TAB software for lap steel
Wed Jul 01, 2020 3:07 pm
Hi Guys,
Apologies at the start if you already know about this, but I recently discovered a free, open-source music notation software package that can write lap steel TAB and thought I'd share my findings. It's called MuseScore, link here: https://musescore.org/en I downloaded it in order to transcribe some 6-string parts into TAB, and found it has a massive benefit - once you have all your notes on the page, it will play them (with horrid MIDI sounds, granted!) in real time. By adjusting the tempo it is possible to slow down the tricky bits, or get rhythms just right when practising. This, for me, was a massive benefit as I generally find TAB without the accompanying musical notation quite hard to follow.
Someone has done an 8-string guitar TAB template (see this thread:) https://musescore.org/en/node/106226 and it's quite easy to alter the string tunings so they match whatever you have on your guitar. I had a little play and it seems to work quite nicely. It certainly helps my little brain if I can hear the song being played slowly whilst the TAB shows me where my bar should be
For pedal steel it is a bit less convenient, as a string bend seems to affect all notes rather than just selected ones - but for lap steel it seems quite useful.
Just thought I'd share that little gem, in case anyone might find it helpful.
Cheers, and stay safe, Sid
Apologies at the start if you already know about this, but I recently discovered a free, open-source music notation software package that can write lap steel TAB and thought I'd share my findings. It's called MuseScore, link here: https://musescore.org/en I downloaded it in order to transcribe some 6-string parts into TAB, and found it has a massive benefit - once you have all your notes on the page, it will play them (with horrid MIDI sounds, granted!) in real time. By adjusting the tempo it is possible to slow down the tricky bits, or get rhythms just right when practising. This, for me, was a massive benefit as I generally find TAB without the accompanying musical notation quite hard to follow.
Someone has done an 8-string guitar TAB template (see this thread:) https://musescore.org/en/node/106226 and it's quite easy to alter the string tunings so they match whatever you have on your guitar. I had a little play and it seems to work quite nicely. It certainly helps my little brain if I can hear the song being played slowly whilst the TAB shows me where my bar should be
For pedal steel it is a bit less convenient, as a string bend seems to affect all notes rather than just selected ones - but for lap steel it seems quite useful.
Just thought I'd share that little gem, in case anyone might find it helpful.
Cheers, and stay safe, Sid
Re: TAB software for lap steel
Wed Jul 01, 2020 5:36 pm
Simon, I am just in the process of downloading this programme, will let you know how I get on. thanks,Donny.
Re: TAB software for lap steel
Thu Jul 02, 2020 8:39 am
Good to hear, Donny - I found some great tutorials on YouTube and managed to get going reasonably quickly. Hope it turns out to be a helpful tool for you as well 
Re: TAB software for lap steel
Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:25 pm
I used this a long time ago, but found it wanting...admitted it's free. I use Guitar Pro 7 which allows you to not only write your music out but as you do it will also create a tab underneath the score at the same time. It is more than great in my book it's fantastic, and it will allow you to play many different instruments from its sound banks. I have found it invaluable for 8 string lapsteel and you can make the tunings' whatever you want. I use C6th high G to low A . I know it's not free but you can get a free trial which allows you to test it to the limit. 
Re: TAB software for lap steel
Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:25 pm
Hi Simon, I'm sorry to say I have not been very successful with this, I have tried to get to grips with it but to no avail. 
It's for the chop. Donny,
It's for the chop. Donny,
Re: TAB software for lap steel
Sun Jun 04, 2023 6:37 pm
Hi tabbers.
Have never used muse score, only Guitar Pro 5.
Guitar Pro is expensive and covers a load of music areas that use steel players would probably never need.
Guitar Pro is now at version 8 (i think)
Guitar Pro 5 is now available to download for free, just need an activation code (plenty on line) or i can let you know the
one i use..
You can enter any 6 string tuning you care to pick (including your own).
Down side, only goes up to 7 string instruments.
Have seen other comments here about Guitar Pro and can add that it s great for TAB/NOTATION/PLAY BACK/etc, etc
Hope this helps John A
Have never used muse score, only Guitar Pro 5.
Guitar Pro is expensive and covers a load of music areas that use steel players would probably never need.
Guitar Pro is now at version 8 (i think)
Guitar Pro 5 is now available to download for free, just need an activation code (plenty on line) or i can let you know the
one i use..
You can enter any 6 string tuning you care to pick (including your own).
Down side, only goes up to 7 string instruments.
Have seen other comments here about Guitar Pro and can add that it s great for TAB/NOTATION/PLAY BACK/etc, etc
Hope this helps John A