How can I learn how to use a jazz fakebook? Maybe you can recommend a video or book on how to do it for piano?

Answer 1

OK let's first understand what a "fake book" is. It's a melody line, maybe lyrics, and a set of chord changes. Very, very bare bones. That's because it's up to you to fill in the missing parts - it's called improvising.

So you should first make sure you have decent chops - and ear for that matter. So practice your scales and exercises. There's nothing that beats a whole lot of woodshedding.

You should also work on listening - picking out nuances, fills, alterations, voicings etc. This is something that takes a lot of listening - listen listen listen to a lot - no a WHOLE LOT of listening - both live and in recording.

OK so here's where the real YOU comes in. Jazz is a conversation. It's your expression of thought. Emphasize thought. Make sure you have something to say - not just a bunch of noodling. Oh sure. We all go through that "noodling" phase - but really and truly, make sure you have something of substance behind you. Listen to a lot of Ellington. Wow! what a master! You'll notice that he may have spots where he's flashy and brililant - and yet in the next measure he's cool and mellow. Wow! What timing. What grace! Never a note out of place.

This will take time but you'll do it. Once you get the idea that you don't have to beat the piano to death to make your point - you'll be just fine.

Answer 2

I am a professional jazz player. The best advice I can give anyone wanting to learn jazz is to get a copy of the software known as "Band in a BOX" . Its readily available to order on the internet and there are millions of websites of people submitting tunes they have created. it will playback for you in nearly any style, chords only all the way to very complete and complicated arrangements. They are invaluable because as any computer user knows, the computer never gets tired of playing and working for you.

Answer 3

I am assuming that you play either guitar or piano, because it would be self explanitory if you played a wind :-) I think that the easiest way to do it would be buy a chord chart for your instrument (They used to have them at Wal-mart). Learn the Chords, and play them during the appropriate times. It took me awhile to learn that too! :-)

Answer 4

you just play the chords written under the melody lyric lines.