Guitar Learning: with Tablatures or with Music Theory?

Today we are going to talk about the differences between learning to play the guitar with tablature and using music theory. Both solutions can be considered, but do not represent the same investment and approach. Again, this is about your ambitions and the goals you want to achieve in the long run.

1. Which method should you move toward?

First of all, you will have the choice to invest in one or the other of these methodologies and in any case, you will eventually be able to play your favorite pieces.

You can meet with a guitar teacher so that he or she can direct you to the solution that will suit you best. Generally, teachers will teach with both methods and let you choose.

Before embarking on this learning process, it is worthwhile to ask yourself some questions. Afterwards, you can share your ambitions with your teacher.

For example:

• Do you have any career ambitions involving the guitar?
• Would you like to play in a band or by yourself, or for fun?
• Would you like to compose?
• Do you just want to strum a few chords, without understanding what is the foundation of these chords?

It is important to study these questions because the answers will define the method of work that best suits you.

2. The difference between tablature and music theory:

Here we are in the thick of it, so what is the difference between these two learning methods?

As for the tablatures, also called “tabs”, they represent the neck of your guitar (6 strings) and tell you which note should be played and how it should be played. You will find numbers on the strings, telling you where to put your fingers.

Indeed, it is a very simple and fun way to learn the guitar because this method does not require any knowledge of music theory. You will not have to learn the notes or the construction of a chord.

On the other hand, by choosing solfeggio (scales) or music notation, you will learn harmony as well as rhythm. Your technical knowledge will be broader and you will end up knowing your instrument to perfection!

Whether in improvisation or composition, it is very important to master music theory in order to adapt and create music. Most good musicians are comfortable with music theory, it is a quick and efficient common language to understand each other.

3. Conclusion

As you can see, tablatures make guitar playing more accessible for someone who wants to play quickly without getting too involved. The downside is that you probably won't be able to understand standard scores and exchange with other musicians. Composing may be a bit more time consuming and complex as well.

On the other hand, if you decide to learn music theory, you will need a little more time and determination, but the reward will be worth the investment! You will understand other musicians more easily, you will be able to transcribe with greater ease, and you will be able to read and play all the scores you find!