Jared_320

I was wondering since I have been learning songs through chords but wanted to try a new approach.

Does anyone hear who knows how to read music know of any good books that teach you how to learn it?

Zocalo

Dude, I've been playing guitar for over 7 yrs and let me tell you I have no idea about music theory, or how to read music, yet I can still come up with crazy stuff that doesn't sound all alike.

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Dudeimanoldfart

I've been playing guitar for a loong time now too and I just now how to read guitar tabs. I wish I knew how to read music, I'd say go for it. Not a lot of people can read music, so it's definitely a great skill to have. And music theory is great for when your jamming out and you need to play the same chord but in a different variation. My uncle knows all about it and he is a beast at guitar. I'd say, if you haven't already, learn all of the major chords, and some minors if you want, and get good at switching between chords. You can play any song really if you know chords, specially old songs, like led zeppelin and eric clapton and since you already know them you can make up your own stuff. I love jamming out when stoned!!

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SleepyJohn

Making Music is a time honored lifestyle. Whether it's for fun, money, school, or personal satisfaction. I read Music, I "play by ear", I make Notes that form melodies ,and chords, with rhythm,and in tune. Musical Theory, is a great way to start. If You know the "rules" , You can learn how to "break" them. Teachers, Schools,and books DVDs, are all good too. It just all depends on what You want out of it. In any case it's fun trying ,and You Never stop learning!

Train2Bangkok

I can also read music thanks to years of percussion/vocal lessons. Like SleepyJohn mentioned, there's lots of tutorial media out there that can teach you the basics of whatever instrument you're playing. But, IMO, nothing will help you learn faster than finding a competent music instructor and practicing your arse off.

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Ygdonmir

I've been playing for a couple years now and I just know tabs. I never bothered with learning sheet music. Aside from a few learning sessions with a friend I've never spent any time on an instructor and I'm already playing technical death metal. Just self taught trial/error and a couple hours a day of practice.

It's all about practice and determination to get it right. However a competent instructor, as mentioned above, can get you started. But don't expect to be playing crazy solo's and sweeping across a guitar like you were a cyborg designed to do it in just a week. It can take weeks to learn a song correctly in its entirety...and that's with practice every other day at least.

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Csharp

i don't know how to read music either
been playing bass and guitar about 3 years now

Jared_320

I ask cuz my friend is mad genius string bass player. He is at north texas on a 50k scholarship, smokes pot every day. I envy this guy, he is advanced and started reading music theory when he was young so he already knows about his college classes. He explains it to me but is so smart that it is hard to always understand him. I will probably ask him but was wondering if u guys know of anything specific. thanks tho i might just stick to tabs haha

SpiralSpindle

Look at Les claypool. He never took lessons. Just started on his own. And hes crazy. Plus I think he makes more than 50k and a degree would. But that's just me. I don't know how to read music. Just like playing for fun. But if you want to learn I would suggest something like some Hal lennord books. I think that's what they are called. It's what we had to but back in school for the band. When I played the saxaphone in 4th grade.

Tally-Ho

Its important to know your music theory. I was so surprised how much of a difference knowing my scales meant to my jamming. As for a different approach to learning chords, im not sure there is one. Everybody grabs hold of information differently, my suggestion is just scope out music shops for books and stand there and read the things for as long as u want and see if you think its for you. I and others i know, can there for half an hour to see if its the right book. There expensive!