How Standard Notation Shows Hand Positions Better Than TAB
Guitar TAB is easy to understand and learn, while standard notation takes more time and effort. So why would you bother learning standard notation? In this video I write the same tune both ways and show why I think standard notation gives you more useful information once you learn to read it.
What I cover:
- How TAB and standard notation work
- Old MacDonald written in standard notation and in TAB
- Playing the same notes in a different position
- How to show barres, strings and fingers in standard notation
- The three reasons I think standard notation is best
In TAB, each line is a string and you write the fret number where your finger goes. In standard notation, you have to know the name of each note on the staff and where it is on the fretboard. That’s a skill you learn step by step, just like you learned TAB.
The problem with TAB shows up when you want a different fingering. I play Old MacDonald in a second position so I can land on a C chord at the end, and TAB has to be rewritten to show it. In standard notation you can mark it right on the music: B (sometimes C) with a Roman numeral for a barre (BV is a barre at the 5th fret), a circled number for the string, and a plain number next to a note for the finger. You only add the bare minimum, and the player works out the rest.
Three Reasons Standard Notation Wins
- It clearly shows the timing (quarter notes, half notes and so on).
- You don’t need to rewrite the notes to change position. Write the music first, then add the fingering.
- It’s easy to show barres, fingerings and which string each note is played on.
On top of that, musicians who play other instruments can read it too, so you can swap music with them.
Want to practice writing both? Download my free TAB plus staff sheet (PDF), or start reading with the free How to Read Music for Guitar guide (PDF).
At the end of the video I also show the Rocketbook reusable notebook I use for notes. You can read more about it in my Rocketbook review.
Related: Free TAB and Staff Sheet | Guitar Fretboard Secrets | Learn Guitar Sheet Music