Transposing music from a Hymnal

[Thesteelspine]

Hey guys,

I just recently started playing bass for my church, and all the sing are hymals; which there is nothing wrong with that. Here is my problem though, I can't really read out of the hymnals, I'm not use to reading sheet music. This is what I'm use to, and remember this is an example:

C D A
Will your grace run out?

C D E
If I let you down.

Ect.

So basically reading chords, and I can read the basic notes on a staff the thing that gets me is the notes that have half a triangle and the notes are a triangle, and which note I should play out of the two in that one spot.

Someone please help me!!!!!!

 

[elgecko]

...the thing that gets me is the notes that have half a triangle and the notes are a triangle...

Not sure what that is. Can you post an example?

 

[DavidWann]

Are there any other note shapes being used such as a square, round and a diamond?

 

[fndrhead]

Having grown up in church and learning from a few hymnals, I always played the bottom note. I know it's difficult but spend some time with the hymnal and learn some the ones your church sings the most. Is it possible to practice with the piano player? I'm not sure about the triangles, never seen that. Also there are a few tab sites that have the more popular ones with chords.

Having learned from a hymnal I learned chord structures and harmony it also helped me with ear training and learning some piano. It's unconventional but a hymnal can teach you a lot about music. What hymnal does your church use? Hymns are still some of my favorite church songs.

 

[TL5]

..I can read the basic notes on a staff the thing that gets me is the notes that have half a triangle and the notes are a triangle, and which note I should play out of the two in that one spot.

Someone please help me!!!!!!

Shape Notes wiki
Shape notes are primarily for the singers.

When I play out of the hymnal, I usually play the bottom line of the bass clef. I can't think of an exception, but I wouldn't rule out one entirely.

 

[heynorm]

When I recently played in a worship team for three years I recorded the weekly rehearsals on my Zoom H4n, took home what sheet music they provided and looked online for the hymns with chords. Then, woodshedded at home, since I can't read music, playing along with the recordings to get it down. Some of the church tunes can be challenging, but it was always a music broadening experience. And, they were good people, especially the Julliard-trained pianist, who always blew me away how he could play, but was still a great encourager to me.

 

[stanley00]

Take the bottom note on the bass clef and write the note name above the treble clef / melody line. This creates a faux type chord sheet so you can read the lyrics at the same time. It will also help you to learn how to identify the notes on the staff.

Just take time to familiarize yourself with each hymn for the week and write out your part and study it. It will get easier over time and eventually you will develop some sight reading skills. Its a great way to learn music theory.