Setting Up Chord Charts

Chord charts can be used for all participants in smaller sessions, in place of a leadsheet. A chord chart is a simple rendering of the music, with chords and minimum of information. Most are on one page, sometimes two. They are common for rhythm section recordings.

They are best printed on heavy paper in dark ink. If hand written, write neatly and large enough so that all instructions can be read quickly; remember, this will be read in real time as the music is being played. Unless the piece is very long, rehearsal letters are not used on a chord chart.

• Write out measure numbers.

• Make sure chord symbols are correct and legible.

• Each measure should have slash marks, one for each beat, wherever musicians are expected to play. 1- and 2-bar repeat signs are common.

• If a specific rhythm is required, large rhythmic notation indicates that all players hit the same rhythms simultaneously. This can include silences, which are marked with rests.

• Mark repeats, if any.

Chord Charts with Lyrics

In some cases only the lyrics and chords are used to follow the music. These can be set up as chord charts, with slashes and other directions. The beats should be indicated with slashes and measures should be identified; repeats, if any should be clearly marked (fig. A.133). Occasionally the staves are not used and only the barlines show (fig. A.134).

Practice

Go to the companion website to see Figure A.136. This is a 24-page score to use for practice. Look over the score then follow along with Track 95.

To help keep your place in the music, it may help to mark or highlight certain events in the score.

1. Places where instruments are entering for a particular section.

2. Measure numbers

3. Locations of tempo change, as, of course, it will affect counting.

Count along and practice following in the music while listening. It may take several times through before you feel confident that you are in the right place in the music at the same time as the instruments.

Next try following the line for only one instrument. Focus on listening to just that particular instrument’s part while counting.