If you don't know how to read traditional sheet music, tabs are a simpler way to play guitar music. Guitar tabs are composed of six lines that are read from left to right. The bottom line represents the 6th string, also known as the low E string, which is the thickest string on your guitar. From there, you can deduce that the top-most line on a guitar tab represents the high E string, or the first string, which is the thinnest string on your guitar. When reading guitar tablature, guitar tab symbols tell the player what to do. The symbols could represent a bend, a palm mute, a hammer on, a pull off, vibrato, and other things. Even if you have a key for all of the guitar tab symbols, it may be difficult to play a tab when the time comes.