Music Transcription in 7 Easy Steps
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Knowing how to begin can be tough
Our incredible teacher, Gabe will guide you painlessly through the transcription process, making it an accessible skill for everyone!
Step 1 - Start Small
This process begins with the most basic of tasks: listening. Start to internalize the song. Listen to it and take notes on the form, harmony, and major section changes (Intro, A Section, Solos, etc).
Once you have a basic understanding of the song, begin to map out the main sections. This map will be used and expanded upon as your transcription comes together. Staff paper is the preferable medium for your map, and can be downloaded online for free!
Step 2 - Passively Listening
Now you’re ready to start listening a little deeper. Each time you listen, be sure to take mental notes of anything tricky that stands out.
Now you are aware of trouble spots that might require some additional investigation. Play along with your recording, and stop to redo each section as many times as needed.
Step 3 - Active Listening
Use a program to slow your track down. This way, you’re able to hear tricky sections more clearly, and take the time needed to figure them out. This process should be repeated as many times as needed, so take your time. It’s also important not to begin physically writing by this point. Remember, we’re still in a listening phase!
Step 4 - Memorization via Road Map
Use your road map and repetition of listening to help you fully memorize the song. Repeat this step daily, and try to alternate between newly learned material and previously memorized material. This step will probably require using the slowed down track.
Step 5 - Performance Speed + Refine
It’s time to push the recording speed 5-10% faster. It may be easier to hear some things at full tempo now that you’re well acclimated with the entire track. As you play along now, try to pick up any stylistic choices in the playing that you may have missed before, like phrasing and fingering.
Step 6 - Final Memorization + Notation
Congrats! You’ve almost completed your entire transcription. During this step, you’ll memorize any last bits that were missed previously, and return to your manuscript paper to write “note-for-note” what the vocalists or instrumentalist you are studying has sung or played.
Feel free to upload your work into music notation software, such as Finale, Sibelius, Musescore, or Noteflight. This is the fun part. You now have a completed chart and are ready to get your band together to play it!
Step 7 - Analyze Your Work
Time for reflection. This is a wonderful time to ask yourself questions like: What role does my instrument play in the song? How are thematic ideas developed in the solo sections? What kinds of things are played over common chord progressions such as ii-V-I’s? How does the song make you feel overall? Internalize the answers and apply them to your playing in the future!
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