Sight reading standard notation --> fretboard

[OutlawSteph1975]

I'm learning how to read standard notation and convert it directly to the fretboard.. which of course means learning the whole fretboard. I already know CAGED patterns but the key is to know all the INVERVALS as well as simply the patterns. It also means knowing every key and understand the key signatures.

I'm working with the book the Chord Shapes of Charlie Christian which give a little TAB but is 90% standard notation only, like most jazz books. I've also used the Jazz Theory book by Mark Levine that someone here recommended a while back. That's written for all instruments and has no TAB.

I guess it's my goal to be a whole musician and not just a guitar player. The downside is that I get a little frustered since I know the "language of music", yet those I may be communicating with, especially in bluegrass, have to fall back on slang terms like "Sally Goodin' position" when the break is played in Em up the neck over a G chord, instead of understanding the concept of relative minor.

Anyhow, it's a work in progress.

[klasaine]

Well, up until 90 seconds ago if someone said "Sally Goodin' position" to me, I'd stare at 'em like a deer in the headlights. So thanks for that Steph.
Did you have question about sight reading?

[Tim Bowen]

Good for you, Steph, and I hear you. I think a working understanding of standard notation just makes one's relationship with music clearer on so many different levels. I understand why many are hesitant to dig into it (it is, after all, pretty much like learning a new language); however, I've never met a musician that's done so that has regretted the decision.

It's infinitely easier to communicate musical ideas when all aboard speak the same languange. That said, I encounter all sorts of musical "dialects" in my work (is there such a thing as musical Pig Latin?!). There are times when I honestly have no idea what it is that some folks are trying to convey with arcane, or just plain weird, musical references that only make sense to themselves at that point in time. However, I sincerely try to figure out what the intended point is, as best I can. Whenever I feel myself near the brink of frustration with these odd musical communication exchanges, I think back to the point where I was clueless, where others were speaking academically (and efficiently), and they might as well have been speaking a foreign language - because they were, at that time. I guess I finally got sick of being left out of the loop, and dug into it for myself. My long time duo partner and I struggled mightly with communication for years, until he began taking piano lessons 6-7 years ago. Now we speak the same language.

You seem like a very level headed and even tempered person. Perhaps this is an excellent opportunity for you to provide some gentle education to some of the folks you come in contact with. Some will warm up to it and be appreciative, and others will feel intimidated and become defensive. You'll know how to handle situations as they arise.

I wasn't aware of the Christian book, but I bet that's really cool. The Levine book is an excellent resource.

[OutlawSteph1975]

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

he began taking piano lessons 6-7 years ago. Now we speak the same language.

That's great! I've been thinking of getting a keyboard to mess with and record progressions to solo over. An old guitar teacher of mine used to do that for me so I could hear the effect of modes. I took piano lessons (a few) as a kid.

No questions in particular, just a discussion on the merits of reading music.

[Bob Mc]

I have just begun to read again after years of TAB. I got a piano based book (Dr. John) and although I can't get everything with four and a half fretting fingers, I love the challenge. Found a neat 7th chord voicing, and a great gospel resolution within the first session.

S0 good on you Steph, keep it up.

[brewwagon]

i know this is cheating in a way but sometimes its easier to learn if you have both the notation and tab form

http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/index.htm

but ideally its great to grab any music book or tuba -horn sheet and know what your looking at - & how you should play it on guitar


bw

oh yeah my fretter is a 4.5 mod too

[beep.click]

Originally Posted by OutlawSteph1975

I guess it's my goal to be a whole musician and not just a guitar player.

Good goal!