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Ways of transcribing

M

Mazer

Guest
Apr 4, 2011
39
2
#1
Hey,
I'd like to ask about different transcribing methods. The first is http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f216/transcribing-614238/, but it requires memorizing the whole bassline just from the recording without having the bass at hand.
Then there's one, where you hear a small part, and try and transcribe it. If you know some others methods, please share.
And my question is, what's the most beneficial way to transcribe, how can I get the most out of a song, specifically the bassline or whatever you're trying to transcribe.
Thanks!
 
#2
First a Chord chart and song structure,
then basic bass patterns for each section,
then transitions (eg. end of verse into chorus),
then fills/slides/passing notes etc,
and lastly dynamics.

The more I do this the more it overlaps, but it's been my system for over 20 years.
 
#6
Mazer said:
Is it of any use or benefit when I memorize the whole bassline, using the first method given in my first post?
Click to expand...
I think you are asking what other methods are open to you.

Transcribing - playing by rote what has been written. The following talks about another method.

We learn how to transcribe one step at a time. Trying to memorize the whole bass line, what is meant by "whole"? The whole song or the bass line under a specific chord?

I want the chords first. Yes to the entire song, then I decide what notes of those chords I'll use. I rely upon the song's chord progression and then compose a bass line from that, i.e. I don't transpose I compose my own bass line based upon the chords used in the song. You can normally find the chords used from fake chord or lead sheet music and then failing to find any printed sheet music you can assume a chord progression. I-IV-V7-I has written a zillion songs.

Transposing you are hunting for the exact notes used by the original artist. I'm content on getting close, I really do not try and get the exact notes. Yes, I do want to have the correct chord progression to work from and then assume that the root, five, and eight notes will give me a safe bass line. If I need more I assume the correct 3 and or 7 could be used to fill out the chord tones. So instead of having exact sheet music I rely on some theory and get close. Why? Well give me the song title, the key and I can wing a pretty good bass line because I can assume what chord progression is going to be used with that kind of music. I'm not limited to playing by rote what someone else wrote. Understand this comes after years of playing, also understand I am terrible at transcribing individual notes of a song. But, using other methods I've been able to hold my own in several bands.

Like I said take this with a grain of salt. My music, Country, is dirt simple root five with chromatic runs to the next chord, so once I know the chord, the notes used are pretty predictable. Now if you are using some other style of music this may not work for you.

Then as has been said one of the "slow down" software programs will help, and I would recommend working on just notes to each chord, not trying to memorize longer bass lines than that.

Good luck.
 
#7
I guess it depends on what effect you are looking for. If it's just to be able to pick up your instrument and play some mind blowing passages without really understanding them, then you can cut out some steps.
When I transcribe I also aim to learn some things in the process. I start with the drums. I first transcribe all the drum beats. Since I'm not a drummer, I don't get too caught up in any crazy fills, but just the basic grooves, maybe some short fills if they lock in with the bass or something. This is a study in rhythm. As a producer and arranger this helps me learn not only about the rhythmic structure of this piece, but perhaps a genre that is new to me. This will also help me with nailing down any complex rhythms in the bassline, by having a timing reference with lots of subdivisions.

Next I analyze the chord structure. I may use a keyboard, or perhaps a guitar. I'm not only analyzing the chord tones played by the keys/guitars, but also the bass contribution to the chords.

From here I can either jump right into the bassline, or transcribe guitar/keys completely first. Depends on time, and what my immediate goal is. Usually I like to do the bass last, because I can really see how that particular bassline is supporting everything else, rhythmically and harmonically.

My hope is that as a result, my own playing, writing, arranging, and producing will improve. That's the short version, lol.
 
#8
During college we had a class with transcribing. The teacher payed a 30 second melody.

So you had to listen to the whole thing first, then breaking it in two or more ( depending your level ).

We also had chord recognizing... the teacher played a chord and you had to write in down. We also had a figured bass exercises where the teacher played a succession of chord with some kind of melodic movement to it. You had to figured the note of the bass during the first play through and then figured out what was the chords played on top of the bass.
 
#9
Groove Doctor said:
First a Chord chart and song structure,
then basic bass patterns for each section,
then transitions (eg. end of verse into chorus),
then fills/slides/passing notes etc,
and lastly dynamics.

The more I do this the more it overlaps, but it's been my system for over 20 years.
Click to expand...
That sounds like an interesting way of tackling a transcription task.

I tend to just start at bar 1 and keep going from there, working out structure and changes as I go. I might try your approach next time I do a bass transcription as opposed to a whole band arrangement (where I follow a similar sort of process to what you describe).
 
#10
bassybill said:
That sounds like an interesting way of tackling a transcription task.

I tend to just start at bar 1 and keep going from there, working out structure and changes as I go. I might try your approach next time I do a bass transcription as opposed to a whole band arrangement (where I follow a similar sort of process to what you describe).
Click to expand...
I'm filling in once off for a gig this weekend, and 19 of the 23 songs I haven't played before. More like cramming for an exam - the Quick approach def works best here!!

OP: I think the original link was more about transcribing SOLOS, not regular basslines thru whole song.

The memory method really helps develop your 'voice' on an instrument. I can still sing every solo for 'Sweet Home Chicago' and learned those 22 years ago.

I also remember a long road trip by myself with broken car radio.... I sang every note of my basslines from the concert the night before, but I was band leader and had put 2 months of serious effort leading up to it. 10 years later I still remember most of it!!
 

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