Transcription Techniques for Guitar and Bass – Part One

Transcription Techniques for Guitar and Bass – Part One

To transcribe literally means to write down. In music we use the term more loosely to describe the working out or “lifting” parts off recordings.

IMPORTANT ADVICE: If you are having trouble working out individual notes, make sure you stop the recording exactly on the note you are attempting to find. Immediately hum that note. Then look for it on your instrument.

If you are new to transcribing, or lacking in experience, play each neighbouring fret until you find the note you are after (and preferably still humming). That way you are making sure you do not miss the note. (This simple step works wonders for beginners.) Most novices will jump all around the instrument, and usually end up never hitting the right note, often landing just next to it.

It does not matter a lot if you go up or down the fingerboard, because you will eventually find the note when playing every fret. Once you have found the correct note you can easily transfer it to the correct octave.

Be patient. Finding individual notes is usually easier and ultimately quicker than trying to work out entire passages - unless you are advanced.

This is also important for beginners: Ensure you remember the correct fret. Use the position markers on the fingerboard as a visual aid.

At first, don’t get caught up in intricacies such as ghost notes, hammer-ons, and other articulations. Go for target notes. You can fine-tune your transcription once you have the skeleton of the line.

It is advisable, even for advanced players, to re-visit the rudiments of transcription, such as listed in this lesson.

To hear well makes us play well.

George Urbaszek
Bass Player and Music Educator
Serving Bass Players Worldwide since 1996
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