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How to count rhythmic tablature
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Symbols of rhythmic tablature

Guitar tablature uses the following symbols to represent note values and count rhythms:

Whole note (UK: semibreve) ellipse around fret number without stem 4 beats long
Half note (minim) ellipse around fret number with stem 2 beats long
Quarter note (crotchet) fret number with stem 1 beat long
Eighth note (quaver) fret number with flag or beam ½ beat long
Sixteenth note (semiquaver) fret number with two flags or beams ¼ beat long
Whole rest (semibreve) rectangle hanging from the 3rd string 4 beats long
Half rest (minim) rectangle sitting on the 4th string 2 beats long
Quarter rest (crotchet) curved symbol 1 beat long
Eighth (quaver) single flag ½ beat long
Sixteenth rest (semiquaver) double flag ¼ beat long
Triplet bracket or slur with the number 3 3 notes in the space of 2
Time signature upper numerator indicates beats per bar, lower denominator defines beat unit
Dotted note/rest dot after a note/rest extends it by its half duration (+ 50 %)
Tie connects held note with next note to form a single extended note
Fermata small half circle with dot above a note prolongs it at the musician's discretion