Emily asked:


I’m 15 years old and I play guitar. I taught myself how to play by ear and by using tabs online. I sing in my schools choir and I used to play the flute so I know some basic things. I don’t sight read music very well, mainly because I can’t get used to how the rhythms are being expressed. I listen to a lot of classical, jazz, and indie music that’s more complex than what most people my age listen to, but I have no idea what is going on in those songs. I’d like to be able to recognize “Oh, this song’s in 5/4.” or whatever.

I especially need help with time signatures and how to recognize what they are/count with them. For some reason I never got the hang of recognizing what key something is in, or the names of what note/chord is being played.

Are there any good sites/tips that could help me understand a bit more? My lack of knowledge is sort of hindering my learning the guitar, and I’m not going to be able to learn in school until at least next year. Thanks!

How to Sight Read Music