This is a brief summation of the ten, main chart-writing and chart-reading principles from my upcoming notation book.
The book explains the symbols and abbreviations used to navigate your way through written music (charts). Whether reading simple chord charts, sheet music or elaborate notation (all the notes), these symbols function the same way with few differences in appearance or application. Musical symbols and abbreviations have evolved over many years and musicians are accustom to seeing things written in specific ways. (You can see what all the specific types of charts are at my post, “The Seven Different Types of Written Music.”)
When writing:
- When in doubt write it out.
- Strive for clarity and simplicity. Use symbols and directions minimally, but realize that much of the time, having many symbols is unavoidable.
- Make the chart easy to read and make repeats and sectional instructions HIGHLY VISIBLE.
- Strive for uniformity. Keep similar things written out the same way throughout the chart as much as possible.
- When using more than one page, write the name and page number on each one.
- Sloppy and unclear charts can make the music sound bad because the musicians are “reading” instead of “playing.”
- Look the chart over before you play it. Get a feel for it and notice the navigation.
- If something isn’t clear — clarify it.
- Learn the layout of the chart before playing it. At least give it a once-over to see where everything lies.
- Realize that reading basic charts is one of the easier aspects of music and the better you play, the better you can read.
When playing:
These guidelines are VERY useful and work like a charm. Use them when you next read or write some music and you’ll see what I mean. (And of course I can teach you all the information in a relatively short period of time. Reading and writing charts is easier then many people think. It’s just a language to learn. Once you learn the basic vocabulary it doesn’t take long to apply it!)
Marty B.
(818) 242-7551
