Learn how to automatically transcribe your ukulele or guitar recordings into tablature using our Music Tab Transcriber tool.

What is the Music Tab Transcriber?

The Music Tab Transcriber is a web-based tool that analyzes audio recordings of guitar or ukulele playing and automatically generates tablature (tab). It uses advanced pitch detection algorithms to identify notes and their timing, then converts them into standard tab notation.

Features

  • Audio Analysis: Upload MP3 files and let the tool detect notes automatically
  • Instrument Support: Works with both Ukulele (GCEA) and Guitar (EADGBE)
  • Visual Timeline: See detected notes on an interactive timeline
  • Audio Playback: Synthesize and play back the detected notes
  • PDF Export: Download professional tablature with fret maps
  • Dark Mode Support: Comfortable viewing in any lighting

How to Use

Step 1: Record Your Audio

Record yourself playing ukulele or guitar. For best results:

  • Play single notes (not chords)
  • Use a quiet environment
  • Keep a steady tempo
  • MP3 format recommended

Step 2: Upload to the Tool

  1. Go to Music Tab Transcriber
  2. Click “Choose Audio File (MP3)”
  3. Select your recording
  4. Click “Analyze Audio”

Step 3: Review Results

After analysis (may take a few seconds):

  • View the visual timeline showing detected notes
  • Check the accuracy
  • Click “Synthesize & Play” to hear the detected notes

Step 4: Download Tablature

  1. Scroll to the “Download Tablature” section
  2. Select your instrument (Ukulele or Guitar)
  3. Click “Download PDF”

The PDF includes:

  • Complete fret map showing all notes on each fret
  • Standard tablature notation with proper line breaks
  • Clear string labels (top to bottom)

Tips for Best Results

Recording Tips

  • Clean Audio: Minimize background noise
  • Single Notes: The tool works best with one note at a time
  • Clear Attack: Make sure each note starts cleanly
  • Moderate Speed: Not too fast, not too slow

Understanding the Output

The tablature uses standard notation:

A|--1--3--4--3--1--3--1--0--1--
E|----------------------------0--
C|------------------------------
G|------------------------------
  • Numbers = Fret positions
  • Dashes = No note played on that string
  • Read left to right

Fret Map Reference

The PDF includes a complete fret map:

Ukulele Fret Map (GCEA Tuning)
String | Open | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ...
A (top)|  A   | A#| B | C | C#| D | ...
E      |  E   | F | F#| G | G#| A | ...
C      |  C   | C#| D | D#| E | F | ...
G (bot)|  G   | G#| A | A#| B | C | ...

Use this to understand where each note is located.

Example Use Cases

Learning Songs

  1. Record yourself playing a song
  2. Generate tablature
  3. Review what you played
  4. Identify mistakes or improvements

Practice Tool

  1. Play scales or exercises
  2. Check if you hit the right notes
  3. Verify timing and rhythm

Creating Tabs

  1. Record your original composition
  2. Generate tablature automatically
  3. Share with others

Teaching

  1. Record student performances
  2. Generate tabs for review
  3. Discuss technique and accuracy

Troubleshooting

“No notes detected”

  • Check audio volume (not too quiet)
  • Ensure notes are clear and distinct
  • Try a shorter clip first

“Inaccurate notes”

  • Re-record with cleaner audio
  • Play slower and more deliberately
  • Check tuning of your instrument

“PDF shows strange characters”

  • Should be fixed in latest version
  • Uses ASCII-only characters now

Give It a Try!

Ready to transcribe your playing? Head over to the Music Tab Transcriber and upload your first recording!

Have feedback or suggestions? Let us know how the tool works for you.