Sheet Music / Tab suggestions
 

What sources for guitar sheet music/tab do you all like to use?

Downloadable versions - subscription or pay per song?

I try to buy digital downloads that include a pdf file of the arrangement(s) with the soundclips if its more than one tune. Mel Bay is one place I often buy from. I will buy single tabs directly from the artist also (Al Petteway and Stephen Wake sells many of their arrangements online as well as many other artists).

I prefer written notation, As far as tabs go, I find it easier to play by ear than to use tab. Notation is the best; it tells me everything I need to know - but it is hard to find free on the internet because so many non-professional musicians (or at last those who post such things) either don't read or or afraid to learn, or....?

Thanks TBman, I will check out Mel Bay.

10-4 on the notation - helps me figure out the timing which is usually more of a challenge than the fingerings. But I will take tab too - any help is welcome.

When I say tab, I mean tunes with notation on top and tab on the bottom. I don't care for just tab and I'd rather not waste time trying to determine finger/fret position as it can be with just notation. I'll take the combo, thank you :D

Anyone use Musicnotes or Virtual Sheet Music?

The best value for me is annual subscription to Ultimate Guitar. There are often several versions of a song with votes tabulated as a guide to which version is most accurate.

Lots of good free (and paid) tabs are on the internet (with or without accompanying sound files). One such website is http://www.stevemcwilliam.co.uk/guitar/ .Steve is a forum member.

For a specific tune you want to learn you may or may not have to do some searching.

Thanks TahitiJack,

Ultimate guitar - I have seen some of their tabs online and will take a look at their subscription.

Hi Rick,

Stevemcwilliam website:
Nice website! Right up my alley.

He is too classy a guy to promote his own work, so I'll do it for him. AGF's own Derek Coombs has composed some outstanding tunes, and he makes some of the arrangements available on his website. You can hear most of them on YouTube. I've taken advantage of his generosity myself.

(His arrangement of "Freight Train" is the best version I've ever heard of this tune, and there is no shortage of variations.)

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Download1.html

I really like playlikethegreats.com

quality julian lage transcriptions

I just make my own. Always have. Transcription software to help listen, then notation software for staff and tab.

Not to save money, but because I enjoy it, and I can get as much detail as I want.

If I find a piece of music that's too difficult for me to get by ear, I might considered buying a full transcription (if available), but most likely it will be too complicated to be interesting enough for me.

I do take commissions, by the way - but the price will reflect how long it takes me (and it's usually a one-off for whoever asked). But - as many of you know - I'm usually happy to provide free copies of anything I already have on file.

Best option if you want printable tabs.