How to Read Music
There are two methods used to write banjo music. First is the traditional music notation method using music notes ( 3 ) and the second is tablature. Both are used in this book but you need only use one of these methods. Most players find tablature easier to read, however, it is very worthwhile to learn to read traditional music notation as well. Nearly all sheet music you buy in a store is written in traditional notation.
Tablature
Tablature is a method of indicating the position of notes on the fretboard. There are five tab lines, each representing one of the five strings of the banjo. Study the following diagram.
When a number is placed on one of the lines, it indicates the fret location of a note e.g.:
This indicates the open 3rd string (a G note).
This indicates the 3rd fret of the 4th string (an F note).
This indicates the 2nd fret of the 1st string (an E note).
