I truly wish that years ago, when I first started playing the guitar, I would have had access to guitar tabs. Unfortunately, they hadn't been invented yet. To learn a song, the older rockers used to put their ears up to a speaker and learn the song in real time.
Personally, I think guitar tabs are a great source for learning songs, guitar solos, and guitar chords quickly. It's important however, not to only rely on guitar tabs for your music education.
Nothing can replace a thorough knowledge of music theory. Especially when it comes to guitar. Perhaps you've heard the old cliche', “the guitar is the easiest instrument to play, but the hardest to master”. There's a good reason for this cliche'.
Imagine walking on to a stage with complete strangers. The musical director looks at you and quickly exclaims…..”OK, we're going to play a ii, IV, vi, V, I progression in the key of five flats and extend the IV chord to it's furthest diatonic extension”. The very next thing you hear is the drummer clicking off the tempo.
All of the guitar tabs in the world won't help you in that scenario……will they? In other words, I can hear the train coming (can't you?). It's called a train wreck!
Visit any music store in the world. You are bound to see and hear someone sitting on an amplifier speed picking arpeggios or some other scale(s). At first glance, you might think….whoops! My advice to you…..pay no mind. Chances are, this individual has been studying the “Blistered Twisters” video of how to speed pick with no soul and how to demolish an audience by blowing up an amplifier. Is this you? Is this really you? Hopefully not.
Far too many guitar players are relying on speed and flash! However, when all is said and done, the individuals that have taken the time to learn their instrument will, most likely, be the most successful…overall. It's actually very complimentary to get a late night call from a producer who needs help with a well-constructed guitar solo or help with the flow of a song. Once again, guitar tabs will not help in this situation. However, education will!
I'm all for developing speed as a player. In fact, I love speed picking. However, if one truly knows the music theory surrounding what he/she is doing…..it's similar to piloting the Star Ship Enterprise….at warp five speed! What a rush!
Guitar Tabs are great tools. Use them for what they are. Education is your best bet for maintaining longevity in your chosen field……..playing the guitar.
