I agree that TAB is a useful tool but being able to use your ear is more important. One of my brothers has the tenacity to study quite complex TAB but lacks a real ear for the music. Consequently, if he misses a note when reading, he doesn't notice that the whole piece is now slightly out and can happily read on to the end of the song and finish a quarter beat early!
I sometimes refer to the TAB if it's handy but usually it's just to check out a neck position or to reinforce what I've already worked out.
C-flat