I am new to the guitar (9 months) but have played another instrument for about 10 years. I found I was learning very slowly by looking at tabs so I started translating tabs to the actual notes. I have found reading the actual makes it much easier to learn a song. And notes can much more accurately describe what you are playing (1/8 note 1/4 note etc...) So what's with all the tabs everywhere. Some of the target attachments have actual notes but most seem to have only tabs. What do other people think. I must be missing something here. Maybe notes only work well in first position?
jim
tabs vs notes
jjeakle wrote:
TAB is a pretty standard way for guitarists to learn songs. When you say notes, I'm assuming you mean sheet music? If you read music (I saw you have played another instrument for 10 years or so) then good for you but I think it is safe to say that there are more guitarists who don't read music than there are that do. If that assumption holds true, then it would be pretty useless for TG to put sheet music with lessons when the majority of people can't read it. On the other hand, everyone can read TAB. Also, most Target lessons have Neil's chord sheets. Can't get much easier than that.
So I guess you aren't really missing anything and it has nothing to do with 1st position, it's just that the majority can't read music. (I think).
Jim, you will get better answers I'm sure but it's early afternoon where I am whereas most in the US are asleep!So what's with all the tabs everywhere.
jim
TAB is a pretty standard way for guitarists to learn songs. When you say notes, I'm assuming you mean sheet music? If you read music (I saw you have played another instrument for 10 years or so) then good for you but I think it is safe to say that there are more guitarists who don't read music than there are that do. If that assumption holds true, then it would be pretty useless for TG to put sheet music with lessons when the majority of people can't read it. On the other hand, everyone can read TAB. Also, most Target lessons have Neil's chord sheets. Can't get much easier than that.
So I guess you aren't really missing anything and it has nothing to do with 1st position, it's just that the majority can't read music. (I think).
Jim- what you are describing is tablature versus standard notation. Standard notation is universal to all music and tab is appropriate for guitar and bass. Tab is actually considerably older that standard notation but as you pointed out it does have some limitations, especially in the area of timing.
Tab is a graphical representation of which notes to play on which strings. Standard notation shows the actual pitch and lets you figure out how to play it on whatever instrument you choose.
All that being said, there is no question that tab is much easier for guitarists, especially new ones, to use. It has become almost universal for all guitarsits.
If you like standard notation, consider purchasing Guitar Pro software. This program is relatively inexpensive and allows every song to be shown in either standard or tab or both. GP is not without it's challenges but it is meant for guitarists and is almost mandatory since Neil puts out all his lessons in .gpx format.
Cheers! :cheer:
Tab is a graphical representation of which notes to play on which strings. Standard notation shows the actual pitch and lets you figure out how to play it on whatever instrument you choose.
All that being said, there is no question that tab is much easier for guitarists, especially new ones, to use. It has become almost universal for all guitarsits.
If you like standard notation, consider purchasing Guitar Pro software. This program is relatively inexpensive and allows every song to be shown in either standard or tab or both. GP is not without it's challenges but it is meant for guitarists and is almost mandatory since Neil puts out all his lessons in .gpx format.
Cheers! :cheer:
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neverfoundthetime
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 2:14 pm
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Wise word above Jim. Welcome, by the way! I'm using Tuxguitar which is like GuitarPro but free on the net. Works pretty good.
I have this discussion with many guitar players. I personally feel that TAB basically does not require more than 5 minutes to learn how to read the music, while standard notation requires a long period of time. Personally I feel that anyone who is even slightly serious about learning guitar owes it to themselves to learn to read standard notation.
I personally read both, but as Tab is sometimes faster and easier, I will start with the tabs then move to the Standard notation, which sometimes actually hurts me. I think STandard notation would really be better from the get go.
I personally read both, but as Tab is sometimes faster and easier, I will start with the tabs then move to the Standard notation, which sometimes actually hurts me. I think STandard notation would really be better from the get go.
I hear you,,i love to have standaard notation above the tab,,it say's a lot on the rhytmn,,but where to find or play the notes on the neck with only standaard notation cost a lot of time,,you mensiond its only for open or first postion?? when you look at old music for guitar then they give also the position were to play(first,second third,,etc,,,)they even show you to make a half barree and how the put your fingers..
ps Look at the Bourree lesson and then the standaard notation...
ps Look at the Bourree lesson and then the standaard notation...