Authentic tab books?

[drae]

Hi all,

Just looking for some recommendations on tab books. I've read a lot of posts on other forums after people have asked for recommendations that get answers saying 'go and transcribe the music yourself'. However, I've got to say that while good in principle, I think you've got to know what you're listening to before you gain the ability to transcribe. And for me, looking at really authentic tab books show me things that I'd never just 'get' myself, not having learnt the tricks and tips previously.

Anyway, I've got the Andy Aledort Jimi Hendrix tab book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jimi-Hendrix...7317040&sr=1-6 that is really well done. Also a Rolling Stones tab book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolling-Ston...7317115&sr=1-2 that is pretty authentic.

Have you got any recommendations? I'm interested in bands / artists that are 'genre defining', and give really good examples of particular rhythm or solo playing, perhaps phrasing or the like.

Thanks!

[frankus]

I'd say listen to music and transcribe it yourself - if it's too hard find a simpler song and build up - it's an invaluable skill.

If you get tab for shreddy stuff you'll only learn to "paint by numbers"

[DaveMcK]

I'd say listen to music and transcribe it yourself - if it's too hard find a simpler song and build up - it's an invaluable skill.

If you get tab for shreddy stuff you'll only learn to "paint by numbers"

[ChrisJordan]

I'd say listen to music and transcribe it yourself - if it's too hard find a simpler song and build up - it's an invaluable skill.

If you get tab for shreddy stuff you'll only learn to "paint by numbers"

He's not wrong y'know; however, if you genuinely don't have time for that, and you like classic metal then The Best Of Judas Priest maybe for you. Priest's Glenn Tipton is probably one of metal's most underrated guitarists and a fantastic songwriter too. I highly tasteful musician who writes music with hooks so great you could catch Jaw's morbidly obese big brother.

[drae]

Seriously? I mean, I get what you mean for shreddy solo'ing... but when it comes to blues, rock, jazz especially rhythm work, transcribing is a skill that only comes from lots of knowledge and learning. You have to understand / recognise what they are playing in order to transcribe right? If you don't already 'know it', then surely seeing authentic tab demonstrates the tricks of the greats, no? I mean, this is what tutorial books do, just without the whole song tab surely...

[Bingefeller]

I hate those "transcribe it yourself" type answers. They are unhelpful and, do you really think if someone asks what tab books to buy they would have the skill to transcribe something themselves in the first place?

[erictheweary]

Tab books always make me think of that REM documentary where they forget how to play stuff and have to get a tab book out. So, a good REM one as it will be exactly what they play!*




* on further reflection may have been some lyrics they forgot but I don't want the truth to stand in the way of a good anecdote.

[Not_the_DJ]

Tab books always make me think of that REM documentary where they forget how to play stuff and have to get a tab book out. So, a good REM one as it will be exactly what they play!*

I remember seeing a Radiohead interview where one of the guitarists was laughing about the "authentic" transcriptions in the "Kid A" book.

Anyway back to the OP. I was a big fan of tab books and the US guitar mags when I started out. I had the tab book for "Appetite for Destruction" which I fumbled over night after night. Same with some Led Zep stuff and then SRVs "The Sky is Crying Album".

I'd just look for stuff you really like and know well to listen too. The phrasing won't come from the book but from listening to the tracks.

[erictheweary]

Another reminiscence: an old mate of mine knew Ian Parker quite well. Ian's not a household name exactly but he is a really good blues based guitarist (does more of a singer-songwriter thing these days).My mate claims that Ian initially learned massive amounts from the tab book to From the Cradle by Eric Clapton. Almost definitely Clapton's best ever straight blues album since the Blues Breakers and whilst it may not be genre defining it is a very good run through some blues standards and a solid take on modern electric blues.

[guitarfishbay]

The only book I ever bought was Joe Satriani - Crystal Planet. It is the only album of his I still like. Some great phrases in there. Check out the album and see if you like it.

This is the book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Guitar-.../dp/1575601095