Tabs and covers of famous songs are some of the most searched guitar content online. Selling them is where creators get into trouble most often, because the song itself belongs to someone else. Here is what you need to know before you charge for a transcription or a cover.
A tab is a copy of the composition
When you transcribe a song into tab or notation, you are writing down its composition — the melody, chords and riffs. Even though you did the work of transcribing, the song is still owned by its songwriter and publisher. Publishing that transcription for sale generally requires their print permission.
Large tab platforms operate under licensing agreements with music publishers for exactly this reason.
What you can sell freely
- Your own songs, riffs and exercises — original work is yours to license.
- Public-domain music — traditional tunes and works whose copyright has expired (rules vary by country).
- Techniques and lessons — teaching a technique, a scale or a style is not a copy of any one song.
- Songs you have permission for — when the publisher or rights holder has granted it in writing.
Covers: audio and video
Recording a cover uses the original composition as well. In the United States, releasing an audio-only cover generally requires a mechanical licence, which can be obtained through licensing services and many distributors. Using the song in a video is a different right (a synchronisation licence); video platforms handle some of this through their own agreements with publishers, but monetisation may go to the rights holder. Rules differ in other countries, where collecting societies manage these rights.
How to make cover content work
- Teach instead of transcribe — sell a lesson on the techniques used in a famous song rather than a full note-for-note tab.
- Write “in the style of” — original riffs and backing tracks inspired by a genre or artist are yours.
- Get permission — for full transcriptions, contact the publisher or use a licensing service.
- Be transparent — label listings clearly and never claim authorship of someone else’s song.
The safe default
If you did not write the song and do not have permission, do not sell the transcription. Build your catalogue on original material and lessons, then add licensed covers when you have the paperwork. Continue with the pre-listing checklist or go back to How music licensing works.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Copyright rules vary by country.