How guitar tab playback works
Playback turns your fret columns into sound inside the browser. Press Play under the staff, or Space when the editor is focused. A playhead marks the active column. Empty cells are rests. One column equals one beat at the current tempo.
Tempo
Set tempo between 40 and 240 BPM. Slow the beat to learn a phrase, then raise it for a run-through. Tempo is stored with your tab in localStorage.
Loop a range
Use Loop, then Shift-click two columns to set start and end. Playback repeats that range until you stop or clear the loop. Handy for hammer-on drills and bass grooves.
Local synth only
Tones are simple plucked oscillators via the Web Audio API. Nothing is sent to a server for sound. Expect a practice pitch reference, not a sample pack.
Open the editor and press Play. For print output see export PDF.
FAQ
How does playback work?
After you enter frets, press Play or Space while the editor is focused. A playhead moves column by column. Empty cells are rests. One column equals one beat at the current tempo, which is enough for slow practice. Use the tempo box to slow a phrase down.
What does the sound come from?
Playback uses a simple plucked oscillator tone synthesized in your browser with the Web Audio API. No sample pack downloads, and no audio leaves your device. The tone is meant for checking pitch and rhythm, not for studio production or sharing a finished mix.
Can I loop a section?
Yes. Turn on Loop, then Shift-click two columns to set a start and end, or clear the loop when you are done. Playback repeats that column range at your tempo so you can slow a phrase for practice without rewriting the tab.