Transcribing

[musicjohnny]

I'm having trouble transcribing some of the faster parts in any songs, is there any software (preferably free ones) out there that can assist me? Or do I just have to man up and figure it out?

[FatJeff]

Seventh String Software - the home of Transcribe!

Pretty much universally accepted as a great tool for transcription

[musicjohnny]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the trial.

Another question, I have a tough time deciphering chords. Single lines come after enough repetition, but it's just not the case for me with chords. Which then makes analyzing pointless because I don't know what he/she is doing over said chord.

Any advice?

[FatJeff]

Originally Posted by musicjohnny

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the trial.

Another question, I have a tough time deciphering chords. Single lines come after enough repetition, but it's just not the case for me with chords. Which then makes analyzing pointless because I don't know what he/she is doing over said chord.

Any advice?

You need to be familiar with the typical harmonic devices employed in jazz. They are usually more complex than what you find in classical music. You also need a solid grounding in music theory. However, as a rough first cut, if you can sing the root movement of the song (not necessarily what the bass is doing), you're already 50% of the way there.

How's your theory? Do you know how the major scale is harmonized? Can you do roman numeral analysis?

[musicjohnny]

Yeah, my theory is solid.
I'm way past the whole Major scale thing and roman numeral functions. I'm currently studying different types of modulations, not necessarily using pivot chords.

But anyways, for one reason or the other I was never any good with telling exactly what chord it is I am hearing, but I'll give this sing the root thing a shot. Thanks.

[FatJeff]

It just takes practice and getting used to the progressions. It can take some time to tell what's going on when the pianist is doing all sorts of weird extensions and alterations to the chords.

What song is it you're having trouble with? Or is it just the chords in different songs in general?

[mr. beaumont]

figure out root and function. You might have to listen for the bass as a guide. If you know major scale harmony, that should do it--there's only so many options...listen for a "weird note" or a "predomonant note" on strange chords--likely, it's a "run of the mill chord" with an unexpected extension.