The Importance of Reading Sheet Music for Guitarists

Many guitarists avoid reading sheet music, often citing their idols who don’t use it, especially in genres like blues, pop, and rock where music is improvised or learned by ear. While these skills are valuable, reading music shouldn’t be neglected.

My Experience

Coming from a blues and rock background, I used to play in bands, and I still would if the opportunity arose. Now, I focus on solo guitar, which allows me to be self-sufficient. Solo guitar material is easier to learn from sheet music than by ear, especially for new pieces. Modern publications combine standard notation and tablature, helping me understand rhythm and note durations through notation, while tablature shows me where the notes are on the fretboard.

The Problem

While this system works, it’s time-consuming. I realised that standard notation contains all the information I need to play the music, and relying on tablature was slowing me down. As I tackle more complex pieces, especially beyond grade eight, the rhythm becomes more complicated, and I still rely on tabs to locate notes higher up the fretboard.

The Solution

I’ve started focusing on music without tabs, like classical guitar pieces and grade books, to improve my sight-reading. Classical guitar books offer unfamiliar pieces that enhance my music-reading skills. My goal is to reach grade eight in classical guitar to abandon tablature for more challenging repertoire. Additionally, I practice fingerstyle arrangements while covering up the tabs to prioritise sight-reading.

The Benefits of Reading Music

1.Career Opportunities: Reading music can help you land session or temporary band roles, as musicians who can read are often in demand.

2.Improved Fretboard Knowledge: Reading music sharpens your understanding of the fretboard and helps you find alternative ways to play passages.

3.Access to Unpublished Music: It allows you to play pieces that aren’t available in tab form or were not originally written for guitar.

4.Enhanced Expression: Standard notation provides more detail than tabs, helping you be more expressive in your playing.

5.Time-Saving: Most importantly, reading music saves time by offering a more efficient way to learn and memorise pieces.

In conclusion, learning to read music is a powerful skill that can elevate your musicianship, improve your opportunities, and help you become a more expressive and efficient guitarist.