Query

[guitarissts]

I'm a beginner so be patient. I'm only used to seeing black dots on frets
to show me which strings to press to make a D or and A, etc. What does the
2-3-2-0-0 mean in the message below in terms of which fingers press which
strings on which frets?:)
---2---
---3---
---2---
---0---
---0---
-------

[Tig]

---2---
---3---
---2---
---0---
---0---
-------

The TAB you have above will use the strings oriented in this diagram. TAB's are upside down, as from your perspective of looking down on the fret board.
http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/image-files/tabproto.png


So that means the top "2" in your chord is the lightest/smallest string, (e). You will place a finger so that that string is fretted above the 2nd fret.
For the next string (B) with the "3", you will fret it at the 3rd fret.
The middle "2" is on the "G" string, fretted on the second fret.
The two "O" strings are D and A. The "O" means open, so strum these strings without any frets.

I hope this makes sense. There are likely a few videos out there that would be better, but I can't post them from work. Look for "reading TAB's".

[Tig]

Oh, and welcome to The Fret! I saw your different query over at Mark Wein's forum as well.

This type of TAB does not tell you which fingers to place where, however. You may see teaching TABs show you a more complete fret board diagram like the ones below. The diagrams rotates to vertical.
The top is the nut. "O" is for open strings that are played but not fretted. "X" is for strings not played at all.

http://www.guitar-players-toolbox.com/images/basicchordchart.png

[guitartango]

I'm a beginner so be patient. I'm only used to seeing black dots on frets
to show me which strings to press to make a D or and A, etc. What does the
2-3-2-0-0 mean in the message below in terms of which fingers press which
strings on which frets?:)
---2---
---3---
---2---
---0---
---0---
-------

Take a look at Tig's chord chart, from the tab this would be a D Chord. So First finger on the G (3) string , second finger on the E (1) and third finger on the B (2) string.

Does it make sense ? It will do :D

[bcdon]

Welcome aboard, guitarissts. The Fret is a great place to ask these kinds of questions as you won't find nothing but helpful people around. Tig's post will really get you going and just take it slow.. after a while the TAB style will make perfect sense to you. Rock on! :dude

[Tig]

Dig about in the Beginners and Newbies section here (http://www.thefret.net/forumdisplay.php/50-Beginners-amp-Newbies) for plenty of tips and useful info.

Free Lesson Videos:

Look through Robert's videos at dolphinstreet.com (http://www.dolphinstreet.com/guitar_video_lessons/) for various level lessons and licks.

Mark Wein Guitar Lessons (http://markweinguitarlessons.com/forums/list.php?category/49-Lesson-Order-and-FAQ) has a structured video system that is very useful.

And for excellent detailed beginner lessons, look through Pebber Brown's lesson pages (http://www.pbguitarstudio.com/GuitarVideoLessons.html).

There, that will last you up to a year or more, all for free!