Transcribing

Mike Lawson • Archives • March 1, 2001

Transcribing can be very tedious, but it can also be one of the most creative and authentic activities you can do: Learning improvisation from the legends of jazz. By transcribing and analyzing solos, you can boost your understanding and proficiency of scales, chords, rhythm patterns, theory, and ear-training. In pre-computer years, transcribing activities were done slowly and laboriously with a record player or tape recorder playing back at half speed, which also dropped the pitch an octave lower.

The Latest News and Gear in Your Inbox - Sign Up Today!