How to Play from a Fake Book

by Michael Esterowitz

For musicians of all levels, this book teaches how to use bass lines, countermelodies, introductions and endings, rhythmic patterns, embellish a melody and how to accompany. All the techniques needed to "fake" a great-sounding accompaniment from just melody, lyrics and chord symbols.

999 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on playing from a fake book - great introduction to typical chord symbols, and a good discussion on spicing up the chords and melody.
My only complaint is that the author calls out how the half-diminished chord gets a bad reputation for being cryptic and difficult, and then doesn't do a good job explaining it, (and it's the only chord he doesn't show the C-based key pattern for in a picture) thus maintaining the confusion!

[Richard Pohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely will use this one with my students!