Musician's Use of Songbooks in the Studio: Navigating from Chart to Chartless
As a seasoned musician who has logged numerous sessions in the grand studios of Memphis and Nashville, I can confidently say that not all musicians rely on charted music during studio recordings. Many, like us, play our songs live in a single take, showcasing the skill and mastery that comes from years of practice. However, the use of songbooks, whether in the form of charts or arrangement sheets, is quite common among both experienced and less experienced musicians, especially in genres like rock where live memory can be fleeting.
How Musicians Approach Songbook Use in the Studio
For those who haven't cut their teeth in large studios, it might be surprising to learn that many musicians do indeed use songbooks. But this isn't just about reading notes or chord progressions. Songbooks can serve as a vital tool for both planning and spontaneous experimentation during the recording process.
1. Chart Usage:
Chord Charts: These are particularly useful for composers who want to ensure that the exact chord progression and timing are maintained. A well-placed chord chart can help in achieving a cohesive and professional-sounding track, without the need for multiple takes. Arrangement Sheets: These are especially helpful for longer pieces that require a detailed sequence of sections, solos, and transitions. These sheets help in visualizing the arrangement and ensure that no part of the song is left out or misunderstood.The Role of Memorization in the Studio
It's important to note that while some musicians use songbooks, many rely on their memory too. The ability to play a piece by heart without the aid of written music is a hallmark of professional musicianship. In my case, I have played my songs for studio musicians just once and they executed them flawlessly, indicating the strength of in-tune musicians who have honed their skills through repetition and collaboration.
Nashville Number System: A Key Tool for Musicians
Moving to more technical territory, the Nashville Number System (also known as "NNS") is a particularly powerful tool for musicians, especially in genres like country, rock, and pop. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
1. Identifying Notes:
When in the key of C, C is the 1st, A is the 5th, and G is the 3rd. In the key of Am, A is the 1st, F is the 5th, and D is the 3rd.This system is advantageous because it provides a more flexible and universal way to notate music, which can be particularly useful when working with different key signatures or when collaboration across different genres is required.
Real-World Examples: Chart and Songbook Use in Performance
While in-studio recordings might lean more towards memory and collaboration, songbooks and charts are still commonly used in live performances, especially for bands that frequently play the same setlist. For instance, I've witnessed long-time rock acts using teleprompters on stage to show lyrics, which in a way, serves the same function as a songbook or chart during a live performance.
Another fascinating anecdote comes from a Crosby, Stills, and Nash concert where one of the members admitted that they were going to play as many songs as they could remember. This highlights the importance of songbooks and charts in aiding memory and ensuring that a setlist is covered accurately, even when live memory might be slipping with age.
Conclusion: Balancing Memory and Songbook Use
Whether you're a seasoned musician with an encyclopedic knowledge of your songs or a novice who still struggles to keep track, the use of songbooks and charts can be a valuable tool. In the studio and on stage, these resources help ensure that every note sounds right and every performance is polished. It's all about finding the right balance between memory and the support provided by these tools.