Charting / learning songs

[Fuzzbass]

For 7 years or so I've been using Setlist Helper for Android. It functions as a simple text editor for each song chart. The real advantage is that I can save a set list for each of the bands I gig with: ten in the past year alone (I'm a well networked old phart).

For each chart I use my own dumbed down version of the Nashville number system. An extremely simple example is below - a tune I learned for a one-and-done sub gig, so I saved the chart for future reference. Complex songs can get a bit messy, but nearly all of the 700-plus songs I have in my catalog can fit on one screen.

On the rare occasion I have to hack my way thru jazz I use iReal Pro for formal chord charts, but my brain is more wired for numbers - easier for me to transpose, important because some bands change the key of some tunes.

 

[Ben Standefer]

I like the 1Chart app on iPad. The app is a straightforward way to do Nashville Number system on an iPad. You can do chord letters (G, C, D, etc.) but I do the numbers because it's easier in my brain. If you have odd chords you just have to put "b7dom" (flat 7 dominant), "#5", etc.

 

[Cerio]

I have to learn / transcribe songs very often, and I've tried every program in the market to make the process quicker. I'm a big fan of Song Master Pro, a tool that semiatomatize the most tedious tasks of the process (it recognizes bars, chords and sections with great -and I mean GREAT- accuracy, and it supports automatic download it the lyrics, which is really helpful) and also offers steam separation, between many other things.

I usually get a really nice chord chart like this in less than 10 minutes:


I usually save two versions, one with standard chord symbols in the original key, and another one in Nashville notation, if there are more many key modulations.

It's an invaluable time saver for any gigging musician. I can't recommend it enough.

 

[pbass2]

For 7 years or so I've been using Setlist Helper for Android. It functions as a simple text editor for each song chart. The real advantage is that I can save a set list for each of the bands I gig with: ten in the past year alone (I'm a well networked old phart).

For each chart I use my own dumbed down version of the Nashville number system. An extremely simple example is below - a tune I learned for a one-and-done sub gig, so I saved the chart for future reference. Complex songs can get a bit messy, but nearly all of the 700-plus songs I have in my catalog can fit on one screen.

On the rare occasion I have to hack my way thru jazz I use iReal Pro for formal chord charts, but my brain is more wired for numbers - easier for me to transpose, important because some bands change the key of some tunes.

View attachment 7277670

That's about the degree of complexity of my numbers charts. On rare occasions I'll put in a reminder about some rhythmic element, but that's about it.

 

[pbass2]

I like the 1Chart app on iPad. The app is a straightforward way to do Nashville Number system on an iPad. You can do chord letters (G, C, D, etc.) but I do the numbers because it's easier in my brain. If you have odd chords you just have to put "b7dom" (flat 7 dominant), "#5", etc.

1Chart looks pretty good. Can you export/print out your charts as PDFs if needed? EDIT: just checked, yes you can export PDFs. Gonna try this app....

 

[Ben Standefer]

1Chart looks pretty good. Can you export/print out your charts as PDFs if needed? EDIT: just checked, yes you can export PDFs. Gonna try this app....

I never tried printing the charts. I used 1Chart + iPad + stand for charts for about 30 gigs and the app never let me down. They have a button that lets you put it in "always on" mode so the screen doesn't lock. The only time I had a chart fail was when we had an outdoor gig and the iPad itself overheated. This was 1 out of 30 gigs. If you're playing outside in 90F heat bring a jug of water to douse on the back of the iPad Or use paper like a normal person, haha.

 

[pbass2]

I never tried printing the charts. I used 1Chart + iPad + stand for charts for about 30 gigs and the app never let me down. They have a button that lets you put it in "always on" mode so the screen doesn't lock. The only time I had a chart fail was when we had an outdoor gig and the iPad itself overheated. This was 1 out of 30 gigs. If you're playing outside in 90F heat bring a jug of water to douse on the back of the iPad Or use paper like a normal person, haha.

I hear ya. The only time I've had an iPad chart failure was using OnSong. Just one of many glitches with that app. Hence my moving on!

 

[oren]

If I’m just learning a tune for a one-off gig or recording, I’ll just chart the chords and maybe some lyric cues on a sheet of music paper with standard notation if I want to play something specific at some parts.

If I’m transcribing a part for learning or study I usually write it out in standard notation on paper, and if I’m serious about it I’ll then transcribe it into software (currently a fan of Dorico after many years of Finale) so I can hear it played back, share it, transpose it, etc.

 

[lark_z]

One of mine....