Can a book of sheet music containing "guitar tabs" and "vocals" be used to play piano?

Question

I want to purchase a book of sheet music, but only a "guitar tabs" and "vocals" version of it exists. Is it possible to use these to play the song on piano, or would I be wasting my money?

Answer 1

I wouldn't say you would be wasting your money but you would have to transcribe the notes to piano in order to play it. It could give you a good basis for the base chords and notes you need to play and then you can add on from there... Also, the vocals will give you the exact timing of when to sing... It would help if you play guitar and understand guitar tablature.

Another thought, if there really is only a tabbed version of the song, there is a strong possibility that its on the internet for free. Just type in the name of the song into google or yahoo with the word "tab" after it.

I say buy it (or search for it for free), it will give you a good base for what you need to play and it'll help.

Answer 2

Many European Sheet music publishers offer piano versions of sheet music. One well known source of piano music is Sam Ash music in the New York area. I have not looked recently but they can order the printed music if you contact them.
Since you are willing to purchase, as opposed to just download free tabs from the web.You should ask a music store to order the item for you.
Perhaps your searches include too may guitar transcriptions.

Answer 3

You can use the sheet music with guitar tabs, but hold the piano under the right arm, and play the keys with the left hand, changing hands after eight bars to relieve the cramp that may occur.

Answer 4

It depends. Do you know how to read piano music by chords only? For example, can you read "C major" or "C minor" and know how to play that on the piano, without having to see anything written out like right and left hand? You will have to use your own creativity when playing by just chords. Of course if you're stylistic with chords and are good at playing with chords, then reading the guitar chords is just as good. Because it is in the same key as piano.

Answer 5

If you have learned and practiced piano chords you have no problem with buying this kind of music otherwise learn how to play chords and fill out the music (this may take some time depending on how talented you are) or simply try to purchase the piano version of the music that you are interested in.

Answer 6

You'd be wasting your money. For one, Guitar Tabs dont always use notation which is what you need for piano. In addition, since guitar is a self contained instrument it would only be notated in the Treble Clef not in Treble and Bass which you also need for piano. You can use it for basic chords but unless you play guitar and sing or are really good at transposing, dont waste your money.

Answer 7

Yes but you'd just have to "translate" the notes from guitar to piano and to the voice. Example: if the tab says 1st string 3rd fret, find out the note (a lot of websites have these interactive simulators) depending on the tuning, and match it to the piano

Answer 8

It depends on your approach to piano and your level of skill. If you know enough theory to improvise the chords and bass line with your left hand while you play the melody with your right based on the chord symbols above the staff, you should have no problem. I suspect, though, from the way you phrased the question, that you need to have the arrangement written out more fully, in which case this book won't work for you.

Answer 9

Usually hard to translate from both unless you're a guitarist. I'd preferably try e-chords.com, has everything. Try playing something Dream Theater, while you're there, because that's good music. Fellow pianists/keyboardists stick together, I know a few websites, so ask me if you need any good piano tabs.

Answer 10

The only thing you will need, is how to read music. Guitar music and Piano music are written in the same key. So translating one to the other is a matter of where to put you fingers.