Originally Posted by: D.Weller1969I am wondering the best way to learn what chords to play on guitar when learning a song using regular sheet music (no tabs available).[/quote][p]That depends on the musical context.
The first thing I would suggest is to look at the notation. Is there guitar notation? If so, then it's time to learn to read music! If not, then what instrument is notated? Piano? Then look at the notes of the bottom stave (bass clef - left hand) to get a sense of the chord bass note (root or inversion). Then look at the top stave (treble clef - right hand) to see what chord voicings are being used. Translate to guitar!
[quote=D.Weller1969]Specifically, I'd like to learn to play the correct guitar chords for songs when joining in with a few other musicians in church playing regular hymns from a church songbook that only provides sheet music.
Most hymnals have either vocal melody & basic keyboard notation (for piano or organ). Some just have a SATB arrangement of vocals. In either case you are going to have to learn to read the music notation & see what chords are actually written.
You could probably do an internet search & find someone has charted out the chords. Then see if you have to transpose to whatever key your church wants to play the song in.
I have these tutorials on learning to read music notation. It's an invaluable skill!
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=271
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=318
Hope that helps! Please ask more if necessary & best of success with it!
