Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Tabs for Guitar Rhythm

I’m entering a competition for which I have to submit sheet music showing note for note what I play. I’m recording/mixing four parts: banjo, guitar, mandolin, and vocal. I’ve created the banjo tabs, but I have a couple of questions:

  1. How do I show mandolin chops on tabs?
  2. How would I show guitar rhythm on tabs?

I’m using Musescore, which I acknowledge probably isn’t the best for tabs, but it’s what I have. I understand that typically chops and rhythm wouldn’t be shown on tabs, but it’s what they ask for. I might even have to translate it to standard notation, but the program can do that for me. It’s not a “bluegrass-specific” competition, which is why the rules sound a bit strange in the context of bluegrass music. I appreciate the help! Also, hats off to @BanjoBen specifically, but also any others who create tabs. I know that @Michael_Mark and @Mason_Crone both do it as well, but I’m not sure of any others. I’m learning that it’s not always easy!

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I would just write out the guitar/mando rhythm in the pattern used. Once you write out the pattern over a few chords once, you can copy and paste it wherever possible. You can also use dead notes to represent the chops.

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What @Michael_Mark said. Also if you are serious about writing your own TABs the way forward is TablEdit

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Check out the tef file in this lesson. The ideas you are looking for are there.
Rhythm & Chords - Irish Washerwoman - Guitar ★ Banjo Ben Clark ★

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Thanks, y’all! I appreciate your help!

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