RE: TAB, NOTATION & TRANSCRIPTION

Occasionally I am asked questions about playing guitar from people who use my free lessons at  ABC Learn Guitar. I like to post them on my blog so that you can also benfit from the answers I provide. Here are two questions I received recently:

Question:

I am an experienced tenor saxophonist (jazz, swing,etc.). I read music, know theory, chords, can improv over chord changes. I have a acoustic/electric on the way to me.(Ibanez) Found your web site and intend to use your basic learing of guitar. I am used to reading notes , but with guitar I notice the tab method of reading music. My question…. Will I, at some point be able to read notes and know where the fingers go on a guitar, like on a sax, or is it best to just use the tab method? (or both) I ask this because there seems to be so many combinations of note fingerings, and I can not imagine being able to know where to put your fingers by reading notes for a fast moving song. Thanks, 

Bob

Answer:

Hi Bob,

That’s a great question.

I suggest you learn both Tab and Notation as it will give you the most options as a performer in the long run. As you know, the guitar is complex with regard to note reading because it is both horizontal AND vertical. Consequently, the same notes can be played in various positions along the fretboard. However, it’s not as hard as you might think. But it does require some time and it’s helpful if you have a systematic approach.

It just so happens that I am currently providing an introduction to note reading for guitar in my newsletter. In each issue I give a short lesson on how to read the notes on a particular string in first position. Tab is included too, along with a simple melody. You can learn more about it by going to:

ABC Learn Guitar Newsletter

All subscribers are also given access to a private page which contains each of the previous lessons on note reading, plus other resources that I add from time to time.

Thanks so much for visiting ABC Learn Guitar. It always makes my day when I learn that my site is helping someone.

~guitarcoach~

Question:

hi – i can follow your chord transpose chart easy enough, but if i am
playing bm in the key of d what does that become in the key of g likewise with the sevenths

Answer:

Bm would become an Em in the key of G.
A7 in the key of D would become a D7 in the key of G.

Here is a link to a page on my site that shows how to transpose guitar chords:

How To Transpose Guitar Chords

If any of you reading this blog have questions about playing guitar, just post them using the comments feature below. That way, others can benefit from the answer too

Until next time…

Keep practicing!
~guitarcoach~

Free Guitar Tips!

INTERNATIONAL GUITARIST OFFERS FREE TIPS

Chris Standring is highly acclaimed as an international jazz recording artist, performer and educator. He is said to be “one of the most lyrical guitarists in contemporary jazz. Fusing his groovy, retro guitar licks with healthy doses of sexy R&B and cool chill music.”

Born on a farm near London, Chris actually began his music education studying classical guitar. He attended the London College of Music and later wrote music for the BBC and several theatrical orchestrations before moving to L.A. in 1991. Chris also spent 15 years as a touring sideman and studio guitarist in London and Los Angeles before finally breaking out on his own with his first CD titled, Soul Express.

Chris truly understands what it takes to become an accomplished guitar player…

“There was a time when I started playing where I used to sit in my room and allocate 15 minutes to practicing scales and arpeggios, 10 minutes on technique exercises, 20 minutes on sight reading and 1/2 an hour on practicing my classical guitar repertoire. Why? because my teacher told me I had to.”

He later discovered it was more beneficial to establish some of his own goals. As he puts it…

“Once I clearly had in mind what I wanted to achieve, I could go about achieving it – I knew what I had to do.”

Chris  has recently outlined a “success roadmap” for guitarists in an article he wrote titled:

The Art Of Practicing- How To See Real Results

It covers five essential areas that guitar players should focus on in order to achieve the success their after. This article offers free insights from a professional musician that are designed to help you develop a clear picture of where you want to go and how to get there. It’s definitely worth your time to read it.

Chris is also the founder of A&R Online where unsigned artists are selected and presented to major and independent labels on a monthly basis. So, if you’re an indie artist, you’ll find vast resources to educate you about the music business and how you can build a successful career.

Until next time…

Keep practicing!
~GuitarCoach~

LEARN STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

When I first started playing guitar, Stairway to Heaven was the song that everyone wanted to learn. It was often the song that was used to define a person as a good guitarist among their friends and peers.

Stairway to Heaven was written by lead singer Robert Plant and lead guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. They began recording the song in 1970 and slowly took their time working on the project. It was brought to completion in 1971, one year later, after the lyrics were added.

Here are some interesting facts about Stairway to Heaven for you to ponder…

• It was performed by Led Zeppelin for the very first time in conjunction with the first concert they gave in Northern Ireland at Belfast’s Ulster Hall.
• “It is cited as the most played song on FM radio stations in the United States, despite never being released as a single there.”
• Stairway to Heaven is …”one of the most well-known popular rock songs never to have been released as a single.”
• “It is the biggest-selling single piece of sheet music clocking up an average of 15,000 copies yearly.”
• It is considered by many to be one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.
• “The opening chord progression in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is nearly identical to the 1968 instrumental ‘Taurus’ by the group Spirit.”

Some critics have accused Led Zeppelin of recording a hidden Satanic message in Stairway To Heaven that can be heard when it’s played backward. The band has ignored such claims for the most part. Singer/composer Robert Plant replied to a question on this subject by saying:

“To me it’s very sad, because ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was written with every best intention, and as far as reversing tapes and putting messages on the end, that’s not my idea of making music.”

Swan Song Records also issued a statement at the time which said:

“Our turntables only play in one direction—forwards.”

I personally love the song and don’t believe there is anything sinister about it. The words are very thought-provoking and start off with a subtle message about the ramifactions of living a life that is only satisfied with material things…

There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven. And when she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, with a word she can get what she came for..

As the song progresses it becomes more reflective and even somewhat spiritual…

And it’s whispered that soon if we all call the tune, then the Piper will lead us to reason. And a new day will dawn for those who stand long, and the forests will echo with laughter.

I guess everyone must decide for themselves how they feel about this song. But, as a guitar teacher, I think it’s worth learning just because it’s a true rock and roll classic.

If you’re a beginning guitar student you might find Stairway to Heaven a bit of a challenge to play at first, but it’s not impossible. Those of you who have been playing for a while shouldn’t have any problem with it though. If you are in a band you will probably benefit from adding this song to your line-up because it’s a great crowd pleaser. You will likely get a good response and gain some recognition for your group if you can play it well.

Here’s a link for a free guitar lesson that will teach you how to play the opening lead…

LEARN: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Until next time…

Keep practicing!
~guitarcoach~

Free Guitar Tips

HAVING FUN LEARNING GUITAR

Are you having fun learning guitar? If there’s one thing I’ve discovered over the years as a teacher, it’s the importance of keeping things simple and fun for my students. This can sometimes require a bit of creative thinking on my part. But I find, if I pay attention to my students, I am often able to discover where their musical interests and desires lie. When I can key into these personal and motivational impulses, then I am able to direct that energy in a positive direction. The result is a happy student who is having fun learning guitar!

When a new student first arrives at my studio they are often filled with hopeful expectations. Many have visions of being able to play like one of their guitar heroes someday. This is all well and good as it establishes a goal. But it usually isn’t long before they realize that visions and reality can be worlds apart! Playing like a professional guitarist requires a bit of discipline and hard work, not to mention sore fingers! The trick to  having fun learning guitar is to mix a little business with pleasure! To do this, I recommend that a student spend time practicing the fundamentals as well as learn something they want to play.

Often a student will mention to me that there is a song they’d like to learn.  Even if I think that it’s beyond their current level and ability, I still do not want to discourage them from pursuing it. Instead, I try to break the song down into small, bite-size pieces, or perhaps pull out a particular technique for them to work on first. I have found this approach to be very effective because my guitar students are more inspired to practice when they are playing what they want to learn. Their skill level seems to improve more rapidly too,  and they are enjoying themselves in the process. That’s what it’s all about in my book!

If a student doesn’t have a particular song in mind, then I will often suggest something for them to try. I find that simplified versions of classic rock riffs are great motivators- especially for kids. Some examples that I’ve used and had success with include Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple, and Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix. Another popular and easy rock riff is Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. 

If you’re a guitar student who is not having fun learning guitar, then I suggest you find something you’d like to learn.  And just in case you need some help in this area, here’s a free tab link to get you started :

SATISFACTION

Until next time…

Keep practicing!
~guitarcoach~