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Hi Brandon,
Not able to read the TAB is definitely frustrating and once you understand it, it will help you to navigate the FRET board more easily (and understand the notes). Before the 30 Day challenge, there might be an introductory video on the Guitar strings & TAB. A quick reader digest version on how I remember everything:
1. The strings are from Low to High: (E)ddie (A)te (D)ynomite, (G)ood, (B)ye, (E)ddie. (EADGBE). Once you get that acrynom under your fingers, move on to the TAB.
2. The TAB is broken down into two sections. The top section are the signature notes are the notes based on the musical scale (forget about those at this moment). Concentrate in the section where you see the numbers. This section will guide you where to put your fingers on the fretboard.
3. The TAB works as the following matrix. The bottom line starts with the LOW E and each line corresponds to a string moving upwards to the top line which is the HIGH E. The numbers are the fret numbers. So if you see the Bottom Line with a number “3”, it means to put your finger on the LOW E string at the 3rd FRET. If you see a bunch of numbers vertical to each other, that usually means a Chord. After a while, you’ll start to recognize the chord based on the numbers. The TAB is very, very useful so definitely spend time understanding it.
4. The top portion of the TAB (where you see the notes) will tell you how long to hold a particular note. Each note has its own length of sound to hold. I bet someone can post a YT video to go over this. If not, a great book to have on hand is called, “How to Read Music” by Roger Evans. Old book, but it is a dictionary on the fundementals of music notations. It is more for the keyboard, but you can use it for the guitar too. It will give you the basics to move forward.
Once you understand the above, then dive into the Daily challenges especially Monday & Tuesdays. Monday’s will give you some techniques and Tuesdays are short licks to play to build your confidence. Some are easy and some are not – depends on the lesson for the week. Also, hunt around the Skills section on the website, there are some lessons there that will aid you going forward. As Moose mentioned, don’t worry about getting it perfect – just understand it enough and it will repeat itself in the future. Good luck and I do hope the above helps you.