charting songs-beats/bars/verse lines--help?

[rokkitt]

Trying to learn new songs for cover band use

Working on the best fastest way to do this for me.

I have searched, and read other threads, and yes--- the information there has helped greatly!


Now, how do I chart a song?

I know 4 beats per measure/bar of music in 4/4 time.

Now, is there a certain number of bars per verse line?

Per chorus line?

Or, is there no real set standard, and I just have to count out everything?

Thanks for the information, and any tips provided.

Big Al

Aka

Rokkitt

[stflbn]

Generally it's a great idea for a person charting to have a much broader understanding of music, time signatures and theory than those who are reading the charts.

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by rokkitt

...
I know 4 beats per measure/bar of music in 4/4 time.

Now, is there a certain number of bars per verse line?

Per chorus line?

No. And No. But you'll find most western music is made up of segments of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 or 16 bars, regardless of time signature.

Originally Posted by rokkitt

Or, is there no real set standard, and I just have to count out everything?

Yes. Until you've developed a good feel for how these things are.


Also when writing charts, write down the chords, not only the bass notes. I write the chords over the lyric lines. Alternatively, if the piece is instrumental or I'm just quickly sketching down the chords, I write it like this:

| A | Dsus2 | Gadd9 | Em11 |

..or with more rows if needed, verse and chorus separately. I try to stick to four bars per row to keep things clear. (Btw this chord progression is the main theme in "Pride (in the name of love)" by U2).

[mambo4]

There are a variety of standard song forms like 12 bar (blues) 16 bar or 32 bar, but not every song will conform, and very often there are exceptions where "extra" measures get thrown in to accommodate the melody.

when I charting out songs I usually stick to 4 or 8 bars per line for readability. for most tunes, this will place the transitions between intro/verse/chorus/coda on a new line, making the chart easy to follow. Occasionally, however a song will have an 'extra measure' at the end of a phrase that can throw off the nice neat layout. In such cases, I usually draw an extra line as required to place the downbeat of the next section on a new line.

But before I grab the staff paper, I listen to the recording and just count, making hash marks for each bar. I'll keep my marks in groups of 4 and start a new line of marks when I hit a new section. Onc eI've outlined the exact number of bars for teh song and each section, then I start in on the staff paper.

also handy is notating the time when a new section starts. that way you can quickly cue up your cd player/ipod to the section you need when you get on to the actual chords/melodies

[rokkitt]

thanks!


this is all helpful


I am also meeting with one of my teachers to discuss, and just to catch up (he's become a good friend over the years)



so---------- thanks again, I just have to keep counting and marking things on paper, till I develop some sort of system that works for me....and is still kind of generally accepted in the music circles.


BTW, is there any info on "making charts" on the net, or on dvd or something? (in addition to asking you guys and gals>>>)


thanks!

al

[Stumbo]

TB threads similar to this topic:
How do you write down the tunes you learn?
Memorising songs

[rokkitt]

Thanks


I am going to count out the songs in 4 bar increments--

That seems like a good place to start......and take it from there.


I like the rainbow dots idea on the set list.

But how did ya know that there is a certain order of rainbow colors. Never heard of that!

Yes, all the ideas will taken and put thru the ringer , and then will find what works for me.

So, gonna try couting 4 bars at a time,

Chart the whole song

Then focus on V and CH and BRIDGE/BREAK patterns

Then patch it together.

Then play the songs a lot, over and over, with my bass trainer.

Al