Are online guitar tabs really illegal?

Question

This whole thing seems kind of silly to me. The whole process of submitting tabs to most of the sites is based on opinion. Apparently, according to the Music Publishers Association (or whoever), it's illegal to express your opinion these days, because it might affect their members sales.

By this logic, can I brazingly declare thinking to be illegal? And sue anyone who does so?

Answer 1

It's not silly, it's downright imbecile, but the problem is that the initiative came from the industry that is packed with cash to pay the slimiest lawyers available. The thing with expressin opinions is not true, though - they have no say in determining who can express what and how. That's why more and more musicians go indipendent, too - the industry explits both musicians and the audience. I would like to see people buying less and less mainstream industry products & see the bastards panic. Tabs are really of no value to people who are good - I can pick any song on my own, no tabs whatsoever required, but kids who want to learn... shame. Well, you can always subscribe to guitar magazines or write Trent directly & ask him for tabs.

Answer 2

Copyright law is fascinating. The decision about whether something is legal or illegal depends on how it will be used, among other factors. If you are using something for educational purposes, such as simply studying and learning the song without intent to perform it for money, it's probably completely legal. The music publishers would like to make more money off of selling their sheet music, and it is appropriate to reward people for their musical creativity and work. So it depends on the circumstances and the purpose of the online material.

Answer 3

same here with copyright protection on dvds, cuz i want to rip them on my pc so i can put them on my ipod video