How to pronounce tablature
Say it like TAB-luh-cher. Tablature has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tablature. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TAB
- luh
- cher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tablature pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- cherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of tablature
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TAB-luh-chuh.
What does tablature mean?
- A form of musical notation indicating fingering rather than the pitch of notes, commonly used for stringed instruments.
- An engraved tablet, or a painting on a wall or ceiling, or sometimes a picture in general.
- A division of the skull into two tables.
Where does tablature come from?
From French, from Italian tavolatura, from Latin tabulatura, from tabula.
Questions about saying tablature
How do you pronounce tablature?
Say TAB-luh-cher. The American pronunciation is /ˈtæblətʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtæblətʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tablature?
Tablature has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAB). Broken into parts: TAB · luh · cher.
Is tablature pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈtæblətʃə/ (TAB-luh-chuh).