Rachael B asked:


I have been playing bass guitar for 2 years now, but I still can get better. I am in a school jazz ensemble, any techniques to help me at all? I can read music (bass clef), but have trouble sight-reading, especially when I get nervous.

Any tips would be nice. Thanks!

sight reading music

Richard B asked:


So I’ve been playing guitar for many years now, but would like to learn to sight read real music on guitar.

I already know how to read music very well. I’ve played trumpet for nearly 20 years, so I’m very comfortable reading. Most websites I visit that talk about reading music on guitar assume that the person does not know how to read music to begin with. This is not the case with me. I do not need any lessons on how to read music.

I can read music and play the corresponding note on guitar, just not at tempo. For example, I can se an A# on the page and know that it is the first fret on the A string, or sixth on the E string, etc. I just can’t do this at full speed.

Do you know of any good websites that teach this? I am looking some exercises that teach how to look at a note and instinctivly play it the same way I do this on trumpet. Thanks!

Sight Reading Secrets Revealed

thedudeomeister asked:


I’ve been playing classical guitar for some time now, but only recently started using actual music instead of tablature. I also play the violin. Being a monophonic instrument, you usually can sight read music pretty fast as you take it one note at a time. On the guitar on the other hand you have to find the precise note on the fretboard which the music is refering to and you have to play more than one note at a time a lot of the time… you also have to set up your fingering (RH & LH) to prepare for coming sections etc. So my question is…. does any really sight read Guitar music and not “study” it?? I mean is it reasonable to want to look at a score and play it through the first time you see it? (because this fairly easy with the violin)

sight reading music

Brandon F asked:


I have been playing guitar for 2 years and I know music theory and how to read sheet music, but I don’t have any sheet music to practice sight reading with. Could you recommend some (very) easy songs to practice sight reading with and possibly where to find sheet music for them?

Sight Reading Music Lessons

Jeremy S asked:


I don’t know if I’m ready…or even good enough. But college is coming soon. I’m huge into music. I’ve been playing guitar for close to three years now, mostly electric. I can hold my own with most musicians out here and have played with rock bands, to jazz groups.

I’m mainly self taught on guitar. I’ve learned a lot by ear.

I’m currently working on theory and during my last semester of high school, I’m taking more theory lessons and some more guitar instruction. My sight reading isn’t very good still…

But mainly, I’m afraid my style and what I play isn’t going to be what the college wants. I want so badly to get in and study my instrument…or at least study music theory and composition…I just don’t think I’m at the right level.

Am I getting there? Or is this too lofty a goal for someone with as poor credentials as I?

How to Sight Read Music