Standard Notation Vs. Tablature

Well, for extreme beginners, standard notation is the common music "language" used in most instruments, such as the clarinet, piano, etc... Guitar tablature however, is a music "language" specialized for guitars so you can learning songs in no time.

Typically, most beginners will start with tablature (tab for short) because you can learn it within a few minutes, and it is more fun than standard notation. Standard Notation is rather annoying to learn for guitar as there are so many notes and it might discourage you from playing guitar ever again.

However, standard notation is very useful to learn. If you want to play with a school band (jazz band for instance) your instructor will probably only accept you if you can read standard notation. Most instructors think that tab is a cheap way to learn music and will not let you in. In reality, if you are starting out on guitar and want to learn to play songs and "understand your instrument" I would reccomend tablature. Bear in mind, you shouldn't stick with tablature once you get good at guitar, I would suggest learning standard notation, because it comes in handy, and you won't get despised by some instructors.

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