Power Tab Editor 1.7 build 80

Power Tab Editor may easily become the veteran fretter's best friend. This feature-packed program lets you plot music onto digital tablature for exporting, burning, or playing MIDI files. The features are staggering--11 toolbars, 47 tips, and a max of seven guitars or basses per song are just the beginning. Deluxe tabbing capabilities let you adjust octaves and phrasing, and place an onslaught of markings, such as slides, bends, and vibratos. You can also create notes, store lyrics, and enter your favorite Italian music term if you're in the mood for something vivace. Well-stocked chord and tuning dictionaries help move you along.

Unfortunately, the software's features sometimes outpace its functionality. Though attractive, the interface isn't very intuitive and contains character errors and other mistakes that could frustrate the most intrepid user. One crucial broken Quick Start link for creating new tablature spoils an otherwise robust and detailed Help menu.

However, if you're feeling scrappy enough to push past the lesser points, the power payoff for using Power Tab Editor--digital tunes you tab yourself--may sound like rockin' music to your ears.