Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Dear Tomo and Members,

I have this question for a couple of days now.

Tabs or Transcribing?

I believe that I'm pretty good playing from the tabs although, the last couple of years, I actually have got bored and couldn't find a goal or a way to improve myself upon.

Suddenly I came across a video of a talented musician transcribing a solo from ear. While doing so stated that, "transcribing song by ear increases your general ability to play guitar.".

My overall questions would be this. While learning songs, Should I check tabs or transcribe by ear?

If so what would I benefit from transcribing from ear ?

Also is there a method for transcribing from ear?

Thank you for taking the time and reading.

My best regards,

Berk-Burak BIYIKLI

Here is Tomo's comment:

"Thanks so much for subscribing to my Guitar Wisdom! Tabs give you only one choice for playing a chord or single notes. Learning by ear takes more time and effort, but it leaves you with more choices. I recommend transcribing by ear. You will get many benefits from learning this way!"

agreed. transcribe by ear. you become more proficient on the fretboard, you start to learn how specific sounds are associated on a specific part of the fretboard, and you actively exercise your brain.

kind of like reading a book vs. actively practicing something. you can read all about running, but until you start running, you won't know what you don't know.

if you're into solos, start with a solo you're familiar with, and learn how to play that. start small with a simple measure, then build up.

if you're into chords, pick your favorite song and try to figure out the chords. r&b uses a lot of 7th, 9th, and 13th chords, so if you're not there yet, start with some rock songs that use standard chords.