If you’re learning a musical instrument, you’ve probably come across two common ways of reading music: sheet music and tablature (also called “tabs”). While both are tools to help musicians play songs, they work in very different ways—and each one has its strengths and weaknesses.
In this guide, you’ll understand what sheet music and tablature are, how they differ, and which one might be better for you based on your goals, instrument, and learning style.
What Is Sheet Music?
Sheet music is the traditional way of notating music. It shows a musical staff (five lines) where notes are written to represent pitch and rhythm.
Each note on the staff tells you:
- What pitch to play (e.g., C, D, E, etc.)
- How long to hold it (whole note, half note, quarter note, etc.)
- When to play it (its place in time, shown by its position in the measure)
It may also include:
- Key signature
- Time signature
- Dynamics (loud or soft)
- Articulations (legato, staccato, etc.)
- Tempo markings
Sheet music is universal. It can be used by pianists, guitarists, violinists, singers, and more. Once you know how to read it, you can play music from any time or culture.
What Is Tablature?
Tablature is a simplified system, mainly used for fretted instruments like guitar, bass, and ukulele. Instead of using note names or rhythms, tabs show you exactly where to place your fingers on the instrument.
For example, guitar tablature uses six lines (each one representing a string), and numbers placed on the lines tell you which fret to press.
A basic example:
e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|--x--|
This would be a C major chord.
Tabs are popular because they’re easy to read, especially for beginners. You don’t need to know music theory to get started.
Key Differences Between Sheet Music and Tablature
Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
1. Pitch vs. Position
- Sheet music tells you which pitch to play (e.g., C, G#), regardless of where it’s located on your instrument.
- Tabs tell you where to place your fingers, but not what the actual pitch is.
2. Rhythm
- Sheet music includes full rhythmic notation (note durations, rests, time signatures).
- Tabs often leave out rhythm entirely, unless paired with traditional notation.
3. Instrument Compatibility
- Sheet music can be used for any instrument.
- Tabs are mostly for stringed instruments (guitar, bass, ukulele).
4. Learning Curve
- Sheet music takes more time to learn, especially if you’re new to reading notes.
- Tabs are intuitive and easy for beginners to understand immediately.
5. Music Theory Integration
- Sheet music helps you understand scales, chords, key signatures, and musical structure.
- Tabs focus purely on finger placement, so you might miss the “why” behind the notes.
When to Use Sheet Music
Here are scenarios where sheet music is the better choice:
If You’re Learning Piano or Voice
Most piano and vocal music is written in traditional notation. You’ll need to understand note names, rhythm, and dynamics.
If You Want to Understand Music Theory
Reading sheet music helps you see the relationships between notes. It teaches you how music works, not just how to play it.
If You Plan to Play Classical or Jazz
These genres rely heavily on sheet music. Musicians are expected to sight-read and interpret written scores.
If You Want to Communicate With Other Musicians
Sheet music is a universal language. Musicians from different countries or backgrounds can read the same score and understand it.
When to Use Tablature
Tabs are a great choice in many beginner-friendly and casual settings:
If You’re Learning Guitar or Bass
Most online guitar lessons and tutorials use tabs. They’re fast, efficient, and get you playing right away.
If You’re Learning Songs by Ear
Tabs help you replicate songs quickly without worrying about theory or notation.
If You’re Self-Taught
Many self-taught guitarists rely on tabs to learn their favorite songs, riffs, and solos.
If You Want to Focus on Repertoire, Not Theory
If your main goal is to build a playlist of songs to play, tabs let you skip the technical stuff and go straight to the music.
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many musicians benefit from using both systems together.
Some modern sheet music includes standard notation and tablature on the same page. This hybrid approach gives you the finger placement from tabs and the musical understanding from sheet music.
Using both helps you:
- Improve your playing technique
- Learn music theory gradually
- Explore a wider range of songs and genres
- Become a more versatile musician
How to Decide Which One to Start With
Still unsure? Ask yourself these questions:
What instrument are you learning?
- Piano, voice, violin: Start with sheet music
- Guitar, bass, ukulele: Start with tablature
What are your goals?
- Playing songs quickly: Tablature
- Understanding music deeply: Sheet music
- Performing in ensembles or orchestras: Sheet music
- Writing your own music: Knowing both is ideal
What kind of learner are you?
- Visual learners may prefer tabs (seeing finger positions)
- Analytical learners might enjoy sheet music (decoding structure)
Tips for Learning to Read Both
If you decide to learn both systems (which is a great idea!), here are some beginner tips:
For Sheet Music:
- Start with easy note-reading exercises
- Learn the names of notes on the staff and your instrument
- Use flashcards or apps like Tenuto or Music Tutor
- Practice with beginner method books (Bastien for piano, Essential Elements for band instruments)
- Learn to count rhythms out loud
For Tablature:
- Start with simple songs (e.g., “Smoke on the Water” or “Seven Nation Army”)
- Practice chord shapes along with strumming patterns
- Try playing tabs along with the original recording
- Use websites like Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr
- Don’t ignore rhythm—try to pair tabs with audio or video examples
Free Resources to Learn Both
Here are some helpful websites and tools:
- Musescore.com – Free sheet music, often with tabs
- IMSLP.org – Public domain classical sheet music
- UltimateGuitar.com – Large library of user-submitted tabs
- Songsterr.com – Interactive tab player
- MusicTheory.net – Great for learning how to read sheet music
- Yousician – Gamified app for both sheet music and tab reading
- Noteflight.com – Free online notation tool for creating your own music
Final Thoughts: Choose What Fits Your Musical Journey
You don’t have to choose one forever. As a beginner, it’s okay to start with what’s easier or more fun for you. Tabs might give you the quick wins you need to stay motivated. Sheet music might provide the deep knowledge that fuels your long-term growth.
Eventually, the best musicians often learn to read both. But even if you only stick with one, you’re still building valuable musical skills.
Music is about expression, creativity, and enjoyment. Whether you’re reading from a staff or a set of numbers, what matters most is that you’re playing, learning, and growing.
You’re doing great—keep going!