Understanding '14' in Guitar Tabs: A Comprehensive Guide

Much like deciphering a complex map, understanding musical notation on the guitar can sometimes be a challenge for beginners. One such notational practice that often confounds players is when '14' appears in the tablature or tab. This article aims to demystify what '14' means in the context of guitar tabs, explaining the concept and providing practical examples to help you interpret and play these notes correctly.

What is a Guitar Tab?

A guitar tab is a simplified music notation system, which shows the notes and chords of a song without the need for standard music notation. Each line represents a string on the guitar, and the numbers indicate which fret to press down on that string. However, guitar tabs can sometimes contain numbers that are not actually referring to frets, as is the case with '14' when it appears without a preceding number.

Understanding '14'

The '14' in guitar tabs refers to a harmonic note on the 12th fret. A harmonic note is created by lightly touching a string at a specific fret while the string is being plucked or played. This light touch dampens the vibration of the string, creating a ringing, higher-pitched tone known as a harmonic. In the context of 14, it usually means to fret the 2nd fret and then touch the 12th-fret harmonic that is on 14 since you're fretting 2.

Let's break this down step by step:

Locate the 2nd fret on the relevant string. Place your finger on the 2nd fret and then, Lightly touch the 12th fret to create the harmonic. Play the note with a light touch on the 2nd fret.

This technique is a common practice in various musical styles and compositions, adding a distinctive and often ethereal quality to the sound. The 12th fret is significant because it is the midpoint of the neck and creates an octave higher, which is why harmonics at the 12th fret are particularly clear and defined.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

To better understand how to play a '14' in a tab, let's look at a simple guitar tab:

[tab]
E|---2---14---
B|---3---11---
G|---3---9----
D|---2---7----
A|---1---5----
E|---0---3----
[/tab]

In this example, you would:

Fret the 2nd fret on the 6th string (E). Fret the 3rd fret on the 5th string (B). Fret the 3rd fret on the 4th string (G). Fret the 2nd fret on the 3rd string (D). Fret the 1st fret on the 2nd string (A). Pluck the 0th fret on the 1st string (E). Play the 12th-fret harmonic on the 6th string (E).

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES INVOLVING '14'

Playing harmonics can be a challenging technique but also a rewarding one. Here are a few tips to help you master the art:

Alternate between fretted and harmonic notes: Transition smoothly between fretted notes and harmonics to create a dynamic and interesting sound. Palm muting: Using palm muting can help you control the tone and bring out the harmonic notes more clearly. Practice timing: Ensure that the harmonics do not disrupt the overall timing and feel of the song.

By mastering the '14' technique, you can add a unique touch to your playing and enhance your performances. This technique is particularly useful in genres like jazz, rock, and experimental music where distinctive and intricate sounds are desired.

CONCLUSION

In summary, understanding '14' in guitar tabs involves recognizing it as an indication to touch the 12th-fret harmonic while fretting another note. This technique adds a rich and distinctive sound to your playing, making your music stand out. By learning and incorporating this into your repertoire, you can bring a new level of complexity and beauty to your guitar playing.

REFERENCES

To further explore this topic and improve your understanding of guitar tabs and technique, consider consulting the following resources:

Guitar Tricks - Advanced Guitar Tab Reading Musicians Friend - Are You Playing Harmonics the Right Way? Musicnotes Blog - Guitar Techniques