Chord Sheet vs. Transcription problem

[progrmr]

I'm working on a song and I'm finding that I can't just hit roots and match the song. I guess its possible that the version of the song I have is not a match for the chord sheet (I'm checking on that) but I am also wondering if maybe there's a musical reason for the notes I'm coming up with.

For the verse the chord sheet says:

G Bmin Csus2 Emin D Csus2

so I tried to play: G B C E D C, which didn't sound right

So I transcribed the verse and wound up with this:

G# C C# F D# C#

So its close, but 1 fret higher than what I was trying to play given the chord sheet.

Is the most likely explanation that the chord sheet doesn't match the version of the song I have, or are my notes valid for the given chords?

[Febs]

Either the song is in a different key than the music you are using (i.e., your music is in the key of G but the song is actually in the key of Ab), or your bass is tuned 1/2 step flat.

[progrmr]

ok, I checked my tuning and its spot on so it must be the song. The chord sheet was still a good guide and useful in the transcription.

[JHorstmann]

Yeah... chances are the song is in G with a Capo 1 (double check for that)... Otherwise your bass could be tuned a halfstep off.

What is the song?

[progrmr]

Just tried another bass just to be sure lol, its the song.

[hbarcat]

Originally Posted by progrmr

I'm working on a song and I'm finding that I can't just hit roots and match the song. I guess its possible that the version of the song I have is not a match for the chord sheet (I'm checking on that) but I am also wondering if maybe there's a musical reason for the notes I'm coming up with.

For the verse the chord sheet says:

G Bmin Csus2 Emin D Csus2

so I tried to play: G B C E D C, which didn't sound right

So I transcribed the verse and wound up with this:

G# C C# F D# C#

So its close, but 1 fret higher than what I was trying to play given the chord sheet.

Is the most likely explanation that the chord sheet doesn't match the version of the song I have, or are my notes valid for the given chords?

This is very common when songs are recorded not in standard tune, like 1/2 step down or with a capo. The person doing the transcribing just writes it in the easier key to play. This is mostly for guitarists' benefit as it's sometimes harder (i.e. more of a hassle) to play chords around G# - C# - D#, for example, than around G - C - D.


Incidentally, when you shift a song from one key to another, you are transposing rather than transcribing.


There is a wealth of information about this here if you want to know more:
http://cnx.org/content/m10668/latest/

[warnergt]

I see that now and then -- and it's not just music/chords that you find on
the Internet (which can be riddled with inaccuracies). I've seen cases
where I've purchased sheet music from the most widely used, reputable
sources and it is transposed from the actual artist recording.

As hbarcat points out, maybe they are just striving to keep it in the more
common keys.

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by JHorstmann

Yeah... chances are the song is in G with a Capo 1 (double check for that)... Otherwise your bass could be tuned a halfstep off.

What is the song?

Yes - there was an interview in Bass Player where Nathan Watts explained how when he plays with Stevie Wonder - he tunes his bass down a semi-tone - Eb,Ab,Db,Gb

Anybody looking at what he's playing and trying to transcribe, would get all the wrong notes!!

[progrmr]

I just talked to the guy who gave me the materials - he said yea, they play it in G, the original band plays it live in G, but they recorded in Ab! Great! lol