Rustee
Full Member
pima practitioner
Posts: 214
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Post by Rustee on Dec 27, 2007 23:46:17 GMT -4
Just thought I might start a lil discussion about standard music notation. I know some proclaim you're not a musician unless you can speak/read the language. They usually then go on lamenting the limits of tablature, but I feel both are a bit harsh. The flip side is those who say they just "play by ear", though that's not always true to the fullest extent either, and obviously is somewhat restrictive. I have an elementary understanding of it (literally, what I remember from grade school), but I can't effectively use it, and certainly can't sight read and play. Though I have recently decided to put effort into grasping it better to further my classical studies (as 95% aren't written in tab).
I was just wondering how many here can read it, to what extent, and how useful/important you feel it is for guitarists?
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Post by thesmitchens on Dec 28, 2007 2:05:13 GMT -4
I can read sheet music and write exclusively with sheet music. Personally, I feel like it makes me think more about what notes I'm using rather than the androgynous fret numbers.
Also, the practicality of knowing sheet music also depends on the style you're playing. A jazz guitarist wouldn't fair too well in the game without the aid of sheet music, but for metal, it doesn't matter quite as much.
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Post by earthman on Dec 28, 2007 3:26:12 GMT -4
I could read sheet music when I was taking lessons a few years back. I still can, somewhat. I can read single notes and have a pretty good sense of timing. I have trouble with reading note clusters, though. I can do it, just not very often without missing a beat. Mind you, I couldn't really do that when I was taking lessons either.
I think it's pretty important. Well....I dunno. I guess it kinda depends what your goals are. I'd like to learn it again someday, in case I ever feel the need to branch out into other music. If that makes sense. I'm not so sure it does, and yet it's exactly what I mean.
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Post by stratman on Dec 28, 2007 7:04:00 GMT -4
I don't think there's a definative answer, it pretty much depends upon the individuals goals/needs.
For a session musician its absolutely necessary, as it is for the players of most other instruments.
For a hobbyist bedroom guitarist like myself i don't think it's necessary as tab will suffice, although i feel that time spent working on technique and ear training is more beneficial than using tab, i can read standard notation to a small degree but have never needed to since i took up the guitar, although that would change if i ever took up playing piano.
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Post by Mr. G. on Dec 28, 2007 10:09:52 GMT -4
I used to be able to read sheet music quite well, back when I played the piano. However, today, I have to think about what notes are what, and what symbols mean what. I can't really apply it to guitar though, since I suck at distinguishing what key something is in, and I don't know the notes on the fretboard. I think it is important for any musician to have some knowledge of sheet music, whether it be limited or extensive will depend on your own musical adventures.
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Post by Skeleton Keys on Dec 28, 2007 14:00:47 GMT -4
A major problem that most people have with music is that they don't think of it as a language, which it is. Like any (well, most, i guess) language, there's reading involved. Really, we all started learning how to read by looking at our Dr. Suess books and Seasame Street episodes. Like Josh said, it's all a matter of goals, and level of interests. For someone who just wants to learn their Nirvana and AC/DC licks, tabs are fine. If you want to become a "level 10" guitarist, then reading should be one of your areas of interest... Better yet, if you want to communicate with other musicians on a fluent basis. Sure it can be boring learning how to read, but if you really love music, I'm sure you wont mind.
...And as for tabs... Personally, with my direction and goals, I only learn songs through notation or through my ear. I used to use hardly anything but tabs up to 2 years ago, when I realized they only show you where to put your fingers. It's much harder to gain any knowledge as to what's happening in the song through the use of tabs (i.e. keys, articulation, timing, scale/chord information, time signature, ect.). With notation however, all the information is right in front of you.
But that's not to say tablature is all bad. I think it's very useful when learning a lick or chord progression or something... Just the use of it extensively bothers me.
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Post by Akira on Dec 30, 2007 21:15:23 GMT -4
I understand music notation but I can't sight read, I just don't put enough time in to it. I do think it is important to understand as it's another element of music just like all the rest.
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hdj
Full Member
"Hey, Zakk Mylde, let's kick it up a notch"
Posts: 187
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Post by hdj on Jan 15, 2008 18:55:22 GMT -4
I can't read a lick of standard notation.
I can sight read tabs though. ;D
It all depends on what route someone wants to take in music whether it's important or not.
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