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I prefer to read if it’s a well arranged chart. If it is a hack chart, I rely on my ear, cause the chance of written mistakes or omissions are higher.
Ideally, I like the best of both worlds. I’ll read the chart, but I’m also listening intently to blend with everything going on around me.
Ideally, I like the best of both worlds. I’ll read the chart, but I’m also listening intently to blend with everything going on around me.
There is a HUGE difference between playing notes and making music.
When I played trombone in bands, symphonies, and orchestras, it was expected that the score was followed as precisely as possible. Jazz... not so much, but I found this difficult.
When I play by ear, as I do with my bass, I feel like I am making music. For me, so much of playing bass is feel anyway, so not being tied to a score provides creative/artistic freedom.
When I played trombone in bands, symphonies, and orchestras, it was expected that the score was followed as precisely as possible. Jazz... not so much, but I found this difficult.
When I play by ear, as I do with my bass, I feel like I am making music. For me, so much of playing bass is feel anyway, so not being tied to a score provides creative/artistic freedom.
Interesting. That’s something I do fairly often at a weekly open mic.
I call it the shooting gallery.
It would be great if the music that I listen to was all on accessible sheet music.
But it isn't!
So I have to use my ear for everything.
But it isn't!
So I have to use my ear for everything.
When I get stuff that isn't available I do the transcription myself. Whatever version will be performed is where I start. When I get to the gig or rehearsal, I know how the part was done, have it accurately notated, and just play it to fit in with others without being an ass about everyone sticking to the recording.
How many can transcribe an Allan Holdsworth,Return To Forever,or Steve Morse tune?
And then KNOW that it's accurate?
Yeah, I agree with this. I do this out of necessity. When I get handed a 30 song setlist that I don’t know, with a week till the first rehearsal, it’s a must. It takes me an hour to learn and memorize a song by ear—I can transcribe it in 15 minutes, then read it later.
If you can't do either, you've got a problem. As long as you can do either one, do whichever you prefer.
On a gig I always play from memory. I learnt the songs whichever way was easiest….ear, YouTube, tab, notation…whatever gets in in my brain. Never had a sheet on the gig.
When I am playing for fun, I’ll find the notation for a tune I like and play along. So a mixture of reading and listening. The actual reading of notation is part of the fun, it is visually more stimulating than TAB.
At a jam I’ll play by ear if I have to … this usually means pre-empting chord changes and listening carefully for strange movements. I can do it, but I hate it. I’d much rather have a chord chart and I’ll create the bass.
I would love to be able to sight-read more complex lines (see & play, no learning. The same way I read words on this page). Anything more than a simple 8th note rhythm and I’ll need to hear it first to get it right.
When I am playing for fun, I’ll find the notation for a tune I like and play along. So a mixture of reading and listening. The actual reading of notation is part of the fun, it is visually more stimulating than TAB.
At a jam I’ll play by ear if I have to … this usually means pre-empting chord changes and listening carefully for strange movements. I can do it, but I hate it. I’d much rather have a chord chart and I’ll create the bass.
I would love to be able to sight-read more complex lines (see & play, no learning. The same way I read words on this page). Anything more than a simple 8th note rhythm and I’ll need to hear it first to get it right.
I think it depends on how anal the arranger/writer is. Personally, I prefer rhythm charts that have the road map of the song, with lyrics. These have slash marks for the beats of the measures, and if there specific notes or passages that need to be played, they can be written out. However, if the gig is “Thou shalt play no note that is not written on the paper” so be it.
Having charts on a IPad is the best way to go.
I keep my reading chops up by reading random materials. My favorite is the Arban's trombone book. I turn to any page an go at it.
That being said, I have rarely "needed" to read in years. I was blessed with a pretty good ear. Most songs I have to play these days I start the song on my computer and I am jamming along by the end of it. I scratch a rough chart and maybe a margin note or two and I'm good to go.
There are exceptions, but they are rare.
That being said, I'm not exactly doing Rush or Yes tribute band gigs either.
That being said, I have rarely "needed" to read in years. I was blessed with a pretty good ear. Most songs I have to play these days I start the song on my computer and I am jamming along by the end of it. I scratch a rough chart and maybe a margin note or two and I'm good to go.
There are exceptions, but they are rare.
That being said, I'm not exactly doing Rush or Yes tribute band gigs either.
While I can do both equally well, I prefer to read when learning new music. But, I just enjoy reading music in general. I love studying music and scores. For example, the wife and I went to the symphony last night. We had box seats right against the stage and right behind the principal bass. I took my opera glasses and followed along with his music over his shoulder. When he was resting, I was able to see either the 2nd violin part or the cello part.
