Quote:


For fretted stringed instruments, tablature far surpasses standard notation IMHO. It’s much more “exact” as far as to where on the fretboard the notes are being played. Especially with the newer TAB programs that include symbols and standard notation for all of the musical nuances.



Problem with tab is that it ignores rhythm figures.

This means that you would have to also be able to HEAR a performance of the song, typically through use of a recording, to obtain that necessary information.

For example, if I were to mail you a Tab of a newly written piece with no accompanying recording from which to get and understand WHEN and HOW LONG to play each of the events along the tab timeline, you might not be able to decipher that information.

There is a method for guitarists to read only the dots, it is based on the thorough study of the positions along the neck, first position being down by the nut, second starts on the second fret, third position on the third fret, etc. in which the guitarist is taught the CAGED chord and scale patterns and then to view the written notation with the range for an area in mind and picking the position in which the guitarist is likely to be able to reach those notes in the easiest fashion. This was originally how Segovia published his famous and wonderful transcriptions of classical works for violin, piano, sometimes orchestral works that he transcribed into classical guitar pieces. Certain killer Jazz guitarists also came from out of that school and can do some amazing things sight reading piano charts, guitar charts, etc. The conssumate reading guitarist develops a different mindset about these things as opposed to the reading pianist, that in itself is one of those things best approached from a very early age when learning the basics from a good teacher is going to be something less than pulling teeth, as it were.

The guitar is the one instrument where, when someone asks me if I can read, I usually reply, "Yes, but not so well that it hurts the way I play..." That is because it usually involves reinterpreting things such as note stacks in order to actually play the damn part in the first place. Some guitarists I have worked with are very fast at doing that, even in realtime, me, it may take a few minutes o' headscratchin' to catch up. *grin*


--Mac

PGmusic FAQs, Tutorials and Updates! click here

You must be Audiominds.
www.audiominds.com