I often get asked which method is better tablature or notation? My immediate thought used to always be note reading but there is more to it. I will lay out some of the ups and downs to both methods in my opinion.
Let start with with tablature. This method is a good choice if you only want to learn string instruments such as ukulele and guitar. Learning tablature can be much easier and you can generally start learning your favourite songs within the first couple of weeks. There are a
couple of downfalls to tablature though. First being rhythm is not notated. You would have to know the song pretty well to know how to play the piece rhythmically. Second, it is harder to find tabbed sheet music. It is becoming more mainstreamed but it is still not as available as staff music. One thing I do really appreciate about tablature is the ability to display various techniques like hammer on, pull off, vibrato, slides etc.
Learning to read staff tends to be more complex since you are essentially learning a new language. Depending on the individual staff reading can be easy or it can be challenging. There are lots of benefits to reading staff such as the large variety of sheet music available for you, regardless of the instrument you can generally use any sheet music and play it on your instrument. The rhythm is nicely laid out for you, so there is no guessing game. Staff music is universal and the same form is used on all instruments (unless you come across an instrument that uses another clef other than the treble, like the bass.) Learning staff also gives you a more thorough understanding of music and will also help in band and group settings.
When it comes to teaching I have adopted a hybrid form. I like using both tab and notation as a form of reading. As much as I believe the ability to read notation is important, tablature is really nice and can make music playing more enjoyable by relieving a lot of stress in reading music. My primary goal is to set my students up for success and this will always look different between each individual.
Ellie!
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