Learning guitar: should I learn to read music, or use tabs?

Question

I've been playing guitar for a little bit, just self teaching with tabs. I am wondering if I should learn to read the music if I want to try to get really good? OR...can I get by on tabs?

(Also wondering if anyone knows of some good books for self-teaching for someone who is beginner/intermediate?)

Answer 1

If I were you and had plenty of patience, I would learn how to do both. I can only do the song if I have the chords written in above the lyrics but am trying to teach myself to read tableture. Learn the chords and you really don't need sheet music the way I see it. Find the songs lyrics that have the chords typed in above the lyrics and it'll make it alot easier. Less difficult anyway. They also make "flash cards" that have the notes written out, or in sheet music style, that also have the fingerings on the other side.  

Answer 2

I would recommend (over time) learning both standard notation and tabs. You can get by learning one way but it will give you an incomplete picture. eg: tabs usually don't display timing and standard notation doesn't display finger positioning. So to get the complete picture of how to play a piece it is best to read both tab and standard notation together.

Guitar tab programs like Guitar Pro or Powertab display both at once so have a go playing along with them.

As far as learning from books, there are so many good internet sites and I'm sure plenty of books out there, however I would recommend getting (at least a couple) lessons from a good teacher. If they are good they will stop you from picking up bad habits early. From personal experience (I'm self taught) it takes ages to correct a bad habit if you learn on your own. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

If you want to be really good, I'd go with reading music. But not only reading it, learn music theory. Music theory combined with the knowledge of the fret board and techniques make an awesome guitarist.

Answer 4

ok.i learned with pure tabs,now im in a metal band and we play at bars,clubs and small places.one time we played with mushroomhead.but anyways,i never learned chords.i learned off of tabs,and if u write a song,after looking at tabs for a wile,ull learn how to write them.

Answer 5

It depends on what you want to get into. If you want to start a band with a group of people, you'll be fine with tab only. Generally the same if you join a band. However, if you want to play classical guitar, go to university, or get hired for some sort of professional, non-rock band show, you'll need to know music theory. I would suggest it in any case.

Answer 6

Anyone considering tabs vs. standard notation should read this article:

http://www.betterguitar.com/blog/classic...

I've yet to find a book that does an adequate (IMO) job of teaching one how to read music. Do yourself a favor and hire a teacher. Real students often pose questions to real teachers that books may gloss over or ignore completely.

Kabum