The Importance of Reading Music and Playing by Ear: Why Learning Guitar is the Perfect Gateway. Brought to you by Fresh Music Aberdeen – Premier Music School in Aberdeen

Connor Montgomery
Jul 6
4 min read

Whether you're a budding musician or someone who simply dreams of strumming out your favourite song, learning to play guitar is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to get started with music. But what’s often debated is whether it’s more important to learn to read music or to play by ear. The answer? Both skills are essential — and complement each other beautifully.

At Fresh Music Aberdeen, Connor has seen firsthand how mastering both music reading and ear training opens up a world of possibilities for every student. If you’re considering guitar lessons in Aberdeen, understanding why both of these skills matter can help you get the most out of your learning experience.

Reading Music: The Universal Language of Musicians

Learning to read music is like learning a new language. At first, it might seem like a jumble of lines and symbols. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes an intuitive way to understand and communicate music.

Why is reading music important for guitarists?

Access to a World of Music
Sheet music, chord charts, and tablature open the doors to thousands of songs across every genre. Whether you’re interested in classical, jazz, rock, or pop, being able to read music gives you instant access to compositions from all over the world.
Faster Learning
Reading music helps you learn songs more quickly and accurately. You don't have to rely on memory or guesswork—you can see exactly what to play.
Essential for Collaboration
If you ever want to play in a band, join an ensemble, or study music more seriously, reading music is a must. It allows you to communicate with other musicians clearly, understand arrangements, and follow conductors or group leaders with ease.
Foundation for Advanced Study
At Fresh Music Aberdeen - the premier music school in Aberdeen, students who can read music often find it easier to progress into more advanced musical concepts such as theory, improvisation, and composition.

Playing by Ear: The Soul of Musicianship

While reading music provides structure, playing by ear nurtures creativity, intuition, and musical sensitivity. It's the skill of listening to a piece of music and being able to reproduce it without written notation.

Why is playing by ear just as important?

Builds Musical Instincts
Playing by ear strengthens your ability to recognise chords, intervals, and melodies. This makes improvisation and songwriting much more natural.
Fosters Creativity and Confidence
Imagine hearing a song on the radio and immediately figuring it out on your guitar. That’s the power of ear training. It fosters a deep internal connection with music and gives players more creative freedom.
Adaptability in Real-World Situations
Whether you’re jamming with friends, busking in town, or playing in a band, things don’t always go as planned. Being able to adapt by ear ensures you can follow along even if the music takes an unexpected turn.
A Core Component of Musical Expression
Many of the world’s most iconic guitarists — from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton — developed their style largely through listening and experimenting, not through formal notation.

Why Learn Both? The Sweet Spot for Guitarists

At Fresh Music Aberdeen, Connor's guitar lessons in Aberdeen are designed to balance both approaches. When students learn to read music and play by ear together, they gain the full toolkit of a well-rounded musician.

Combining these skills creates a feedback loop: reading helps refine what you hear, and listening enhances what you read. Together, they help you:

Play more expressively and authentically
Understand music theory in practice
Transcribe music more accurately
Improve your timing, tone, and phrasing

Fresh Music Aberdeen's Studio with Guitars & Monitors in the Background
Connor - Guitar Teacher Playing an ESP LTD 1000e Deluxe Guitar
Fresh Music Aberdeen - Acoustic Guitar with Studio Reflection

How Fresh Music Aberdeen Helps Students Develop Both Skills

Fresh's music school in Aberdeen is known for its innovative, student-centered teaching methods. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to polish your skills, Connor will work with you to create a learning plan tailored to your goals.

Here's how Fresh incorporates both music reading and ear training into your guitar lessons:

1. Structured Curriculum

Lessons begin with fundamentals like note reading, chord charts, and rhythm notation, while also encouraging students to listen actively to different musical styles.

2. Interactive Listening Exercises

Connor uses modern tools and techniques to help students improve their ear. This includes playing along with recordings, identifying intervals, and recognising chord progressions by sound.

3. Song-Based Learning

Connor believes the best way to learn is through music you love. Connor uses popular songs to teach both reading and aural skills, making lessons fun and engaging.

4. Performance Opportunities

Fresh offers regular jam sessions where students can put their skills into practice. Performing with others hones both reading and listening abilities in a real-world setting.

Guitar Lessons in Aberdeen: Why Choose Fresh Music Aberdeen?

When searching for guitar lessons in Aberdeen, it’s important to find a place that values holistic musical development. At Fresh Music Aberdeen, Connor goes beyond just teaching chords and scales. He helps all students become well-rounded musicians who can pick up a piece of sheet music and jam along with their favourite song by ear.

Here’s what sets Fresh apart:

Friendly, professional tutor with years of experience
Customised lessons for all ages and skill levels
Supportive and inclusive learning environment
Modern teaching materials and technology
Flexible scheduling for busy lifestyles

Whether you're an adult picking up the guitar for the first time, or a teen looking to join a band, Fresh is here to support your musical journey from the first chord to your first gig.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play guitar is more than just picking up an instrument—it's learning a new way to hear and experience the world. By developing the ability to read music and play by ear, you'll unlock your full potential as a guitarist and as a musician.

If you're ready to start or continue your journey, consider taking guitar lessons in Aberdeen at Fresh Music Aberdeen. As a leading music school in Aberdeen, Connor is passionate about helping students of all ages and backgrounds discover the joy of making music.

Get in Touch

Want to learn more? Visit Fresh Music Aberdeen or contact Connor today to book your lessons now. Your guitar journey starts here!