Guitar TAB vs. Sheet Music

By Sean Killeen

Many guitarists do not understand the differences between guitar tablature and sheet music. In this article I will address the differences, and the pros and cons for each style of notation.

        Many guitarists prefer tablature because it is relatively easy. It clearly displays the guitar strings and fret number for each note. Tablature also uses intuitive symbols to indicate technique, such as (Po) which means pull-off, or (/) which means slide up. There are other symbols and author’s will note exactly how the original artist played the song. With a little explanation even a beginner can read guitar tablature.

        Tablature is available on the internet at no charge. However, the free tablature available on the internet is not always accurate. Many free internet tabs are written by hobbyists who listen to a song and transcribe their best guess. So an aspiring guitarist may still need to use his or her ear to decipher the correct notes.

        Tablature is, in a sense, a short cut. Learning to read sheet music is challenging, but is well worth the time and effort. It can help with understanding music theory. Key signatures, progressions, rhythms, and other elements become easily recognizable. With enough practice, sight reading is possible (accurately playing an unfamiliar song from reading the sheet music) since the notes and timing is indicated in one symbol, whereas tablature needs multiple symbols for the same amount of information. The ability to read sheet music also helps with aural skill development. One can see the interval between two notes and then hear it. This engages two different senses to enhance memory of the sound from one note to another.

        A downside to sheet music is that it is not free. Some internet sites that offer sheet music will require a subscription to the site to view the material. Other sites will offer to sell notation books or require adding software to your computer. Though the quality is usually far higher than most free tablature, it can be frustrating to have to buy a whole book to get the sheet music for one song.