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Difficulty Reading Guitar Music
I am logging in everyday for 10 minutes but finding it so difficult to keep up with the speed at which Tony speaks. I’ve had to write everything down. I have printed out the music and attempted to read the treble clef
I can read music, and obviously the treble clef is played by the right hand using the upper notes and the fretting hand plays the tab section. Thanks
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20 Replies
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Technically you could play the guitar piece just from the treble clef, the notes would give the note name and duration. The challenge is knowing where those notes are on the fretboard. That is why TAB exists. So you can know where to place your fingers on the fretboard without having to know the note or its location.
Reading TAB is definitely a skill that takes to learn. Keep at it and you will improve.
I’ve been here over a year and I can’t always follow what Tony is saying, so I always look at the TAB to figure out where my fingers should go and just use his verbal description to determine which fingers to use.
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Thanks very much for responding with those kind words of encouragement.
I am only at my 90 day mark with Tony and I’m sure if I continue, I’ll have success.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my concern.
I will do my best to follow your instructions. Hopefully I will find success.
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I mirror your approach in that while I can [slowly] read the music on the staff I rely more on the tab for fretboard placement. I do use the staff for rhythm regularly and make myself read the notes. Intellectually I can read then music but the muscle memory is not there in regards to my fretting. Using tab however I can play along quite quickly. I say this not to talk about me but to encourage you to know that tab will come to you as reading the staff is coming to me. And know that Tony has a special place in his heart for Canadians (and hockey).
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I’ll try to be patient and take one step at a time.
It’s good to know that Tony has a special place in his heart for Canadians, considering that he is a hockey enthusiast.
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I too am trying to get a handle on reading the TABs. They give you the fret number but not necessarily the finger. In the beginning of my TAC journey I would print out the TAB and then watch the video carefully and write the finger number (1-4) on each note.
After a while I found this was not totally necessary since I am not trying to learn the whole challenge anymore, I only go as far as I feel like it and it’s fun for me. That I can do in my head. I watch Tony explain the challenge and then go into the PLAY mode. Often times it’s easier to pick up the method from the latter. Not always though because he will at times say to employ any vocalization you want (strum, cross pick, finger pick, etc) but the PLAY video will only have one of those.My issue is I can’t look at the TAB while I’m playing. I still have to look at my hands at this stage in my journey, although that is changing and I can see that in time I will be able to look at the TAB while playing. For now I need to look and subsequently play.
Now the notes are pretty much superfluous for me. I understand how to read them but yeah, can’t translate those to the fretboard. Years ago I played in a bell choir and we followed along by reading the notes.
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It would appear as though we’re having similar experience. I guess muscle memory takes sometime to feel comfortable. My neck is in for a good workout because I keep looking up and down to play tabs. One good thing is that I can easily pick up timing. Thanks for replying.
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Something that helps me a great deal is to play with a mirror. I keep two small ones in front of me just below the sheet music. I have a small shelf that attaches to the music stand so I can keep one there that allows me to see most of the fret board. I keep a second smaller one to the right of the first mirror, that I have angled so I can see the soundboard. My eyes can shift quickly between them and the sheet music without losing my place and it removes the issue of a sore neck/back. They are quick and easy to adjust to exactly where I need them so I can see what I want at any given time. The type of mirror is just a small portable travel mirror and they come in quite a few sizes/styles.
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Hi Jeanine,
Thank you for responding to my post. That sounds like you have a very creative approach to guitar practice. I do have 2 different sizes portable mirrors and should try affixing them so that I can accommodate that methodology.
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Hi Novelette,
Welcome! I have a feeling if you know how to read the Treble portion of the music, the TAB portion will come quite quickly to you once you get the hang of it. Like you, I could read the Treble portion since I played the keyboard now and then. However, the TAB was foreign to me.
Some tips that helped me:
(1) Write the letters of the strings on the TAB (EBGDAE Top->Bottom) so you know what number corresponds to what string. You have no idea how many times I reversed the strings I was playing.
(2) As you learn new chords, keep notes of the number sequence – (232000 – D Chord, 330023 – G Chord, 01220x – Am Chord, 000220 – Em Chord, etc.). When you see them then you automatically know you’re playing a chord.
(3) If you see X on the TAB, it means to mute the string.
(4) Start learning the relationship between the Treble notes, TAB number sequence to the actual Fretboard. For example, playing 3 on an E string is a G note. And then try to find the same note on other places on the Fretboard with the same pitch or different octaves.
(5) I believe Tony has a video on how to read the TAB, so definitely check it out. I’m unsure where it is located, but I do remember watching it when I first started.
As you dive deeper into the guitar, eventually you might want to consider the Fretboard Wizard or some other type of guitar music theory. You’ll get a lot of “A-Ha” moments especially learning various power chords, CAGED system and how everything relates to each other.
Since you already know how to read the rhythm portion which to me is the hardest, you’ll pick up the TAB portion pretty fast…you’re already in good hands when you have some of the best TAC people respond to you already. Good luck!
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Hello TerriG,
Thank you for the warm welcome. I can sort a relate to what you are saying. Prior to getting into Tony’s course, I started studying the fretboard and I have color copies printed out . Also I have affixed pretty stickers to markers 3,5,7,9. I have to try and reverse the strings in my head because I remember them as EADGBE but I’ll have to change that.
Several years ago while learning music theory I came across BEAD on the G String and suddenly it jumped out at me on the 7th Fret. How could anyone forget that. ?
I’ll have to see if I can apply the numbering system you mentioned.
I thank you so much for all the detailed explanation and keep up the good work!!
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Hello TerriG,
I make reference to your response advising me
(2) As you learn new chords, keep notes of the number sequence – (232000 – D Chord, 330023 – G Chord, 01220x – Am Chord, 000220 – Em Chord, etc.). When you see them then you automatically know you’re playing a chord.
May I ask, where did you find this number sequence? Is this connected to the CAGED system or is it another course?
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Hi Novelette,
Great question…As you progress through Tony’s challenges, each week he’ll reference a certain types of chords especially during the rhythm challenges. After a while, when you see the number sequence in the TAB – you’ll know which chord he is playing. I’ve been writing them down as I come across them as a quick reference. The most popular chords you’ll come across are: G, C, A, A minor, E, F, D and D minor. I gave you the number sequence reading from top-to-bottom on the TAB. There are others, but if you can get these under your fingers – you pretty much know how to play majority of the songs and makes it easier to read the TAB.
Also, if you print out today’s daily challenge “Punch It”, you’ll observe various symbols above the TAB. To help you if you’re at this point – they mean the following: “M” or something that looks like a bridge means to strum down, “V” it means strum upwards, “sl” means slide, “H” means hammer-on, and “P” means pull off. You might not be here yet in your journey, but this will come in handy soon.
The CAGED system is something else and is taught in Tony’s Fretboard Wizard course (which is extra). CAGED allows you to move around the fretboard in various types of finger positioning – “C”, “A”, “G”, “E” and “D” – kinda like power chords. It is vary powerful but it also requires the ability to use Barre chords which as a beginner is hard until you can get the finger strength and dexterity. Also Fretboard Wizard goes into how the Nashville Number system works which is necessity if you want to jam later on.
I don’t know if I answered your initial question, but as you move along the course just ask. In the Daily Challenge, the forum is very active and many will come to your aid if you need assistance. It’s a lot to take in first, but once you get comfortable – it becomes easier in time. Good luck!!
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Hey Novelette, welcome to the TAC community. Tabs can be intimidating. If strummimg, rely more on the notes printed above the tab versus the musical staff. If finger or flat picking, rely more on the scale written below the staff. Guitar often is more interpretative based on strumming or picking. The tab gives you the count and the run on notes that show the pattern for the chords your playing and when you incorporate vocals, you know the tone and are you up when you see good is it. It has more to do with the rhythm aspect that each individual note on a tab. .
As for the lessons being too fast, when learning the guitar it requires you to break down small sections to focus on. So when watching Tony, maybe watch the video first to get an idea as to what you’ll be learning; then and take each one and work just on that section. Then, go back to the video and watch the next section and work hpjust on it. When you have that, play the 1st and 2md section together. When you get that, go back to the video and so on.
Just do the best you can. Mark the lesson,complete after 10 minutes. You can still work on it, but remember, we’re all about progress over perfection. If you just give it a go, mark complete, and move forward. The lesson will eventually come around again, and each time it does you’ll see how you’ve progressed.
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Hey Loraine,
I thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to give me a detailed explanation for these modules. I am at the place where I am moving away from the lower frets and although I am following these principles that you mentioned, after 10 -15 minutes I still don’t feel the progress. I wish Tony’s community had a chance to get together in a live session even once every 90 days like they did prior to be joining this forum.
Like you mentioned, I always watch Tony do the demo, then go back and follow along, then on weekends, I review all the modules. The good news is that we will come back to these modules in the near future. I’ll just have to work hard and be patient. I’ve already had my debut performance for open mic, so that was an ice breaker for me.
Good luck with your guitar journey as well.
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You hang in there. Think back to when you began piano and how difficult it felt, but you kept at it and probably became fairly proficient. I played piano when I was young. I took lessons, but I didn’t practice much, and I eventually gave up on it.
Guitar is not an easy instrument, but it’s not impossible. It takes time. I almost quit at the end of my 2nd/beginning of my 3rd year of playing. I was frustrated and felt I would never be good. Suddenly, I had a period where everything fell into place, I could play several songs, and the momentum was so fun. I haven’t wanted to put my guitar down since. I’m able to pick up songs fairly quickly.
I’ll never be a great player, but I can continue to learn and improve. It does take effort. Initially, the effort seems a gargantuan task, but it gets easier as you move through your journey.
My words of wisdom are, don’t give up before the magic happens. Happy plunking!!
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Hey Loraine,
You are quite observant to notice that I have a musical background and that prepared me for this guitar journey ahead. I paid for this course for one year and cannot afford to be lazy and not achieve my goal. I would like to be able to play at the campfire level. Although frustrated at times, quitting is not an option. The musical community has been great, very response and so willing to help. I can play simple songs but not using the techniques that Tony teaches. I keep in mind the line that say it’s always darkest before the dawn. Thanks for the heads up and good luck with your guitar pursuit as well !!
tonypolecastro.com
Page not found – Tony's Acoustic Challenge
Page not found – Tony's Acoustic Challenge
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You’re welcome. I know the strings at EADGBE as well, so just remember when you’re looking at the TAB they are going from Bottom to Top if you use this and you’re set. It’s hard because we like to read things from top to bottom and gets confusing. I’m still lost when someone mentions String #’s instead of String E,A…until I make those mental connections. Good luck and again welcome to a wonderful group of musicians…you’ll enjoy it here.
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Hi @Novelette the TABs will indicate which fret on which string, but which fretting finger to use is usually not included. That’s where I would watch the TAC lesson video carefully and look at what fretting finger Tony is using. If it helps, you can slow down the video play speed the same way you can with YouTube. Also there’s frequently more than one way to fret any given sequence of notes, so if one way isn’t working, try it another way that might be better for you.
There’s alot of music notation out there (especially for classical guitar) that will indeed indicate which fretting fingers will work best and learning that skill will transfer over to most styles of play.
Lots of watching, learning and practicing, and you will get it!!! Have fun 🙂
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Hi Carol,
Thanks for responding to my post. I am so encouraged by this community and the responses that I am receiving. I am not worried about using the correct fingers for now. I just tend to use the ones that are convenient. Eventually I will be more fluent in applying the correct fingers. Good to know that I have the option of slowing the videos down, like I do in YouTube.
tonypolecastro.com
Carol-3M-Stillhand – Tony's Acoustic Challenge
Carol-3M-Stillhand – Tony's Acoustic Challenge
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