There are many of the same notes(octave) all over the guitar
open g 3rd string, same note on
4th string 5th fret
5th string 10th fret
6th string 15th fret
Most books will not tell you which one to play.
But tabs will tell you which one to play.
Many teacher think tabs are cheating but they have come a long way.
Many books now have the stems on the numbers now for timing.
If I put a song in front of you in Tab form and you do not know the song but play it you are reading music no matter what anyone say's