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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Trancribing

Posted by: Marco Fattori Jan 17 2010, 08:20 PM

Okay, question here.

I'm not sure whats considered a trained ear but I have transcribed A LOT and think I have perfect pitch, and have been diagnosed with photographic memory so I guess it helps. I have a lot of experience basically with transcribing and finding the notes, just where to put em is the hard part.

My main problem is when I do find the note, I never know how to connect it and where to fret it, some phrasing gives it away as to wheres logical but the positioning and where to go next seems to be the problem.

Some notes on lower strings are obvious to which is correct but the the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings can have the same notes and it can get tricky if you wanted it to sound perfect, if it was supposed to be played up the neck or down the neck on different strings.

So......My main question is, when transcribing where would you know to fret each note to get it close to perfect or how the original artist played so?

Thanks in advance!!

Posted by: Staffy Jan 17 2010, 08:48 PM

Well, that come only with experience I think... I can hear which string that is played most of the time since even that the notes are the same, they sound different on different strings.... but if its a heavy distorted sound it can be tough... also the phrase itself says something, in most cases it is played where it's most convenient to play it.

//Staffay

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jan 17 2010, 11:41 PM

It depends on the situation, and after a while you cover most situations so you know what to do. If the goal is to maintain the sound properly, you might choose a horizontal movement on two strings over vertical one if you see ascending sequence. You may see high notes coming up, so it may be good to do a horizontal movement. If there are some low notes coming up after ascending part, you can perhaps play vertical approach and carry on from the same position on the lower strings. Just depends, there are various options, but as I said, when you have them mostly covered, it's all about how fast you can execute.

Posted by: Vasilije Vukmirovic Jan 18 2010, 12:02 PM

Well, that depends on how difficult the melody is, are there any pull-off, slides, bends, and other effects that might require position shift. Then sound; it isn't same whether you'll play it on first five-six frets, or at the end of the neck.