Notes

w = whole note h = half note q = quarter note. e = eighth note. s = sixteenth note. Sometimes & markings are included to show that a note or rest lies on the "and" of a certain beat.
A dot after the rhythm marking means the corresponding note or rest is dotted. For instance, q. = dotted quarter note.
For rhythm basics, see How to Read Music.Learn the symbol for Hammer ons. In a tab, an "h" inserted between two notes (e.g. 7h9) means to perform a hammer on. To hammer on, play the first note normally, then use a finger on your fretting hand to tap down on the second note without using your strumming hand to pluck the note.
Sometimes "^" is used instead (e.g. 7^9) A "p" inserted between two notes (e.g. 9p7) means to perform a pull off, which is essentially the opposite of a hammer on. Pluck the first note while using another finger to fret the second note. Then, quickly lift the finger fretting the first note. The second note will sound.
As with hammer ons, sometimes "^" is used instead (e.g. 9^7). In this case, know to perform a pull off if the second note is lower and a hammer on if the second note is higher.If a "b" is inserted between two fret numbers (e.g. 7b9), fret the first note and bend it up until it sounds like the second.
Sometimes the second number is in parentheses, and occasionally the "b" is omitted altogether. If there is an "r" it denotes what the note should be released to (e.g. 7b9r7).Perform a basic slide by striking a note, moving your finger up or down a string without releasing it from the fretboard, then striking another note. An ascending slide is marked by a forward slash "/" and a descending slide is marked by a backwards slash "" (e.g. 7/97).
A lowercase "s" usually means to perform a legato slide. This is like a normal slide, but you only strike the first note with your pick. Let your target note sound simply from the motion in your fret hand.Shift slides are signified by an uppercase "S." In this case, strike the target note without striking the initial note of the slide.