Avoid Tab If Possible

[Zebedee]

The best way to learn to play PSG (after you have physically set the steel to be the best ergonomic fit for you) is to do it the old-fashioned way: listen over and over to the parts that you want to learn (this will get you the notes that are played) and then find the best way to get those notes on your steel, with your particular setup.

Doing it this way seems to get it hard-wired better into your brain, unlike tab, which is only a crutch, and should be used only as a last resort

My opinions only
ZeBedee

[Basil Henriques]

I don't agree. it depends what level you're at as a player. If you check the USA Forum you'll find VERY experienced players exchanging the know how regarding tricky licks/intros and solos via the tab section.

Some of the solos in songs are pretty tricky even for advanced players to emulate, and emulate we MUST, the signature intros, solos etc. are the most important tool in our arsenal.
The public need to hear those parts in the songs, it identifies the song, and, the definitive solos are essential if you wish to keep the attention of the listener.
TAB is a communication language, just like notation, just like this..

[Shaun]

I agree with Basil on this one, tab is just another form of comunication. Finding the notes on your own can take forever. especially for a beginner. The tab helps you get there quickly. If you're learning scales after a while you start to see where the notes on the tab came from and why they where played that way. At least thats what I'm finding.

[Basil Henriques]

On the American forum, players like John Hughey, Buddy Emmons, Paul Franklin and many more of the top echelon have ALL (When requested) posted tab of some of their licks and solos FREE for all to see.. If THEY see the uses, who are we to disagree with that kind of knowledgeable opinion.

Buddy posted the "Night Life" intro, John Hughey posted the "Look at Us" Solo and intro, without out which I doubt if many would have got anywhere near the correct notes AND positions (Essential for the correct transitional moves)

[Tony Russell Davis]

I always used tab for workshops and teaching licks. Most people (even non-steel guitar players) can make some sense of it just by looking carefully. Sorry, but I've got to agree with Baz & Co.

[Steve Broatch]

I think different methods suit different people. Depends how your brain is wired I guess.

I've always liked tab. It's easy to follow and a quick way of picking up ideas and licks etc. But I do think that you can become overly reliant on it. I've been guilty of that at times. Confident I can play something and then take the tab away .... Ah no I can't.

I do agree with Richard that trying to work things out on your own is more beneficial for actually learning the neck and how the pedals and levers relate to each other. With tab I have to make a concious effort to think about what I'm doing instead of just blindly following it. I'm naturally lazy.

[Basil Henriques]

I think Zebedee had Florence and Dougal put him up to "Stirring" a little..BECAUSE in another post our dear little "Springy Thingy" said :-

Thanks Guys
If there are any parts that you have difficulty working out, I've got 'Born To Lose' tabbed out on b0b's forum

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

[Zebedee]

Basil,
Since you have had an 'official' birthday conferred on you by God, it has affected your thought processes

In my original post, I said that tab should only be used as a last resort, not that it shouldn't be used at all

ZeBedee Spring

[Basil Henriques]

Richard, it was the "unlike tab, which is only a crutch," comment that I thought a little strong, unfortunately some of us NEED a crutch to take further steps forward..

[Ruby Darnell]

Think I'll use both. I'm trying to get both hands, legs, knees and everything else going at the same time so might as well try using different bits of my brain as well. Watch this space I might explode. PS, I'm a beginner so need all the help I can get.