Transcribing for beginners (requires basic recording setup)

[heavyblues]

I came up with an idea for those who are just starting to transcribe. I myself am a beginner when it comes to transcribing music and I have difficulty with it, but I found something that I think might help the rest of us.

take your tape recorder or recording software and record yourself improvising(for free recording software, you can try Audacity). Then simply go to your favorite parts that you spontaneously created and transcribe them.

I think this works well for the following reasons:

1) Since YOU played it, it should be that much easier to transcribe it, rather than transcribing music from someone whose style is unknown to you or is difficult to transcribe.

2) It allows you to build your repertoire! I come up with some sweet licks on the spot sometimes that I can never remember unless I actually have them recorded and can refer to them later.

3) you can play at different speeds so you can transcribe at the level you are comfortable with.


I took a music class on dictation and sight singing and had so much trouble, so those of you who have difficulty with this are not alone!

i hope this helps!

[derek]

Good advice. I have heard many educators talk about keeping a licktionary of lines you come up with. A great way to get started transcribing.

[FatJeff]

This is a good idea. My only beef is that after I've recorded 5 hours of practice, I now have 5 hours of mostly shit to sift through.

[derek]

Originally Posted by FatJeff

This is a good idea. My only beef is that after I've recorded 5 hours of practice, I now have 5 hours of mostly shit to sift through.

LOL!

[Goofsus4]

That's a clever idea.