Need Help Finding the Best Fake Books for Piano!

Seeking Advice on Fake Books for Piano

Hi everyone,

I’m diving into the world of fake books for piano, and I could really use some advice! I’ve heard they can be a fantastic resource for musicians, especially for playing lead sheets and figuring out arrangements on the fly. However, I’m kind of lost on where to start.

What are Fake Books?

For those who might not be familiar, fake books are essentially collections of lead sheets, which provide the melody, basic harmony, and essential chords for a variety of songs. They’re often used by jazz musicians and are great for performance as they allow for improvisation and personal interpretation. But they can be useful in many other genres too!

Questions I Have:

  1. Recommendations: What are some of the best fake books for beginners? I’m looking for something that has a mix of popular songs and perhaps some jazz standards to help expand my repertoire.
  2. How to Use Them: For those with experience, what tips do you have for playing from a fake book? How do you balance learning the melody with improvising? Are there specific techniques or exercises you recommend?
  3. Purpose: Why do you think fake books are valuable? Are there particular skills you think I can develop by using them?

What I’ve Tried So Far:

So far, I’ve browsed a few online resources and checked out some recommendations. I’ve played a couple of songs from various fake books, but I often find myself uncertain about how to embellish the chords or fit in without just playing the melody over and over.

Closing Thoughts:

I’m really eager to improve my skills and enjoy making music from these books. Any advice or insights would be hugely appreciated. Looking forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions!

Thanks for your help!


Author: hollandalyssa
Date: Wed Jan 17 2018 10:59:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

When looking for genuine piano books, always check the publisher’s credibility. Established publishers generally provide better quality materials than unknown entities.

Absolutely! Also, the sheet music quality can vary greatly. Make sure it’s clear and readable; poor print can ruin your experience.

User reviews are a goldmine! Checking reviews can help avoid low-quality imitations that sometimes look good but don’t deliver.

Yes! I never buy without reading reviews first. It’s like peeking into someone else’s experience before making a leap!

I’d also recommend sticking to well-reviewed editions. Some imitations might not be accurate—I had a disaster with sheet music that didn’t match the original!

This is so true! I once bought a fake book that had the wrong notes, and it was as if I was playing a completely different song!

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Another thing to consider is that price can be an indicator. If it seems too cheap, it probably is! Quality costs a bit more.

I wonder if we could create a list of reputable publishers! That could really help newcomers avoid scams.

Great idea! I’d love to contribute! We should avoid playing musical chairs with our wallets.

Finally, don’t forget to trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is. Life’s too short for bad music, right?

I recommend checking out Sheet Music Plus for a vast selection of fake books. They’re reliable and often have sales! Plus, their ratings can guide you on which ones are best.

I’ve had good experiences with them too! They even have customer reviews that help in choosing the best ones.

Local music stores sometimes have hidden gems, especially if you dig around in their used section. You might find some great deals on classic fake books! Just make sure to check the condition.

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That’s so true! I found a vintage fake book at a local shop that I adore. It’s a treasure hunt worth taking!

I’ve been using Amazon for fake books, and they have pretty good selections too! Make sure to check the seller’s rating before buying.

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I was hesitant about buying music books online, but you’re right—Amazon has some decent options and fast shipping!

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Don’t forget about eBay! You can often snag second-hand fake books for a fraction of the price. Just be careful with the descriptions.

Great point! I’ve scored some amazing deals there, just make sure to check the seller ratings.

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When in doubt, visit a library! They sometimes have great resources for fake books and may allow you to copy the ones you like.