Learning music notation is really no different than learning the meaning of new vocabulary words. The difference is the amount of material involved. The number of symbols necessary in order to read music is microscopic in comparison with the amount of information that must be learned for any language.

Understanding when to play a note, and how long to hold a note, may be learned initially as a separate skill.

When playing chord charts, it is wise to play familiar songs so that the timing aspect of notation is far less critical. This way you can learn as many songs as you want before you are an experienced reader. We can improve the skill of reading the timing while playing fully written arrangements.

Playing both by chord charts and written arrangements is one of the secrets that will ensure continual growth in all areas.