Need Help Finding the Best Fake Books for Piano!

I actually loaned a fake book from my college’s music library once. It was a 1980s edition and hilarious! Nothing like retro tunes!

I completely understand your struggle! Fake books can really confuse beginners if they are poorly compiled. Look for ones that have clear notations and a good mix of songs to develop different skills.

Exactly! I used a fake book once that had incorrect spacing between notes, and it made it impossible to play smoothly. It’s best to stick with recommended resources from teachers or trusted websites.

When choosing a fake book, check reviews or ask experienced players. Some provide chord symbols that can help improvisation skills, while others just frustrate you. It’s a mixed bag!

That’s an understatement! Honestly, the first fake book I bought was full of mistakes. I’d love to hear what others recommend that worked for them.

My suggestion is to seek out fake books that are tied to popular teaching methods. They tend to be curated better and focus on skill development! Plus, it’s more fun to play recognizable tunes.

Great point! I found that method-related fake books really helped my understanding of music theory alongside play. It’s encouraging!

I wonder, do any of you have specific fake book titles you can recommend? There are so many options out there, and it feels overwhelming!

If you’re looking for a classic beginner’s book, ‘The Real Book’ series has basic arrangements that are pretty solid!

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Also, don’t overlook user-generated content online! Sometimes free resources can be gems. Just make sure others have vetted them first, or you might be getting a bag of mixed cookies!

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Haha, cookies sound good, but not the kind I want with my piano! A balanced approach with a mix of books might be key, right?