What level to transcribe at?

[SirFunk]

Hey Janek,

Before i get to my question I just wanted to say that I bought your Mystery to Me album some time ago and I liked it. I recently 'rediscovered' it and quite frankly it is amazing. The compositions are beautiful and the chops and musicianship of the players astounding. I'm really enjoying it and I orderd your latest one and can't wait for it to arrive.

Ok, so my question, I hope this hasn't been covered before. I know you are a big proponent of transcribing. My question is what level music should i be transcribing to make the most efficient use of my time. Should i be trying to transcribe things I can (slowly) transcribe entirely by ear? Or should I be transcribing more difficult things at the piano(or bass or whatever) where i can kinda use a combination of my ear/jazz theory knowledge/playing along/guessing?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Andrew.Glose]

If I may add my POV:

If you're able to hear something and play it on your instrument, then transcribe whatever appeals to you. And if you're not at that level, work at that. It could take you hours, but it's hours well spent. I use my bass to transcribe mostly everything, because I can chord, and I know theory. Such an example: I'm currently transcribing Coltrane's solo on Giant Steps (Alternate Take). I'm 3 choruses in, so far. A lot of what he plays is simply arpeggio/pentatonic figures. Fast, and initially intimidating, but I can hear it, even if I have to play it several times (Janek, you'll be proud knowing that I'm not slowing the speed down). Theory also helps your ability to transcribe, sure. Knowing what it may be allows for me to have accurate 'guessing,' and that's where the theory comes in. Transcribe to get inside an artists head, and to develop vocabulary, which will be your own in time. It's extremely useful.

I'm sure Janek will give you great insight as well. You can dig up old 'Transcription' topics. There's good information in that as well.

Andrew

[janekbass]

any work you're doing that is new to you hopefully means that you're absorbing some new information. If you only get to transcribe stevie ray vaughn solos for 10 minutes a day you'll be in front of someone who does nothing each day. Make sure you transcribe things that genuinely interest you and excite you musically. It's very easy to tell when someone is playing licks for the sake of it, as opposed to someone who learned some new language and was excited enough by it to make it into something of their own.

If you find yourself bashing your head against a wall with something that you can't work out, leave it alone for a while. It's the hardest thing to do, but taking a step back can often be the best thing for you.

Easy,

Janek