Read or ear ? What do you prefer ?

[Mushroo]

Cool but most of those have tab.

I can maybe shed light on that. I wrote a book for Alfred Music. It was a mandatory publisher's requirement that my book include TAB. The rationale is that you can sell more books if you market to both people who read notation and people who read TAB. I suspect (but don't know for a fact) that Hal Leonard also requires their authors to use TAB.

Sidenote that it was actually a good learning experience for me. When I sat down to write my book, I didn't know how to read or write TAB, and had to figure it out in a hurry. It's not a skill I use frequently, but I'd still rather have more skill than less skill as a well-rounded musician.

 

[obimark]

I can maybe shed light on that. I wrote a book for Alfred Music. It was a mandatory publisher's requirement that my book include TAB. The rationale is that you can sell more books if you market to both people who read notation and people who read TAB. I suspect (but don't know for a fact) that Hal Leonard also requires their authors to use TAB.

Sidenote that it was actually a good learning experience for me. When I sat down to write my book, I didn't know how to read or write TAB, and had to figure it out in a hurry. It's not a skill I use frequently, but I'd still rather have more skill than less skill as a well-rounded musician.

Gotcha- Personally I love tab and have used it for many years. (I don't always agree with the fingering positions they put, but easily have the skill to modify on the fly when needed)

 

[carl h.]

Following threads here and talking with guitar players, if you didn't include the tab you'd be losing out on the bigger share of the market for popular music.

But if I hire a bassist, there wont be tab and the parts will not be 3 cord pop in easy keys. That is also what I get hired to read as well.

 

[Mushroo]

My biggest gripe about songbooks and instructional materials that include both standard notation and TAB is that it takes up more space on the page, requiring more page turns.

 

[dirtychinchilla]

its really mind boggling how incorrect many tabs are...

Lately I've been playing a lot more than I have done in years, and I think my ear is improving as I'm finding more and more incorrect tabs! I like to go around and correct them where possible.

 

[carl h.]

My biggest gripe about songbooks and instructional materials that include both standard notation and TAB is that it takes up more space on the page, requiring more page turns.

A million times this!!!!

 

[Groove Master]

Ears.
I never learned how to read music.

And what do you do for a living?

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I've noticed in the last many years that musicians aren't reading as much as they used to . When I was playing mostly horns (in the early 70s) it was much easier to learn a song with the music written out for you . Of course , then , I was doing stuff that required playing as written . But , since I've gone to bass full time , it seems to be a mostly ear thing . Now , it's nice to have a score handy for reference . But , I think you get better feel when you play by ear . It leaves you open to your own interpretations . And having a good drummer to work with makes it even better .

But alas, there are those that have ears of tin. This post is for us "ears of tin people" that love bass and want to play with other people that love bass.

So yes I do use fake chord sheet music. This gives me the lyrics and the active chord to use over this specific part of the melody. I sing the song under my breath so I know when to change chords. And then.....

I compose what notes to include in MY bass line. It's my bass line so I chose what to put into it. That is normally roots, fives and eights. A three and seven may find their way into my bass line, but as stated above roots, fives and eights seem to do it for me. The groove (rhythm) is much more important than the specific notes we use. Of course that is IMO.

By keeping it simple I feel is the reason I do not have a problem dropping into a groove. Yes you can groove roots. They tell us our job is to call attention to the root, keep the beat and do not step on toes while locking with the basic rhythm the drummer is using. That's what I do.

I compose what notes to include in My bass line. I know this is not what a lot here on TB do, but, it's what makes me happy and they do keep asking me to come back. So for all of us that do not play by ear......

There is no right or wrong way to do this. Find what works for you and the people you play with. If it sounds good it is good.

 

[Febs]

It's like asking a carpenter, "hammer or screwdriver?"

 

[Bassman Spiff]

The best players can read a written part and make it feel like music.
Interpretation is a skill in itself.
I’ve recorded with full time players that regularly
Work the pits of NY shows. Thr end result when they sight read a chart is better than most well rehearsed community bands ( of which I’m a member).
A pro is a pro in any field.

I don't disagree. The issue is with myself having been trained to read and perform scores exactly as written (without interpretation) - in settings where the creativity is largely in the arrangement/score itself (or with the conductor). If there were changes, we changed the score accordingly.

As we typically play in a bass section of one, strict adherence is not needed, or even expected, given the stylistic differences between an orchestra and a country rock band. In that setting, I much prefer simply playing by ear.

 

[mambo4]

I can't sight read, but I vastly prefer being handed a chart.
I've seen to much what happens when different players are confused about the song.

 

[waveman]

Both.

 

[Artman]

Tab is actually a form of music notation. Been around for centuries.

Unless you ask EVH. He actually believes that guitar tab was invented so that his technique could be transposed.

 

[Florinda4]

Either/or - doesn't matter. Gotta read note-for-note charts well for 21-piece stage band, but faster to learn most pop/rock/folk stuff by ear, and any 'charts' that might exist for those are often rudimentary at best. Small group jazz calls for improvising from lead sheets only - i.e. marked chord changes.

Gotta be flexible to get a call...

 

[jdthebassman]

I do both what ever the gig calls for

 

[Slevage]

Tab is actually a form of music notation. Been around for centuries.

Not too good for Chicago or Tiwer of Power horn sections.
Ok for string instruments if you are familiar with the tune.

 

[Rompin Roddy]

Always been an ear player. I dabbled in sheet music here and there (took piano lessons when I was 10), but it would be false advertising to say that I "read music".

 

[TKnights]

And what do you do for a living?

Don't hold it against someone who doesn't read . There have been many pros throughout the years who couldn't read . Steve Miller for one . Your ability to play doesn't come from a piece of paper . It's a natural talent . I played with a bloke once who if you took the music away from him could play a simple major scale . The ear is the talent . The ability to read is a tool . The preference of either is our own . Let's have some fun and play some music .

 

[skwee]

I at least use a list of the chords involved (back of an envelope is fine), until I've gotten everything transition natural.

 

[Groove Master]

Don't hold it against someone who doesn't read . There have been many pros throughout the years who couldn't read . Steve Miller for one . Your ability to play doesn't come from a piece of paper . It's a natural talent . I played with a bloke once who if you took the music away from him could play a simple major scale . The ear is the talent . The ability to read is a tool . The preference of either is our own . Let's have some fun and play some music .

My point is that I doubt that TB member is making a living by playing by ear only. I don't mean it is impossible to make a living at playing music without reading though.... I know plenty of fellows musicians that do it but they have very specific gigs...