Repeats are indicated by two dots at the double bar line. If there are separate endings for first and repeat these are shown by a line above the relevant bars marked 1. and 2. The second repeat final bar(s) transition into the B part. Tab repeats are almost always simply a return to the opening bar of the part. Music notation has a wider range of possibilities and specific markers/symbols to indicate these variations.

It would be worth acquiring a basic notation guide that will explain these markers clearly with examples. These basics can be learned very quickly. Tab uses only a very few markers borrowed from standard notation.

Are you talking about tablature or staff notation?

If it's the latter (and the goal is to apply it to the 5-string banjo), there are plenty of method books that walk you through the basics. Mel Bay's Banjo Method: C Tuning - Concert Style is still in print, or you can easily find used copies of the old pink- and blue-cover editions. 

For plectrum/tenor banjo there are some method books (mostly from the 1920s) that you can find digitized versions of. 

You will not find books of fiddle tunes that teach you how to read on the banjo. 

The key is just to do it, and stick at it. In the beginning, working through a new piece is tedious, but the benefits surpass any amount of "studying" notation as an isolated subject. 

(And if you actually mean tablature, my advice is the same -- just learn pieces, and it will come to you over time). 

#1. You need to put up an example of what you are having trouble reading.

Tab is typically amateur generated, that is, there are no rules other than the basic structure of one line per string. It has evolved enough that creators tend to follow the basic rules of notation, for the most part, but there's lots of it out there that has been created in ignorance of formal music structure and symbology. Some of it even ignores time signature. It simply depends on the originator's intent.

The general rule for repeat (if there are no repeat bar lines) is that each section usually gets two repeats. AA-BB, etc. When you've reached the last section, you go back to "A". Usually if there is something different needed, there should be a note. In performance, the performers decide on the structure...and it can vary widely.

When I create Tab, I use all the standard notation tools. Repeat signs, Italian directions, rehearsal marks (alphabet), etc.

Even a few lessons with a teacher will pay off in spades. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

I picked up a book "How to Read Music" and spent part of an evening getting the low down on the low down. It had all the music info I cared or wanted for banjo. I use it some when I want to convert a folk song into banjo tab. Months? Naw, not that complicated. banjered

quote:

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Originally posted by Michaelalan

My goal for the next three months is to become fluent in reading tab.
Why? For the unlocking of the puzzle if it.

What do all the different symbols mean? I know the sharps and flats.
I know the basic 4/4 etc.
How do I know what the repeat sign is?
What sign is used for the start of the B section in a fiddle tune?
How do I know when to return to the theme of the song?

Sorry, but I'm not ashamed to show my ignorance.
Please be knd.

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There are lots of books or online sites that help understand notation symbols.

Sections and repeats are generally indicated by bar lines.

That typically covers most tunes.

Sometimes there are other marks that indicate repeat things. Not uncommon is to see a bar with 1. and another bar with 2. - indicating repeat of the section, but with different last bar. Generally at the "end" of the notation, you go back to the top section (not including any intro section), repeat whole thing, as many times as need/want. One thing to watch for and interpret, depending on how written; are if full bars at beginning, ending and between sections... or if they include pickup notes in other section.

Should note that sometimes the person that wrote out TAB, doesn't always spell out exact bar/repeat performance or pickup notes... such as just assumes folks listen and know to repeat the A part twice, and B part twice, and back to beginning; or know a song, and assume what intro, outro, verse, chorus.

Perhaps less common in most fiddle tunes, songs or TAB, are specific arrangement marks like:
  D.C. (Da Capo) - return to beginning of piece.
  D.S. (Dal Segno) - from the sign (a little $ like sign), rather than start.
  Al Fine - play from D.C. or D.S. until reach word "Fine"
  Al Coda - after playing repeats above, to * and play separate ending section.
 

Not sure what meant by "return to the theme of the song"? - most fiddle tunes have basic distinct sections or parts structure (AABB, AABC...)  that just loop back to beginning. Songs, more of a basic verse/chorus thing, although some can have pre-chorus, or bridge sections. As well maybe an into section before first lyrics, if calling verse or chorus the theme? In some music, like bluegrass, the banjo break need to determine if over the verse or chorus... and if any extra added beats between singing and breaks and singing. It might not be spelled out in TAB, as some of it is determined by given performer(s).

Surprised @chuckv97 hasn't posted.
He writes TAB pretty much every day.
What would be ledger lines in standard notation, represent the strings of a banjo. Then there is circles with numbers within them. The numbers indicate the finger in which the tune is to be played, linearly. Read from left to right, play by numbers. I know of none that can play as it is as read, like standard notation. I figured people memorize a tune in pieces?
I learned Cripple Creek in this way, back in 1979. But I just roll chords and sing. Just cuz I get paid, doesn't mean I know how to play.

You can help yourself as well as others willing to help you if you would post an example of tab that you'd like to understand. It is much easier to explain and for you understand if we could note by note and measure by measure through an example. 

David

There is also a Ted talk available at youtube.com/watch?v=ZN41d7Txcq0