Guitar exercises that play as tab

Chromatic 1-2-3-4 from fret 1

One finger per fret, four notes on each string up to the high E and back. Each pass moves up a fret.

Beginner · 60 to 120 BPM

Diagonal finger relay on strings 4-3-2-1, from fret 1

Four fingers in a diagonal across four strings, then the mirror grip, one note at a time. Each pass moves up a fret.

Beginner · 50 to 120 BPM

Finger pair 1 & 2

Pick the first finger, hammer the second, on every string and back. Spend longest on the pairs that feel weakest.

Beginner · 50 to 90 BPM

Alternate picking across the strings

Even down-up strokes, a set number on each string; the picking hand alone keeps the time.

Beginner · 60 to 160 BPM

Hammer and pull, fingers 1-2

Pick the first note, hammer on, pull back off: three even notes on each string, high E to low E and back.

Beginner · 50 to 100 BPM

Whole-step bends against a fretted target

Target first, then a whole-step bend with the third finger supported by fingers 1 and 2 (D to E, G to A).

Beginner · 60 to 90 BPM

A Minor Pentatonic, position 1

Every note of the scale in one position, from the lowest to the highest and back, one note per click, then two.

Beginner · 60 to 120 BPM

Natural notes on string 6

Every natural note on one string from the open string to fret 12 and back; say each name as you play it.

Beginner · 40 to 80 BPM

A to D changes

One strum per click, switching chord every time. Count how many clean changes you make in a minute.

Beginner · 30 to 90 BPM

G, down, down-up, up-down

Keep the strumming hand moving down on the beats and up on the "ands", touching the strings only where the pattern says.

Beginner · 50 to 120 BPM

Box bend to the major 3rd

B.B. King

Bend the 2nd (B) a whole step to C#, release, resolve to the root with wide vibrato. Leave the space at the end; it is part of the style.

Beginner · 44 to 72 BPM

Palm-muted gallop on E and A

Iron Maiden

Down-down-up on each beat. Loop one beat until relaxed, then the bar.

Beginner · 72 to 120 BPM

Name the Note

A note lights up on the neck. Pick its name, hear it, and keep the streak going. Start on Beginner and move up when the names come without counting frets.