mary had a little lamb tab guitar

2 min read 01-02-2025

"Mary Had a Little Lamb" is a classic nursery rhyme, instantly recognizable and beloved by generations. Learning this simple tune on the guitar is a fantastic way for beginners to build their skills and confidence. This guide provides a beginner-friendly tablature (tab) for playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the guitar, along with tips and variations to enhance your playing.

Understanding Guitar Tablature

Before diving into the tab, let's briefly review what guitar tablature represents. Each horizontal line represents a string on your guitar (thickest to thinnest: E A D G B e). The numbers on each line indicate which fret to press down on that string. A "0" indicates an open string (no fret pressed).

The Basic Tab for "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

This version focuses on the melody, keeping it simple and easy to learn:

e|--0--0--0--2--2--2--3--3--3--2--2--0--|
B|--1--1--1--3--3--3--0--0--0--3--3--1--|
G|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--|
A|--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--|
E|--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--|

Playing Tips:

Strumming: Use a simple downstroke strumming pattern for each note. Experiment with different strumming patterns once you're comfortable with the melody.
Finger Placement: Focus on clean, accurate finger placement to ensure a clear sound.
Tempo: Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you improve accuracy.

Variations and Extensions

Once you've mastered the basic tab, you can explore these variations:

Adding Chords:

While the above tab focuses solely on the melody, you can add simple chords to create a fuller sound. Basic chords like C, G, and D would work well with this tune. Experiment to find chord progressions that sound pleasing to your ear.

Arpeggios:

Instead of strumming, try playing each note individually as an arpeggio. This technique will highlight the melody more and provide a different feel to the song.

Different Fingerings:

While the provided tab is a starting point, there may be alternative fingerings that feel more comfortable for your hand. Experiment with different finger positions to find what works best for you.

Practicing Effectively

Consistent practice is key to mastering any piece of music. Aim for short, focused practice sessions rather than long, tiring ones. Break down the song into smaller sections and focus on mastering each section before moving on. Regular practice will help you develop muscle memory and improve your overall playing.

Conclusion

Learning "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on guitar is a rewarding experience for beginners. This simple yet timeless tune provides a solid foundation for further musical exploration. With practice and experimentation, you can adapt and personalize the tab to your style, creating a unique and enjoyable musical experience. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning!