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ChristopherSchlegel
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Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,837
ChristopherSchlegel
Full Access
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,837
01/13/2024 5:52 pm
#13 Originally Posted by: michael@rockon

One quick question Christopher…in terms of notation as long as you can read the rhythm elements of the notation (which I can) you should be on the right track correct? I have seen tab that includes rhythm which was helpful but I guess as long as you have the notation above the tab it does not matter. 

Sure, that's helpful.


I have also seen tab that includes rhythmic notation.  That's a good solution for guitarists.  There is another important aspect of standard notation that makes it better than tab:  it makes the conceptual or theoretical elements easier to perceive.  It's literally easier to see how any given line or melody is certain scale degrees.  Or how groups of notes are phrases from a key signature.  Or which notes are accidentals.  Or to see chord tones as scale degrees or parts of a key signature.


Now, once you understand those conceptual elements of music it's not absolutely necessary to have them visible via notation.  But this is exactly the type of conceptualization with which guitarists typically struggle.  They know a shape on the fretboard or a "grip" with which to hold a chord shape.  And tab works great for that approach.  Combine that with the fact that the physical layout of the guitar makes it difficult to see the theory & this is exactly where standard notation can help a great deal.


I use both.  But I especially rely on standard notation when I'm learning a new piece or analyzing a piece.  Hope that makes sense!


Christopher Schlegel
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