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