What is the Difference? Notation vs. Leadsheet vs. TAB

Notation

• Left to right (just like a book)
• Top to bottom (just like a book)
• Play everything you read
• Very specific instructions around how you will perform the music
• Suitable for most common instruments including these popular ones:
• Accordion
• Banjo
• Bass guitar
• Bongo
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Cymbal
• Drum kit
• Euphonium
• Flute
• Harmonica
• Gong
• Guitar
• Harmonica
• Harp
• Hammered dulcimer
• Lute
• Lyre
• Mandolin
• Marimba
• Piano
• Piccolo
• Saxophone
• Singing
• Tambourine
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Ukulele
• Viola
• Violin
• Xylophone

Leadsheet

• Left to right (just like a book)
• Top to bottom (just like a book)
• Play the chords, play the notation, or embellish what is written
• Much of the music is left up to the performer to interpret
• Suitable for most common instruments and singing
• Includes lyrics (the words) of the song if there are any

TAB

• Left to right (just like a book)
• Top to bottom (just like a book)
• Uses a system of stems and numbers to express rhythm, notes, and chords.
• Suitable for most modern fretted chordophones
• Guitar
• Banjo
• Bass
• Ukulele