form the basis of this transcription system. They represent the most common patterns and appear throughout the transcriptions. Because they are used so frequently, they are not always shown in tablature and are best learned by heart.
Additional symbols may occasionally appear in individual transcriptions to represent a particular technique or an unusual musical idea. Whenever this happens, their meaning is explained directly on the transcription where they are used.
These symbols developed gradually over many years as a practical shorthand for recurring guitar patterns. Their shapes have no particular meaning, and there is no underlying theoretical logic to them. They are simply the symbols that proved quickest and most intuitive for me to recognize while transcribing and playing.
Once familiar, they function much like musical words: common accompaniment patterns can be recognized at a glance rather than read note by note.
Each symbol represents a complete movement, including its final note. If the note immediately following the symbol is the same, do not play it again. For example, when ** is followed by C(5), the fifth string is played only once, since it is already the final note of the pattern.
** * (**) (*) (- -) (-) ↘︎ @@ @ %% % ⌓⌓ ⌓ && &
Underlined Bass Notes
An underlined number in parentheses indicates a shortened accompaniment pattern. Its meaning depends on the time signature.
In 3/4 time, an underlined bass note is followed by a single brush rather than the usual two. For example, C(5) indicates the fifth string followed by one brush. The brush is understood and is not normally written, as repeating the chord would unnecessarily clutter the transcription.
In 4/4 time, an underlined bass note indicates that only the bass string is played. Any brushes that follow are written explicitly. For example, D7(4) D7 means the fourth string followed by one brush, while D7(4) D7 D7 D7 means the fourth string followed by three brushes.
This notation is especially useful when the guitarist interrupts the regular accompaniment pattern, shortens a measure, or moves directly into a chord connector.
In short, whenever you see an underlined bass note, pluck that string, then follow the transcription—keeping the time signature in mind—to see how many brushes come next. This is the general principle, but I do not always apply it rigidly. Some passages simply need a little more detail, and when I feel the rhythm or movement might otherwise be unclear, I spell it out more explicitly in the transcription. If this seems complicated on paper, listen closely to the original recording. In most cases, the logic behind the notation becomes quite natural once you hear what the guitarist is actually doing.
+ X XX
Additional Symbols
Some symbols are used in combination with a chord to indicate a specific movement or ornament.
⌒ indicates an open string followed immediately by the fretted note shown in parentheses.
For example: ⌒ G(6) means: play the 6th string open, then immediately fret the 3rd fret of the 6th string (G). Think of it as a quick ascending movement, similar to a hammer-on.
⇥ indicates a note played immediately before the root of the chord.
For example: ⇥ C(5) means: play the 2nd fret of the 5th string (B), then move directly to the 3rd fret (C). This creates the characteristic approach note heard in countless early country accompaniments.
String Markers
You will also encounter the symbols ➀➁➂➃➄➅ and ➊➋➌➍➎➏ throughout the transcriptions. These symbols indicate which string to pluck while holding the current chord shape.
White circles (➀➁➂➃➄➅) indicate an open string.
Black circles (➊➋➌➍➎➏) indicate the fretted note of the current chord shape.
For example: ➎ G(4) means: while holding a G major chord, pluck the 5th string fretted at the 2nd fret (B), then immediately play the 4th string open (D).
In other words, the symbols always refer to the strings within the current chord position, not to absolute fret numbers. This avoids repeating fret numbers that are already implied by the chord shape and keeps the transcriptions clean and easy to read.
